Santa Barbara isn’t just a pretty face — it’s also a city packed with delicious eats, local wines, and story-filled streets. Its walkable downtown, artsy neighborhoods like the Funk Zone, and charming Danish town of Solvang make it ideal for food lovers wanting more than just a meal; they want an experience. We especially love the Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour for its blend of historic sights, tasty bites, and wine tastings, all in a friendly, lively atmosphere. Plus, its central location and accessible meeting points make it a practical choice for most travelers. Whether you’re after a comprehensive exploration, a photo opportunity, or a taste of local culture, Santa Barbara’s food tours deliver.
Here’s a quick overview: from guided walks through historic districts to exploring the artsy Funk Zone with tips on food photography, each tour offers something distinctive. Some emphasize local wines and craft beers, others focus on regional history and artisanal foods, and a few combine both. Read on to see which experience fits your style.
1. The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour
At number one, this tour delivers a lively half-day of tasting local foods, wines, and exploring Santa Barbara’s historic streets. It lasts around 3 to 4 hours and includes sampling from 5-6 eateries, plus up to two wine tastings. The tour’s highlight is visiting the El Paseo Building, a historic spot from the 1920s, where you enjoy 3-4 wines in a local tasting room. The guide shares stories about Santa Barbara’s architecture and history, making the experience not just about food but about understanding the city’s roots.
The tour also passes by the Arlington Theatre, a landmark with a long-standing presence in Santa Barbara’s cultural scene. While you won’t go inside, the exterior and stories make it worth the brief stop. Other highlights include a grazing box shared with your group and photo opportunities near notable buildings. The tour is well-rated with a perfect 5-star review from over 500 happy customers, who praise the knowledgeable guide and balanced mix of food, wine, and history.
Bottom Line: If you want a friendly, comprehensive taste of downtown Santa Barbara with good food, drinks, and storytelling, this walk hits all the right notes. It’s especially great for first-timers wanting an authentic local experience.
2. Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food and Photo Tour
At number two, this 3-hour tour is perfect for those who love food, art, and snapping great photos. The Funk Zone, with its murals, galleries, and hip eateries, is a vibrant backdrop for a tasting tour that also includes photography tips. You’ll visit three eateries, a microbrewery, two wineries, and a distillery, sampling a variety of snacks and drinks. The guide shares insider tips on how to get the best photos of your food and scenery, whether using your smartphone or a DSLR.
This tour is limited to 8 guests, ensuring a personalized experience. Guests love how the guide makes the neighborhood’s artsy vibe come alive, and many mention how they discovered hidden murals and cool spots they wouldn’t have found on their own. The mix of culinary delights and photography advice makes it ideal for social media fans or anyone wanting to blend food with visual storytelling.
Bottom Line: For a creative spin on Santa Barbara’s food scene combined with art and photo tips, this tour offers a fun, small-group experience that’s both tasty and visually inspiring.
3. Solvang Food and Photo Tour
Number three takes you to Solvang, a Danish-themed town in the Santa Ynez Valley. This 3-4 hour tour combines tastings of Danish pastries and local drinks with tips for capturing the perfectly lit photo. You’ll stroll past windmills, bakeries, and landmarks that evoke Denmark, all while sampling traditional foods like Danish pastries, and learning about the town’s unique heritage.
The guided commentary covers Solvang’s history and its culinary scene. With just 8 people or fewer, the pace is relaxed enough to enjoy each tasting and snap plenty of pictures. Reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and the variety of food, from sushi to gelato, making it a well-rounded experience for food and culture lovers alike.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in Danish culture combined with delicious local foods and keen photo opportunities, this small-group tour offers a charming way to explore Solvang’s sights and flavors.
4. Historic Santa Barbara Food Tasting Tour
Number four focuses on Santa Barbara’s historic landmarks and vibrant local food scene. The 3.5-hour tour includes six tasting stops, from the Santa Barbara County Courthouse gardens to boutique wineries and artisan shops. You meet local chefs and artisans as you explore the area’s gourmet foods, wines, and chocolates.
The tour’s strength lies in its blend of history and food, giving you a richer understanding of Santa Barbara’s culinary culture. The guide is friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share the city’s stories while you sample gourmet cheese, wine, and chocolates. The reviews commend the tour for its depth of local insight and the high quality of the tastings.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting to combine Santa Barbara’s history with a gourmet food experience, this tour offers a friendly and insightful way to sample the city’s best.
5. Solvang Food, Wine & Culture Tour with Tastings
Number five is a lively 2.5-hour walk through Solvang’s top eateries, with a focus on authentic Danish flavors and local wines. The stops include Mortensen’s Bakery for pastries, a small-batch gelato shop, and wine tastings at the Olive House. You’ll meet chefs and owners, hear quirky stories, and learn about the town’s culture.
This tour is ideal for those who want to experience small-batch, authentic local foods while sipping wines from the Santa Ynez Valley. The guide’s passion and local knowledge shine through, and reviews emphasize the variety of stops and the quality of food. The mix of culture and culinary delights makes this suited for those wanting a relaxed, flavorful stroll.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine lovers and those wanting a taste of authentic Danish culture with a side of good food and stories.
6. Santa Barbara: Funk Zone Food & Photo Tour
This Funk Zone-focused tour, rated 4.9 from a small number of reviews, offers a 3-hour food, art, and photography experience. You’ll explore six tasting spots and learn how to improve your food photos, making it a hit for social media fans. The neighborhood’s street art and galleries provide a colorful backdrop for your snapshots.
The guide shares tips on using your smartphone to capture the best shots while you taste local bites and drinks. The tour’s intimate size ensures personal attention, and it’s best suited for those interested in both culinary samples and urban art.
Bottom Line: For a quick, artsy, and tasty adventure in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, this tour combines flavors with creative photo tips.
7. Funk Zone Wine & Food Tour
Number seven is a more upscale, longer tour at 4.5 hours, exploring artisanal wineries, craft beers, and trendy eateries. You’ll visit Margerum Winery, sample wines, and enjoy stops at family-owned sushi and taco spots, along with craft pizza.
Rated 5/5, this tour is for those wanting a comprehensive, high-end experience in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. The mixture of wine, beer, and food makes it ideal for connoisseurs or those wanting a premium taste of the local scene. The price reflects its extensive itinerary, but the quality and variety are impressive.
Bottom Line: Best suited for wine and foodies who want a more in-depth, relaxed, and luxurious sampling of Santa Barbara’s trendy neighborhoods.
$245 per person
8. Food Tasting Experience and Guided Walking Tour in Santa Barbara
This 2-hour tour is a city highlights sampler that includes French pastries, historic landmarks, and small-business tastings. Starting at Renaud’s Patisserie, it’s perfect for those with limited time but still wanting a taste of Santa Barbara’s culinary and architectural charm.
The guide shares stories about the city’s landmarks like the Arlington Theatre, making this experience both educational and tasty. The smaller scope makes it ideal for travelers who want an efficient, relaxed introduction to Santa Barbara’s local scene.
Bottom Line: For a quick, flavorful overview that combines food and city highlights, this tour offers good value and a friendly, personal touch.
9. Santa Barbara: Comedian led Food and Walking Tour
Last but not least, this 2.5-hour tour offers a funny, light-hearted look at Santa Barbara’s arts district. Led by a comedian, you taste snacks, visit landmarks like the Granada Theatre and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and enjoy great photo ops with plenty of laughs.
The focus on humor and local culture makes it a great choice for those who want an entertaining, relaxed experience. The tour’s emphasis on local eateries and scenic stops ensures a memorable mix of food, humor, and sights.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed, enjoyable time filled with good food, local culture, and plenty of laughs.
$135 per person
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Santa Barbara
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. Want a comprehensive experience with multiple tastings and historical insights? The Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour offers a well-rounded outing. For those who love art and photography, the Funk Zone Food and Photo Tour or the Funk Zone Food & Photo Tour are perfect. If you prefer small towns and Danish treats, the Solvang Food and Photo Tour delivers charming sights and flavors.
Budget-conscious travelers might opt for the shorter Food Tasting Experience and Guided Walking Tour, while those seeking a luxury experience can indulge in the Funk Zone Wine & Food Tour.
Booking early, especially for popular tours like the Historic Santa Barbara Food Tasting Tour, ensures availability.
In summary, Santa Barbara offers a diverse range of food tours suited for different interests and schedules. Whether you’re after a detailed history and gourmet experience, a fun photo adventure, or a quick taste of local flavors, you’ll find a tour that makes your visit memorable. For a first visit, we recommend starting with the Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour, but seasoned explorers might enjoy the culinary variety in Solvang or the artsy edge of the Funk Zone. Whatever you choose, booking early is wise — these experiences fill up fast.