The 15 best things to do in Santa Barbara (2026)

We rank 151 experiences in Santa Barbara, United States, on the same 0 to 100 Outty Ranking. The best right now is Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour at 94/100, and 2 experiences here make the 90+ Club. Updated Sep 2026.

Quick picks

The ranked list

  1. Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour

    We'd love for you to come have a blast with us on one of our electric bike tours! As the first tour provider to lead electric bike tours in Santa Barbara we're confident that our carefully thought out tour will not disap. 90+ Club at 94/100, 5.0/5 from 601 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $85, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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  2. Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide

    Our Santa Barbara Kayak Tour can be a private tour or group tour experience. You choose your adventure! If you're looking for a more intimate Santa Barbara kayaking experience then our private kayak tour will be a perfec. 90+ Club at 92/100, 5.0/5 from 458 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $55, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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  3. Small-Group Wine Tour in Santa Barbara to Exclusive Vineyards

    SMALL GROUP/ SHARED WINE TOUR. This is not your typical wine tour. We offer private access to ultra small production, family wineries, estates and vineyard properties typically not open to the general public. Shared grou. Exceptional at 90/100, 5.0/5 from 301 traveler reviews, 7h from $235, free cancellation.

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  4. Spooky Solvang Ghost Hunting & History Tour in Santa Barbara, United States

    Use real ghost hunting gear and learn of Solvang's haunted past, with creepy stories collected from locals. We're the original ghost tour, with a haunted adventure taking you through Solvang's charming streets and histor. Exceptional at 88/100, 4.9/5 from 328 traveler reviews, 1.8h from $55, free cancellation.

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  5. The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour

    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. Exceptional at 87/100, 4.9/5 from 553 traveler reviews, 3h from $175, free cancellation.

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  6. Santa Barbara Bike Rentals: Electric, Mountain or Hybrid

    Explore the city sights and rugged hills around Santa Barbara with an electric, mountain or hybrid bike 1- or 2-day rental. Get around town easily on an eco-friendly electric bike that doesn't require pedaling. For a mor. Exceptional at 86/100, 5.0/5 from 141 traveler reviews, 2h from $60, free cancellation.

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  7. Santa Barbara Vineyard to Table Taste Tour by E-Bike

    E- bike through the vineyards and quaint towns of the Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara's world class wine growing region. Your single-day tour is fully supported, with round trip transport from Santa Barbara in a 2018 h. Exceptional at 86/100, 4.9/5 from 184 traveler reviews, 7h from $199, free cancellation.

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  8. Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour in Santa Barbara, United States

    Experience Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country in a truly immersive way. Pedal comfortably on a Rad Power E-bike or challenge yourself on the hills with a Poseidon sport bike through quaint farms, idyllic Valley towns and s. Exceptional at 85/100, 5.0/5 from 139 traveler reviews, 5h from $175, free cancellation.

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  9. High Ropes Adventure Course near Santa Barbara

    For those seeking a fun and challenging adventure, spend up to 2 hours on this epic Adventure Course! This course features 80+ obstacles at heights up to 60 feet above the ground, built within an old growth oak grove. Th. Exceptional at 85/100, 5.0/5 from 166 traveler reviews, 2h from $69, free cancellation.

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  10. Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

    Experienced local guides take you on an unforgettable Santa Barbara kayak tour spotlighting one of California's most thriving marine regions. Learn about Santa Barbara’s natural history and marine ecology, as well as loc. Exceptional at 85/100, 4.9/5 from 227 traveler reviews, 2h from $59, free cancellation.

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  11. Private Guided Tour in Santa Barbara on Electric Bikes

    Our tour guides are locals and we know lots of fun facts and history of the sights we show. We do research on each point of interest in order to give you interesting stories. Because our tour is on bikes we can show you. Exceptional at 84/100, 5.0/5 from 111 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $90, free cancellation.

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  12. Private VIP Santa Barbara Wine Tour. Your Group. Your Day. (4-8)

    Sit at the winemaker’s table! Our Private Wine Tour is a curated and educational Santa Barbara wine tasting experience for your own group of 4 -8. What It Is: A 5.0 star rated Private Wine Tour with a knowledgeable hos. Exceptional at 84/100, 5.0/5 from 71 traveler reviews, 48h from $275, free cancellation.

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  13. Epic Zipline Tour near Santa Barbara

    Highline Adventures boasts California's longest, tallest and fastest ziplines, all spread across 1,200+ acres of beautiful ranchland. Soar above the Santa Ynez Valley. Fly over ancient and colorful protea flower fields. Exceptional at 83/100, 5.0/5 from 271 traveler reviews, 2h from $155, free cancellation.

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  14. Electric Bike Rental in Santa Barbara

    Explore the ocean views and city sights of Santa Barbara on an electric bike! Capable of speeds up to 20 mph and a range of 25 - 75 miles! These bikes make your sight seeing a breeze! These fun-filled ebikes will help yo. Exceptional at 82/100, 5.0/5 from 167 traveler reviews, 1h from $50, free cancellation.

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  15. Taco Tour Santa Barbara | Food Tour

    Perfect for team building activities in Santa Barbara, date night, bachelorette party and food lovers ! Discover one of the best food tours in Santa Barbara with a fun and interactive Taco Tour through the Funk Zone and. Exceptional at 82/100, 4.9/5 from 258 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $159, free cancellation.

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Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.

When to go

March to June and September to November, dodging the May and June marine layer.

Frequently asked questions

What is the number one thing to do in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour is the top ranked experience in Santa Barbara right now, with an Outty Ranking of 94 out of 100 from 601 traveler reviews, from $85 per person. It leads a field of 151 experiences we rank in the city.

What are the must-see attractions 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.

How much do things to do in Santa Barbara cost?

The 15 best experiences average $126 per person. The cheapest of them is Electric Bike Rental in Santa Barbara from $50, and 15 of the 15 offer free cancellation.

What are the best things to do in Santa Barbara with kids?

Small-Group Wine Tour in Santa Barbara to Exclusive Vineyards are the highest ranked family-friendly picks. Check the minimum age on each before booking.

When is the best time to visit Santa Barbara?

March to June and September to November, dodging the May and June marine layer.

How is this list ranked?

Every experience is scored 0 to 100 by the Outty Ranking, which blends traveler sentiment, review depth, booking momentum, value against comparable options in Santa Barbara, quality signals and cancellation flexibility. The list updates automatically as new reviews and bookings arrive.