Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 931 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Santa Barbara Trolley Tour worth booking?
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in Santa Barbara, United States, from $37 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 931 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (931)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $37 per person
All Aboard Santa Barbara’s Original & Longest Running Trolley Tour and Charter Services See the American Riviera in 90 minutes Santa Barbara sightseeing at its finest on the original, fully narrated Santa Barbara Trolley Tour. For 30 years, we've been providing trolley tours in the Santa Barbara community. Join us as we visit local hot spots such as the Santa Barbara Courthouse, Santa Barbara Zoo, Museum of Natural History, the historic Santa Barbara Mission, and more, all fully narrated by our energetic and knowledgeable tour guides! Our pick up location is only a 10 minute walk from Stearns Wharf, at 1 Garden St.
What you get
About this experience
All Aboard Santa Barbara’s Original & Longest Running Trolley Tour and Charter Services See the American Riviera in 90 minutes Santa Barbara sightseeing at its finest on the original, fully narrated Santa Barbara Trolley Tour. For 30 years, we've been providing trolley tours in the Santa Barbara community. Join us as we visit local hot spots such as the Santa Barbara Courthouse, Santa Barbara Zoo, Museum of Natural History, the historic Santa Barbara Mission, and more, all fully narrated by our energetic and knowledgeable tour guides! Our pick up location is only a 10 minute walk from Stearns Wharf, at 1 Garden St.
What's included
Included
- Narrated Tour
Not included
- Food and Drinks
What you'll see and do
Stearns Wharf
Enjoy the seaside sights and sounds of Stearns Wharf, one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic landmarks. Named for builder John P. Stearns and located at the end of State Street, it is California’s oldest working wharf and the perfect spot to soak up the sun, salty breezes and stunning views of the impossibly blue Pacific. The Wharf was completed in 1872 and served the passengers and freight shipping needs of California’s south coast for more than 25 years. Today it’s one of Santa Barbara’s most visited attractions and a mainstay of the Waterfront district.
Pass by without stopping
East Beach
East Beach is a favorite spot for locals for volleyball (including pro tournaments), skating, paddle sports, art shows and just plain relaxing. It also has a great panoramic view of the Santa Barbara mountains.
Pass by without stopping
Andree Clark Bird Refuge
Andrée Clark Bird Refuge is a 42-acre open space park that includes a 29-acre lake that is an artificially modified estuary that supports brackish wetlands. Three islands are located in the lake. The park provides passive recreation opportunities such as bird watching, hiking, and biking. Boating and fishing are prohibited, as is feeding the wildlife. The Bird Refuge is a scenic resource with views to and from scenic highways (East Cabrillo Boulevard and Highway 101) and provides a view of aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
Pass by without stopping
Butterfly Beach
Located in the chic and laid-back village of Montecito, Butterfly Beach is a favorite among Santa Barbara locals. The beach’s pristine shoreline is ideal for swimming, surfing and sunbathing, and its unique east-west orientation makes for some truly spectacular sunrises AND sunsets. Spend the better part of your day lounging with a good book, or venture into the ocean and take on the waves in a kayak. Keep your eyes peeled and you might even see a star or two—Montecito is home to several celebs. Whatever activities you include in your day by the sea, Butterfly Beach is the perfect setting.
Pass by without stopping
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has a rich history dating back to 1876. Exhibits and collections change throughout the year to educate and entertain children and adults alike. Make sure to check out the iconic 73-foot Blue Whale skeleton displayed out front!
Pass by without stopping
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Old Mission Santa Barbara is a community of many parts, but one spirit. The Mission has served as a gathering place and spiritual home for many since its establishment in 1786. Today the Mission operations include a museum, gift shop, cemetery and mausoleum, and several historic gardens, as well as being the home to a community of Franciscan Friars on about 15 acres. The Mission is also home base for Saint Barbara Parish, which operates under the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library, a separate Franciscan-sponsored non-profit, and a Novitiate which provides the first year of education for Friars in training from across the United States.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
or a firsthand look at one of the country’s most beautiful public buildings, look no further than the 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. Through the self-guided tours, 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.
Pass by without stopping
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
Located in downtown Santa Barbara, El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park (El Presidio SHP) is a 5 1/2-acre park that preserves the site of the last Spanish fortress, or presidio, founded in Alta (Upper) California in 1782. Two of the fort‘s original adobe buildings still exist and are open to the public — El Cuartel and the Cañedo Adobe.
Pass by without stopping
Santa Barbara Waterfront
At Santa Barbara Harbor you will find interesting stores, delicious seafood restaurants and the occasional celebrity yacht. Naturally sheltered by mountains and islands on a southward facing coastline, it is one of the best harbors in the world.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Santa Barbara
Departs Thursday - Monday at 1 Garden st. Departure times are 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:00pm.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Departs Thursday - Monday at 1 Garden st. Departure times are 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:00pm.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 4 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Santa Barbara Trolley Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 927 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
927 verified traveler reviews for Santa Barbara Trolley Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
An Unfortunate Mistake
On Oct 6, We booked this great-looking tour on the Trip Advisor website. We have used Trip Advisor before for getting to and from Rome cruise ship port to Rome Hotel, getting private water taxi from Venice airport to hotel, etc. so we trust Trip Advisor. However, on this Santa Barbara Trolley Trip, there was an error. We thought we were booking for Oct 6, the day we logged it, but our computer or the Trip Advisor algorithm, switched it to Oct 8, when we will no longer be in Santa Barbara. It clearly states non refundable non transferable so we are stuck paying $75 bucks for a computer error. We called and begged, but the phone rep firmly refused to budge. Trip Advisor didn’t even offer to give us a rain check. Do you know the expression “mail foi”? That’s how we feel.
via Tripadvisor
Worth to do it
It really worth the 90 minutes tour. It gives you the whole picture of Sta. Barbara and their history
via Viator
Great tour especially for first time visitors
Great way to get an overview of the area along with some history! Yes you can drive around but you can't really look at anything when focusing on traffic, narrow roads and lots of street parking. Joe did a great job of pointing out historical places while driving throughout this lovely area. There was a 15 minute stop at the Old Mission, just long enough to take some pictures outside, use the restroom and peek at the gift shop. For this first time visitor it was a great summary experience! Side note the trolley is a trolley, not a bus so there is no air conditioning but the windows were all open for a breeze
via Viator
Santa Barbara Trolley Ride
Great way to see Santa Barbara with a great guide and commentary. Covers a good distance with all the best landmarks
via Viator
Great insights past and present
Great way to get informed about local history and other fun things to do around town. Just when I couldn’t fall in love with SB even more….i did.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 326
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Santa Barbara.
How much does Santa Barbara Trolley Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $37 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 Santa Barbara Trolley Tour take?
+
Plan for about 1.5 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 Santa Barbara Trolley Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 931 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Santa Barbara, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Santa Barbara Trolley Tour?
+
No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Santa Barbara Trolley Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Santa Barbara Trolley Tour?
+
Around 326 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?
+
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 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Santa Barbara Trolley Tour start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 Santa Barbara Trolley Tour?
+
Included: Narrated Tour. Not included: Food and Drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Santa Barbara Trolley Tour?
+
Departs Thursday - Monday at 1 Garden st. Departure times are 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:00pm. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Santa Barbara Trolley Tour offered in?
+
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 Santa Barbara Trolley Tour?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Santa Barbara Trolley Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Santa Barbara Trolley Tour if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Santa Barbara Trolley Tour?
+
Across 931 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Santa Barbara Trolley Tour.
Pick your date
