Santa Barbara stands out as a prime destination for travelers seeking diverse ways to experience its seaside charm. Its walkable downtown, scenic coastline, and historic architecture make it ideal for guided tours, especially for those who want to see more than just the usual sights. Whether you’re into cycling along sandy beaches, enjoying breathtaking helicopter views, or exploring hidden city corners, Santa Barbara offers a variety of memorable ways to enjoy its scenery and culture. We especially love the City & Sand Electric Bike Tour for its unique oceanfront riding experience and the Private Mountain and City Helicopter Flight for panoramic vistas that make a lasting impression.
If you’re wondering how to pick the right tour, consider your interests—are you after a relaxing scenic ride, a high-adrenaline adventure, or an in-depth cultural tour? Our list includes options for all budgets, timeframes, and activity levels, with detailed insights to help you choose.
Quick Overview
Our top picks include electric bike tours that showcase Santa Barbara’s beaches and city sights, such as the City & Sand Electric Bike Tour and Santa Barbara: Electric Bike City Tour. For those craving aerial views, the Private Mountain and City Helicopter Flight offers a quick but stunning flight over mountains and lakes. And if you prefer exploring on two wheels with an emphasis on history and hidden spots, the Santa Barbara: City Highlights Bike Tour is a flexible, engaging option. Lastly, for a full day of adventure, including surfing and hot springs, check out the Surf, Yoga, Hike, Hot Springs, and City Tour.
1. City & Sand Electric Bike Tour
Starting with the City & Sand Electric Bike Tour, this is the only Santa Barbara tour that combines oceanfront riding on sand with exploring the city’s iconic streets. At around $105 per person, it lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, making it a manageable yet immersive experience. The tour is praised for its pedal-assist e-bikes, helping you cruise through the sandy East Beach, Butterfly Beach, and West Beach with ease. You’ll also explore the Cabrillo Bike Path and the promenade along State Street, where Santa Barbara’s shops, cafes, and landmarks come alive.
What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to ride directly on the beaches, experiencing Santa Barbara from a fresh perspective—coasting on soft sand while enjoying ocean views. The guide will lead you through shaded beachfront paths and show off the Spanish-inspired architecture lining State Street. Reviewers love the flexibility and personal touch, with one saying, “Colin was AMAZING! He made the ride totally customizable to our group, and he was so funny and knowledgeable.” The combination of beach riding and city sights provides excellent value for the price, especially for active travelers who want a memorable, scenic adventure.
Bottom line: Perfect for active, beach-loving travelers who want to see Santa Barbara from a truly unique vantage point.
2. Santa Barbara: Electric Bike City Tour
For those seeking a relaxed yet rundown, the Santa Barbara: Electric Bike City Tour offers about 2.5 hours of exploring the city’s highlights at an easy pace. Priced at $105, it combines scenic rides with insights from a local guide who reveals hidden spots and notable landmarks. You’ll cover both the coast and downtown areas, riding high-end electric bikes that can reach speeds of 20mph with minimal effort.
This tour is highly customizable—whether you want to focus more on the Funk Zone’s art and wine or spend extra time at the waterfront, your guide can tailor the experience. It’s ideal for travelers who want a flexible, informative experience that doesn’t require intense physical effort. The small group setting encourages personal interaction, and reviews mention how the guide’s local knowledge makes the trip special. It’s a great choice for visitors who want to combine sightseeing with a bit of local storytelling.
Bottom line: Best suited for casual explorers interested in a personalized, insider’s view of Santa Barbara’s charming neighborhoods.
3. Santa Barbara: City & Sand Electric Bike Tour
At number three, the Santa Barbara: City & Sand Electric Bike Tour offers a thorough exploration of both beachfront and city landmarks in about 2.5 hours, for $125. This tour emphasizes the scenic biking trails, historic points of interest, and ocean-side experiences via electric bike. Tour guides expertly navigate the bike paths, roads, and sandy beaches, giving riders a chance to glide smoothly between different terrains.
Unique in its focus on scenic turns along the water and historic landmarks, this tour appeals to those wanting a balance of nature and history. Reviews highlight how riding along the coast feels exhilarating, especially with the electric bikes that handle sand and hills confidently. The guide’s local knowledge ensures you’re not missing out on hidden gems, and the experience is particularly good for active travelers who want to maximize sightseeing in a short time.
Bottom line: Ideal for active travelers who enjoy a mix of coast, city, and history on a guided electric bike adventure.
4. Private Mountain and City Helicopter Flight Santa Barbara
For a completely different perspective, the Private Mountain and City Helicopter Flight is a 25-minute experience that offers stunning aerial views of Santa Barbara’s mountains, coast, and lakes. At $300 per person, this is a premium choice that provides a quick but unforgettable overview of the region’s mountains, beaches, and lakes. The flight takes you over downtown Santa Barbara, then through the Ynez Mountains to Cachuma Lake, following the Ynez River canyon.
This tour is praised for its panoramic vistas and the ability to see Santa Barbara from above, creating a sense of scale and beauty that’s impossible from ground level. Many reviewers mention the smooth ride and the “service with a smile,” emphasizing how accessible and rewarding aerial sightseeing can be. It’s best suited for travelers who want a luxury experience or a special occasion outing.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a quick, high-impact view of Santa Barbara’s landscape, especially if you’re short on time but craving a memorable splurge.
5. Santa Barbara: City Highlights Bike Tour
If you’re after a leisurely exploration of Santa Barbara’s most iconic spots, the City Highlights Bike Tour is an excellent choice. For $85, you’ll spend about 2 hours cycling through the waterfront and downtown areas, soaking up scenic views and local stories. The tour emphasizes hidden secrets in the Funk Zone and along the waterfront, perfect for travelers who enjoy learning while riding.
This tour is flexible, allowing you to customize destinations based on your interests. It suits those who prefer a moderate-paced ride and want to cover a lot without rushing. Reviews highlight the ability to enjoy Santa Barbara’s laid-back vibe with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. It’s a solid pick for travelers seeking a balance of sightseeing, culture, and gentle exercise.
Bottom line: Well-suited for casual cyclists who want a relaxed, informative tour with flexibility.
$85 per person
6. Santa Barbara: Surf, Yoga, Hike, Hot Springs, and City Tour
For a full-day adventure that combines multiple activities, the Surf, Yoga, Hike, Hot Springs, and City Tour offers a comprehensive experience. At $130 and lasting around 6 hours, this tour is perfect for active travelers eager to explore Santa Barbara’s nature and wellness scene. You’ll learn to surf with a professional instructor, hike to a hot spring, and enjoy a scenic overlook with stunning views.
Additional highlights include a visit to the Santa Barbara Mission and Rose Gardens, along with a pass to a renowned yoga studio. It’s a physically engaging day with varied activities, making it ideal for those who want an immersive experience. Reviewers appreciate the diversity and professional instruction, noting how the blend of outdoor fun and relaxation makes it a standout.
Bottom line: Great for energetic travelers who want to combine outdoor sports, relaxation, and sightseeing in one day.
$130 per person
How to Choose
When selecting the best Santa Barbara tour for you, consider your budget, activity level, and interests. Budget travelers might prefer the city-focused bike tours, such as the Santa Barbara: City Highlights Bike Tour. If you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime view, the helicopter flight offers unmatched scenery, but at a higher cost. For active beach lovers, the City & Sand Electric Bike Tour provides a unique combination of oceanfront riding and city exploration.
Timing is also key—most tours run year-round, but mornings tend to be less crowded, and booking early guarantees availability, especially for popular activities like the helicopter tour. Finally, think about your fitness level—e-biking options make for accessible sightseeing, while the helicopter is a no-exertion thrill.
Final Thoughts
Santa Barbara offers a wide range of tours to suit every traveler’s style—from active beach rides to luxury helicopter flights. For a fun, scenic way to see the beaches and city streets, the City & Sand Electric Bike Tour is a top pick, especially if you love being on the water. For panoramic views and a touch of adventure, the Private Helicopter Flight is unbeatable. And if you want a relaxed, customizable outing, the city highlights bike tour hits the mark.
No matter your choice, booking early is advisable—these experiences fill up fast, especially in peak season. With so many options, Santa Barbara’s charm is yours to discover from every angle.