The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 552 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour worth booking?
The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour is a 3-hour experience in Santa Barbara, United States, from $175 per person. It scores 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 552 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 87 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (552)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $175 per person
Eat and drink your way through downtown Santa Barbara with a local—no planning required. We’ll take you to a mix of favorite spots, with generous tastings, a little day drinking, and just enough storytelling along the wa
What you get
About this experience
Eat and drink your way through downtown Santa Barbara with a local—no planning required. We’ll take you to a mix of favorite spots, with generous tastings, a little day drinking, and just enough storytelling along the way. Founded over 10 years ago from a local’s love of Santa Barbara, great food, and bringing people together—without the stress of planning it all yourself. You’ll experience the city alongside a knowledgeable local host—not a scripted tour guide. Group sizes are kept smaller for a more personal, social experience. We can accommodate most food allergies with advance notice. Private and corporate tours are available. Tastings and locations may vary slightly based on availability.
What's included
Included
- A local host (more like a knowledgeable friend than a traditional guide)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Lunch
- All local taxes
Not included
- Gratuities for your host (optional, but appreciated)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What you'll see and do
El Paseo Building
El Paseo is more than a building—it’s a vibe and a mini neighborhood tucked just off State Street. As you walk through, you’ll find charming pathways that open into a beautiful courtyard surrounded by local businesses, including wine tasting rooms, restaurants, and historic buildings dating back to the early 1920s. This is one of our tasting stops (often the first), where you’ll enjoy a guided wine tasting (typically 3–4 wines) along with a shared grazing box, served just for your group.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Casa de la Guerra
We pass by the historic Casa de la Guerra while sharing a few light stories about Santa Barbara’s past—just enough to bring the surroundings to life without slowing down the experience.
Pass by without stopping
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
The Santa Barbara Courthouse is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the city, known for its architecture and views. When timing and access allow, we may step inside to take a look. If not, we’ll still pass through the area—and you’re welcome to return after the tour, since it’s located between our start and end points. Please note that on weekdays, security screening is required to enter the courthouse. If you have a medical device such as a diabetic pump, let security know and they’ll guide you through the appropriate screening.
Pass by without stopping
The Granada Theatre
The Granada Theatre is one of downtown Santa Barbara’s most iconic landmarks—and the tallest building in the area. We pause here to take in its architecture and history, and share a bit about its role in the local arts scene. While we don’t go inside during the tour, it’s still a standout stop along the way.
5 minutes here
Arlington Theatre
We pass by the iconic Arlington Theatre, a well-known Santa Barbara landmark and often the opening night venue for the SBIFF (Santa Barbara International Film Festival). It’s a quick pass-through as we head to our next stop, with a light story or two along the way—kept fun and easy, not a history lesson.
15 minutes here
The Historic La Arcada Courtyard
Downtown Santa Barbara is full of hidden walkways and arcades, and when timing allows, we like to weave through a few of them along the way. As we pass through La Arcada Plaza, we’ll point out local restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and small shops tucked into these spaces—along with fun details like the famous window washer statue, the Benjamin Franklin statue, dolphin sculptures, and even some surprisingly adorable turtles. It’s a mix of local spots, unexpected finds, and little details you might miss on your own.
15 minutes here
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
El Presidio is one of the oldest historic sites in Santa Barbara and part of how the city first took shape. If our route allows, we’ll pass by and share a quick bit about how it connects to the Santa Barbara Mission—just enough to give context without turning it into a full history lesson.
Pass by without stopping
Santa Barbara
Throughout the tour, we weave on and off State Street, the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, as we move between stops. We usually meet and end right on State Street—so it’s easy to keep the day going, grab another drink, or head wherever you’re off to next.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Santa Barbara
Please plan to meet your guide in front of the stores 33 jewels and Bryant & Sons. They are on the State Street side of El Paseo Shopping Center across from the mall.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We rotate the end of the tour. It will end within 6 blocks of the start location.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 4 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that restaurants and tastings are subject to change based on availability
- This is a walking tour; comfortable mobility is recommended
- Most stops are wheelchair accessible, but not all surfaces and locations are fully accessible
- Food allergies or aversions can often be accommodated—please notify us in advance
- Tours begin and end in different locations
- Tours run approximately 3.5 hours
- Children are welcome—parents know best if the experience is a good fit
- Service animals are welcome; pets are not permitted on food tours
- Tastings are included and typically provide enough food for a satisfying midday meal
- If anyone in your group has mobility or health concerns, a private tour may be a better fit
- Monday tours are priced a bit lower and may have a slightly lighter food lineup—but don’t worry, there are still plenty of tastings along the way
- Not recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 552 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
8 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
552 verified traveler reviews for The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Funk tour with Kirk
Wonderful mix of new foods to try. Enjoyed going off the beaten path. Kirk was knowledgeable about his city’s history.
Response from the operator: Thank you! Can’t wait to see you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Food tour
There was plenty of food and drink with a good variety. The pace was good and Kirk was an excellent host. Do not eat before as you will be full
Response from the operator: Kim, this made our day—thank you! 🙌 We love hearing that you enjoyed the variety (and yes… we fully support the “don’t eat before” strategy 😄). Thanks again, and we hope to see you on another tour soon!!
via Viator
Good guide, food fair
The guide was extremely knowledgeable. Food was not up to what I have had on every other food tour I have been on.(6) Shared portions instead of individual servings. Food was bland, except for Italian ice. Pours on wine were less than I have previously experienced.
Response from the operator: Glenn, thanks so much for your honest feedback—we really appreciate it. We’re glad you enjoyed your guide! Taste can definitely be subjective, but your notes on the food, portions, and pours are something we take seriously and share with our partners. Thanks again for joining us—we hope to welcome you back for an even better experience next time.
via Viator
Santa Barbara walking foodie tour
Maddy was a friendly and engaging tour guide. She took great pictures of us and later texted them to us. She was knowledgeable about the history of the city and locations we visited and made sure we alternated between walking and eating all afternoon. The food was tasty at every stop.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the kind words! 😊 We’re thrilled you had such a great afternoon with Maddy—she had a wonderful time with you too! It’s always our goal to create that perfect mix of food, history, and fun, so we’re so glad it came through. Hope to see you again on another tour soon!
via Tripadvisor
Cheers to a wonderful afternoon!
What a delightful afternoon with Captain Kirk! We enjoyed the food, the wine, the history and the insight into a unique city. Highly recommend for first time visitors to get a great feel for the unique flavor of Santa Barbara. You won't be disappointed!
Response from the operator: Cheers to that indeed! We’re so happy you had a wonderful afternoon with Captain Kirk—he had a blast with you too! We love that you enjoyed the mix of food, wine, and local flavor—it’s exactly what we aim for. Thanks for the recommendation, and we hope to see you again next time you’re in Santa Barbara!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $175 to $200
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 193
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 87
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Santa Barbara.
How much does The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour cost?
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Prices start at $175 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 The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour take?
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Plan for about 3 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 The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 552 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Santa Barbara, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour?
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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 The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour?
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Around 193 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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour 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.
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