Santa Barbara’s charm is undeniable, and the 3-Hour Cocktail and History Walking Tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy the city’s rich heritage. This small-group adventure promises an engaging experience, blending the grandeur of iconic landmarks with the allure of unique craft cocktails. As you stroll along the State Street promenade and discover the architectural gems that define Santa Barbara’s character, you’ll uncover layers of history that have shaped this vibrant coastal community. Whether you’re a history buff or a cocktail connoisseur, this tour promises to captivate your senses and leave you eager to explore further.
Key Points
- Guided 3-hour walking tour of Santa Barbara that explores the city’s rich history, architecture, and features tastings at three local craft cocktail bars.
- Tour highlights key landmarks like State Street promenade, Casa de la Guerra, and Santa Barbara Courthouse, covering 1.5 miles of flat, wheelchair-accessible terrain.
- Offers two booking options: à la carte where guests choose their own food and cocktails, or all-inclusive package with all food and drinks included.
- Tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who provides insights and context, allowing participants to discover the city’s vibrant pop culture and architecture.
- Tour is highly rated by participants, with reviews praising the blend of local history and craft cocktails, as well as the engaging tour guide.
Tour Overview
The Santa Barbara Cocktail and History Tour offers a captivating 3-hour walking experience that delves into the city’s rich past and vibrant local craft cocktail scene.
Priced at $85 per person, this small-group tour (limited to 6 participants) is accessible to wheelchair users and provides an insider’s look at Santa Barbara’s must-see historical sites, including the State Street promenade, Casa de la Guerra, and the Presidio District.
Along the way, guests will visit 3 unique local bars, restaurants, or breweries, where they can indulge in craft cocktails and sample exceptional bites.
With 1.5 miles of easy walking on flat terrain, this tour promises an engaging and immersive exploration of Santa Barbara’s captivating history and lively social scene.
Experience Highlights
Guests on the Santa Barbara Cocktail and History Tour embark on a guided walking experience that focuses on the city’s captivating history, remarkable architecture, and vibrant pop culture.
Over the course of 3 hours, the tour takes visitors to:
- Three unique local craft cocktail bars, restaurants, or breweries to sample the area’s finest libations.
- Must-see historical sites, including the State Street promenade, Casa de la Guerra, El Paseo, the Presidio District, and the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse.
- Explore 1.5 miles of flat terrain, offering a leisurely and accessible way to discover the city’s charm and heritage.
Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides fascinating insights and context, creating an immersive and memorable experience for all participants.
Food and Drink Options
Participants can choose between two distinct tour options when booking the Santa Barbara Cocktail and History Tour – an à la carte experience or an all-inclusive package. The à la carte option allows guests to select their own food and drink choices at each destination, with the guide providing suggestions for popular options. Alternatively, the all-inclusive Cocktails and History Walking Tour offers a seamless experience, with the cost of all food and craft cocktails included.
| Options | À La Carte | All-Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Guests choose their own | Included |
| Cocktails | Guests choose their own | Included |
| Experience | Flexibility to select | Hassle-free |
| Price | From $85 per person | Directly on website/phone |
| Convenience | Guests choose their own | All-inclusive package |
Both options promise an unforgettable exploration of Santa Barbara’s vibrant history, architecture, and local craft cocktail scene.
Booking Information
Booking the Santa Barbara Cocktail and History Tour is a straightforward process. Participants can reserve their spot without any upfront payment, simply by checking availability for the desired starting times on the tour’s website. Alternatively, they may also book the tour directly by phone.
The tour is designed for guests 21 years of age and older. Some key booking details include:
- Reserve your spot without paying upfront.
- Check availability for various start times.
- Book directly on the website or by calling.
This flexible booking system allows visitors to plan their Santa Barbara adventure with ease, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
Customer Reviews
Customers who have experienced the Santa Barbara Cocktail and History Tour rave about the exceptional quality of the offering, with overwhelmingly positive reviews highlighting the tour’s ability to seamlessly blend local history, great cocktail spots, and exceptional food. The tour has earned a perfect 5/5 rating, with reviewers describing it as "an amazing experience" and "a wonderful mix of local history, great spots, and enjoying craft cocktails and exceptional bites." The knowledgeable and engaging guide, Melissa, is singled out for praise, with one customer stating, "Melissa is amazing! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!" The table below provides a visual representation of the tour’s glowing customer reviews.
| Reviewer | Location | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Priscilla | Germany | 5/5 |
| Sandra | United States | 5/5 |
Walk Through Santa Barbara
The guided walking tour takes guests on a captivating journey through Santa Barbara’s rich history and vibrant culture, unfolding the city’s architectural gems and must-see landmarks along the way.
Explorers will stroll down the iconic State Street promenade, admire the elegant Spanish Colonial Revival style of the historic Casa de la Guerra, and discover the charming El Paseo, a hidden gem of cobblestone pathways and lush courtyards.
The tour also includes a visit to the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse, known for its stunning Moorish-influenced architecture, and the Presidio District, where the city’s storied past is on full display.
With 1.5 miles of walking on flat terrain, this immersive experience offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and local culture.
Discover Architectural Gems
Strolling along the iconic State Street promenade, guests marvel at the elegant Spanish Colonial Revival architecture that defines Santa Barbara’s historic center. They admire the whitewashed stucco walls, red-tiled roofs, and intricately carved wooden details adorning the buildings.
The tour then takes them to the Casa de la Guerra, a grand adobe hacienda built in the 1820s that exemplifies the city’s Spanish heritage. Nearby, the restored El Paseo complex showcases 19th-century commercial structures with their charming arcades and courtyards.
As they explore the Presidio District, guests learn about the city’s origins as a Spanish colonial outpost and witness the fusion of historic and contemporary design that makes Santa Barbara such an architectural gem.
Indulge in Local Cocktails
On the tour, guests indulge in carefully crafted cocktails that showcase the vibrant flavors and rich history of Santa Barbara. They sip on unique libations at three carefully selected local establishments, each with its own distinct ambiance and mixology expertise.
At the first stop, guests may enjoy a refreshing gin-based libation highlighting locally-sourced botanicals. The next watering hole offers a brandy-forward concoction inspired by the region’s Spanish colonial heritage.
To conclude, the group visits a speakeasy-style bar known for its innovative takes on classic cocktails, such as an old-fashioned made with locally-distilled whiskey.
These cocktail tastings are seamlessly woven into the walking tour, providing an immersive experience blending Santa Barbara’s past and present.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The dress code for the tour is casual and comfortable. Participants are encouraged to wear walking shoes and light, weather-appropriate clothing that allows them to move freely and explore the sights and sounds of the city with ease.
Are There Any Special Dietary Accommodations Available?
There are no specific dietary accommodations mentioned for this tour. However, the tour offers an à la carte option where guests can choose their own food and drink options at each destination, allowing them to accommodate any dietary needs or preferences.
Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages?
No, bringing your own alcoholic beverages is not allowed on this tour. The experience is designed to visit local craft cocktail bars, restaurants, and breweries, where guests can sample the establishments’ specialty drinks and bites during the guided historical exploration.
Is There Parking Available Near the Starting Point?
The tour starting point does not have dedicated parking, but there are several public parking garages and lots within a short walking distance. Guests should allow extra time to find and pay for parking before the tour begins.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?
The cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours in advance of the tour. This provides flexibility for guests and ensures they can cancel without penalty if their plans change unexpectedly.
Recap
Set out on a captivating journey through Santa Barbara’s past and present on this 3-hour Cocktail and History Walking Tour.
Explore the city’s iconic landmarks, uncover its rich architectural heritage, and indulge in unique craft cocktails at local bars, all while enjoying the company of a knowledgeable guide.
This small-group adventure offers an unforgettable experience, blending the charm of Santa Barbara with the perfect balance of history and libations.
