Private 6 hour Tour of Santa Barbara
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 23 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private 6 hour Tour of Santa Barbara worth booking?
Private 6 hour Tour of Santa Barbara is a 6-hour experience in Santa Barbara, United States, from $219 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 23 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (23)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $219 per person
Tours of Santa Barbara offers the most comprehensive tour of, Santa Barbara in the World offering one and two day tours of, Santa Barbara . In this journey you'll see the region's finest places while discovering a portfolio of local and hidden attractions taking you to hot spots combined with unique landscapes and near breath taking panoramic views from all around in this tour . AGE RESTRICTED FROM 1 to 65 YEARS because of ext. walking, stairways and you could be climbing up a hillside . Photo identification may be requested .
What you get
About this experience
Tours of Santa Barbara offers the most comprehensive tour of, Santa Barbara in the World offering one and two day tours of, Santa Barbara . In this journey you'll see the region's finest places while discovering a portfolio of local and hidden attractions taking you to hot spots combined with unique landscapes and near breath taking panoramic views from all around in this tour . AGE RESTRICTED FROM 1 to 65 YEARS because of ext. walking, stairways and you could be climbing up a hillside . Photo identification may be requested .
What's included
Included
- Tour guide
- Lunch included with 3 or more guests .
- Air conditioned vehicles
- Non smoking safe and sober professional drivers .
- Bottled water . Snacks .
- We pick up in the Santa Ynez Valley, Lompoc & Santa Barbara .
- Photographer to capture those special moments
- Private Transportation
- Exploring, discovering, enjoying and relaxing .
Not included
- AGE REQUIREMENTS : 1 to 65 YEARS . Physical activity is required .
- Not a sit in a bus Hollywood type of tour .
- We visit the Mission . Entry fee is $17 and is optional .
What you'll see and do
Stearns Wharf
Stearns Wharf is located in the harbor in Santa Barbara, California, United States. When completed In 1872, it became the longest deep-water Wharf between San Pedro and San Francisco. Named for its builder, local lumberman John P. Stearns . Fishing, shopping, dining and much more to do on the Wharf all the while being surrounded by the Pacific Ocean .
15 minutes here
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Designed in the Spanish-Colonial style and completed in 1929, the fully operational Courthouse is an iconic Santa Barbara landmark with its distinctive four-faced clock tower, red tile roofs, elegant arches and verdant sunken garden and grounds. Visitors can get a visual history lesson from the elaborate hand-painted murals, marvel at ornate wrought-iron chandeliers and climb to the top of the clock tower for an incredible panoramic view of Santa Barbara and beyond.
60 minutes here
There's something for everyone at the Santa Barbara City Waterfront, the breathtaking span of palm-lined beaches along the Boulevard leading to, the Lagoon and Montecito and North to Santa Barbara's Mesa while bordering the world-famous Stearns Wharf and California's oldest – and most beautiful - working harbor. The Waterfront is blessed with three picturesque, golden sand beaches. Chase Palm park is located here with an Arts and Craft fair held here every week .
5 minutes here
Lobero Theatre
The Lobero Theatre is an historic building in Santa Barbara, California. The theater was originally built as an opera house, in a refurbished adobe school building, by Italian immigrant José Lobero in 1873.
5 minutes here
Old Mission Santa Barbara
There’s no better way to experience the history and grandeur of Old Mission Santa Barbara than with a self-guided tour. Situated on 15 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Mission grounds include the beautiful Mission Church, Historic Cemetery and Mausoleum, a nine-room museum of historical artwork and artifacts, and multiple lush gardens.
60 minutes here
Santa Barbara Scenic Drive
The breathtaking and must-see sights of Santa Barbara are beautifully captured in a designated driving tour that covers for miles with short stops in the " Mesa " traveling by Arroyo beach, the Boat House and up through, Hope Ranch .
5 minutes here
Santa Barbara Waterfront
With unbeatable views, delicious dining and dozens of exciting activities, the Santa Barbara Harbor is the perfect place to spend the day by the water. Located along the bustling Santa Barbara Waterfront, this historic working harbor is an excellent launch pad for a variety of adventures including sailing, sea kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), scuba diving, deep sea fishing, whale watching, fisherman's market and much more. Several of the harbor’s businesses offer boat charters, cruises, equipment rentals and lessons, so it’s easy to find everything you need to explore the coast.
5 minutes here
Montecito
A mecca for ten to 100 million dollar homes, movie stars, celebrities . The secluded hillside estates of Montecito, lies adjacent to Santa Barbara, between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez mountains and is a paradise for Hollywood stars and the super wealthy who want to live in splendid isolation. Homes here can easily reach in the tens of millions of dollars . Many homes are behind tall gates and shrubs over 15 feet high . Chic, yet somewhat under the radar, the area has a mellow vibe, with sun-drenched tranquil beaches, a Mediterranean climate and a beautiful natural setting that draws comparisons with the South of France and Tuscany.
20 minutes here
Funk Zone
Bars, Wineries, Arts and crafts, Restaurants, Go - Cart, Bike and more rentals .
10 minutes here
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
The oldest structure in, Santa Barbara . Originally built in 1783 and still standing . See history as it unfolds before your eyes .
20 minutes here
Butterfly Beach
As the name suggests, Butterfly beach is the abode of numerous beautiful butterflies. During low tides, when the seashore widens, the beach is littered with crabs and goldfishes. Sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and even redfish are common sights here.
5 minutes here
Santa Barbara
We're not giving away our twenty other attractions for other Companies to steal .
120 minutes here
Santa Barbara Historical Museum
Experience the history of Santa Barbara's Riviera from our earliest residents, the Chumash Indians to the silent film era. to the founding of Fiesta and more . See historic, Santa Barbara unfold before you .
15 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Santa Barbara
Most anywhere . We give an extra hour tour if starting & ending from Solvang, Lompoc or Santa Ynez Valley areas .
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Most anywhere . We give an extra hour tour if starting & ending from Solvang, Lompoc or Santa Ynez Valley areas .
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Paper
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tours of Santa Barbara
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- There are no dress codes anywhere in, Santa Barbara or in California for that matter so dress whatever your most comfortable wearing . Everyone is warmly welcomed .
- Sorry, no pets .
- Age restricted from 1 to 65 years due to ext. walking, stairs and you may be climbing up a mountainside ..
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 23 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
23 verified traveler reviews for Private 6 hour Tour of Santa Barbara. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Had a great day exploring...
Had a great day exploring the entire Santa Barbara area. The mountains are beautiful and the views up there are amazing. Jayden was knowledgeable and gave us the time we needed to explore at each stop. Lunch by the ocean was beautiful.
Response from the operator: Thankyou for that nice review and the both of you were both super great guests . I was unable get back to you sooner regarding your review but there's been a computer glitch and i haven't been able to log into my account until now . Sorry to see the both of you go .
via Viator
Perfect Santa Barbara Tour
Felix was on time to pick us up and had a very clean, comfortable vehicle. He was very knowledgeable and treated us with a lot of respect and made us feel special. He informed us that we had snacks and beverages and could partake at any time. He told us what was about to happen prior to each stop. He was funny. Took our lunch orders and each order was correct. Never left us but for extremely short times like when we ate lunch. He was always waiting and made sure we knew we could take our time. He gave us a lot of dinner recommendations before the end of the tour and we actually used one of his recommendations and ate at the Boathouse. We really enjoyed the tour.
Response from the operator: Thanks much for your honesty and nice review .
via Viator
Best Tour Company ever .
We decided to go with this Tour Company because not only did they have excellent reviews but because we wanted a through Tour of, Santa Barbara and man...did they ever deliver ! Saw much more then what they offered online . IWe were out more then our initial 6 hour tour . The driver went overboard making sure we saw all attractions that was on his list . It was an excellent experience and we'd be happy to do it again .
Response from the operator: We're happy that you and your guests are happy . Thankyou for your thoughtful / considerate review .
via Tripadvisor
Galentine’s Day Tour of Santa Barbara 2026
Felix was a highly knowledgeable and thoughtful tour guide. He made sure we had time at each stop, yet gave us space to explore through out the day. He provided great hints for what to look for as highlights at each stop. We had a delicious lunch at a nice picnic area near the ocean. The weather was beautiful and the tour experience was beyond our expectations and we recommend it for everyone. The only challenge we experienced was the walk up to the clock tower, which the stairs going up were steep. It was magnificent and worth every dollar.
Response from the operator: Well, we did state that there's stairs and physical activity required in our tours but from what i heard you made it up those stairs pretty good and we're happy . Thanks for the review .
via Viator
Santa Barbara Became One of Our Favorite Places After This Tour
We chose this tour because it had great reviews, and honestly, it turned out to be one of the best decisions we could have made. Our guide, Felix, has spent most of his life in Santa Barbara, so he knew exactly where to take us, both in the city and in the surrounding areas. He created a calm, relaxed atmosphere that perfectly matched our pace as a family traveling with two pre-teens, who also had a fantastic time. We discovered beautiful places with stunning views, had lunch overlooking the ocean, and watched the sunset from up high. We also visited some of the city’s most interesting historic spots. Overall, it was a truly wonderful experience, and I would totally recommend this tour to anyone who enjoys landscapes, nature, and learning about the history of a place. After this tour, we all agreed as a family that Santa Barbara is now one of our favorite destinations, and we will definitely be coming back. As a fun extra, Felix has even appeared in a few movies, so he has some really entertaining stories to share. Easy 5 out of 5 stars. 🌟
Response from the operator: Thankyou for that nice review, Oscar . Since you mentioned entertainment and movies i just completed a principal role with a, Dove Cameron shoot in, Hollywood on September 2nd 2026 . Stay tuned . If i ever get down to, Santiago, Chile i hope to see you there and indeed, Chile is a beautiful Country . Your pics were fantastic . You certainly have a wonderful family and i really appreciated your thoughtful and honest review . It was nice having the all of you aboard .
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private 6 hour Tour of Santa Barbara: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Santa Barbara.
How much does Private 6 hour Tour of Santa Barbara cost?
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Prices start at $219 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Santa Barbara usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private 6 hour Tour of Santa Barbara take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Santa Barbara is not rushed.
Is Private 6 hour Tour of Santa Barbara worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 23 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Santa Barbara, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private 6 hour Tour of Santa Barbara?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private 6 hour Tour of Santa Barbara suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private 6 hour Tour of Santa Barbara?
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Around 8 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Santa Barbara can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Santa Barbara and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private 6 hour Tour of Santa Barbara start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Santa Barbara within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Santa Barbara?
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Santa Barbara runs wine tours into the Santa Ynez Valley, harbour sailing and whale watching, Channel Islands day trips, and Spanish colonial walking tours through the Presidio and Mission. Tasting-room access and group size make the biggest difference in wine tours here. On Outty we rank every Santa Barbara experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour, Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide, Small-Group Wine Tour in Santa Barbara to Exclusive Vineyards. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Santa Barbara?
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March to June and September to November, dodging the May and June marine layer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Santa Barbara?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Private 6 hour Tour of Santa Barbara?
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Included: Tour guide; Lunch included with 3 or more guests ; Air conditioned vehicles; Non smoking safe and sober professional drivers ; and Bottled water . Snacks . Not included: AGE REQUIREMENTS : 1 to 65 YEARS . Physical activity is required ; Not a sit in a bus Hollywood type of tour ; and We visit the Mission . Entry fee is $17 and is optional . Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private 6 hour Tour of Santa Barbara include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 109 listed pickup locations in and around Santa Barbara. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private 6 hour Tour of Santa Barbara offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private 6 hour Tour of Santa Barbara?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Bring a printed voucher, as paper tickets are required.
What happens to Private 6 hour Tour of Santa Barbara if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Santa Barbara. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Private 6 hour Tour of Santa Barbara?
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Across 23 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, food and drink, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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