Santa Barbara is known for its scenic coastline, bustling craft beer scene, and delicious local wines, making it a fantastic destination for drinking tours. What sets Santa Barbara apart is the variety—whether you’re into tasting craft beers, sipping local wines on a sunset cruise, or even creating your own chocolates, there’s something here for everyone. We particularly like the Sunset Cruise for its romantic views and relaxed vibe, and the Craft Beer walking tour for exploring downtown hotspots. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, a wine lover, or someone with a sweet tooth, Santa Barbara’s drinking tours are worth planning into your trip.
Quick Overview
This list covers a diverse set of drinking tours in Santa Barbara:
– A chocolate-making workshop where you design your own treats and learn about cacao flavors.
– A craft beer walking tour for sampling local brews along Santa Barbara’s lively streets.
– An in-depth brewery and history crawl, combining tastings with cultural sights.
– A sunset yacht cruise with a full bar, offering spectacular coastline views.
Below, each tour is explored in detail to help you choose the right experience for your interests and style.
1. Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop
This chocolate-making experience is perfect for those who want a hands-on, sweet escape during their stay. For around $58 per person, you’ll visit a small local factory where you’ll learn to temper and craft your own chocolate bars. The highlight is designing your own chocolate bar with a large selection of toppings, from nuts to exotic spices, and hand-paint a wooden box to store your creations.
What makes this tour special is its focus on high-quality, vegan-friendly craft chocolates. You’ll also gain insight into the flavor profiles of single-origin cacao beans from different parts of the world, which adds an educational twist. The workshop is flexible, lasting from 1 to 4 hours, so it can be a quick treat or a longer creative session. The experience is NOT just about eating; it’s about making, learning, and taking home a personalized souvenir.
Bottom line: Ideal for families, couples, or anyone wanting a fun, crafty break from traditional tasting tours. It’s especially suitable if you love sweets and want a memorable, interactive activity.
2. Santa Barbara: Craft Beer Walking Tour
If you’re into craft beers, this 3-hour walking tour is a fantastic way to explore Santa Barbara’s dynamic brewery scene. For $125 per person, you’ll visit three of the best local breweries, each offering unique flavors and atmospheres. The tour includes tastings at each brewery, giving you a real taste of the region’s brewing creativity.
One of the key highlights is learning about the history and culture behind each craft brewery, all led by guides who know the local scene inside out. The tour also takes you through Santa Barbara’s downtown hotspots, including the lively Funk Zone and State Street, blending culinary culture with local history. It’s perfect for travelers who want a social, relaxed experience with plenty of tasting opportunities.
Bottom line: A great choice for beer lovers who want an educational, social outing. It’s best suited for those comfortable walking and standing for a few hours, and it offers excellent value for the multiple tastings.
3. Santa Barbara Craft Brewery and History Crawl
This 3.5-hour tour offers a deeper dive into Santa Barbara’s craft beer culture combined with a taste of local history. It includes visits to three carefully selected breweries and the chance to purchase lunch featuring fresh California cuisine. For $140, this tour is slightly more comprehensive than the walking tour, with an emphasis on learning about each brewmaster’s inspiration and how Santa Barbara influences their brewing.
The itinerary begins in the Funk Zone, a trendy neighborhood full of artistic spirit and good beer, then moves through the historic downtown area, highlighting landmarks like the train station and murals, all while sampling local brews. The guide’s knowledge about the city’s cultural fabric enriches the experience, making each tasting more meaningful. Though there are no reviews yet, the detailed itinerary suggests a well-rounded, immersive experience.
Bottom line: Best for beer enthusiasts who want a mix of culinary tastings and cultural exploration. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy pairing food with craft beer and learning about local history.
$140.00 per person
4. Santa Barbara Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Full Bar
For a romantic evening or a relaxed celebration, this 1.5-hour sunset cruise is hard to beat. Departing from Stearns Wharf, the full bar offers local wines, craft beers, and cocktails, while you enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and the Santa Ynez mountains. Priced at $55.25 per person, it’s a modest investment for such a memorable experience.
The cruise provides a unique perspective on Santa Barbara’s “American Riviera” nickname, with stunning sunset vistas. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a peaceful, scenic experience. Snacks are available for purchase, adding to the relaxed vibe. The activity is straightforward, with the boat returning to the same spot, making it easy to plan the rest of your evening.
Bottom line: Ideal for romantics or those celebrating a special occasion who want to combine spectacular views with good drinks. It’s less about tasting and more about enjoying the setting.
$55.25 per person
How to Choose
When deciding between these options, consider your interest and pace. If you love hands-on experiences and sweets, the Chocolate Bar Workshop provides a fun, creative break. For beer fans, the walking tours offer a good mix of tastings and local culture, with the Craft Beer Walking Tour being more casual and social, and the Brewery and History Crawl offering a deeper dive into Santa Barbara’s brewing scene.
If your goal is to soak in the scenery and enjoy a romantic moment, the Sunset Yacht Cruise is a perfect choice, especially if you prefer a relaxed, scenic experience. Budget-wise, the chocolate workshop and sunset cruise are more affordable options, while the beer tours offer more extensive tasting experiences at a higher price point.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot. Think about your interests — whether it’s making chocolates, sampling craft beers, or relaxing on the water — and pick the experience that aligns best with what you want to remember from Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara’s drinking scene offers a good mix of active, cultural, and scenic experiences. Whether you’re savoring locally crafted beer while walking downtown or watching the sunset from a boat with a glass of wine, there’s a tour suited for your style. With options ranging from interactive workshops to luxury cruises, you can craft your perfect taste of the city’s lively spirit. Be sure to book ahead and enjoy your flavorful adventure in this charming coastal town.