Offered on set days, this free (tip-based) tour is our flagship tour – perfect for persons unfamiliar with Santa Barbara – giving you a broad understanding of Santa Barbara’s rich history, colorful characters, and events that shaped the city’s rise to becoming the “American Riviera”. Discover Santa Barbara through the eyes of a local while snapping wonderful photos of our harbor and surrounding mountains. The adventure begins at 11am on the steps of the Maritime Museum and ends around 12:45 at the Amtrak train station; steps away from the iconic Funk Zone. The tour’s highlights include, for example, the construction of our harbor, history of the Channel Islands, how Santa Barbara became a resort city, the Potter hotel, an introduction to the Spanish-Colonial style of architecture, Chumash Indians, Moreton Bay Fig Tree, Stearns Wharf and the dolphin fountain, the 1969 Oil Spill and so much more. Hand-picked 11 x 17 old photographs add to the experience. At the end of each tour, guests have their choice of 2 for 1 vouchers redeemable at Validation Ale, Santa Barbara Winery, or Dart Coffee. And, might you be combining a tour with a birthday? If so, let us know on the “Note to John” field on the reservation form and receive a free McConnell’s ice cream coupon. Tips appreciated. Cash or Venmo accepted.
Things to Know
- The tour is tip-based and our guides rely on your generous gratuities as their compensation. (Cash or Venmo).
- Reservations are not necessary but highly recommended. Use the reservation system to see available dates and secure a spot.
- The tour takes a little under 2 hours and makes 11 stops. We do walk across train tracks. Seating is available at half the stops though one must be prepared to stand 5-8 minutes at other stops.
- Group size limited to 15. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Two (2) person minimum needed for the tour to run.
- See the Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.
Parking/Transportation
There are several options:
- Park at the Harbor where the tour begins. Parking is $3 per hour. Short walk (2 minutes) to tour starting point BUT you will have to walk back to the Harbor when the tour is over, about a 25 minute walk. Don’t be tempted to park in the Harbor’s free 90 minute spaces; you risk not getting back in time to avoid a ticket. (Note: at this time the harbor shuttle along Cabrillo Blvd is not running.)
- Park for free in the parking lot next to the baseball field off Castillo Street, opposite Avania Inn. Short 5-7 minute walk to tour starting point but 20 minute walk back when the tour is over.
- Park in the lot behind the Visitor Center (1 Garden St) or directly across the street and then walk to the Maritime Museum, about a 25 minute walk. That way, when the tour concludes you will be very near your car. Look for the self-serve parking kiosks. $3 per hour.
- Park at the Amtrak Station (recommended) at the corner of Yanonali and State St. First 75 minutes are free, $3 per hour thereafter. 20 minute walk to tour starting point but steps away from your car at the end of the tour.
