11 Must-Try Food Tours In Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara’s culinary scene shines brighter than its famous sunsets. Its mix of coastal charm, historic architecture, and innovative eateries makes it an ideal destination for food lovers eager to explore authentic flavors. This city offers more than just good eats—each tour provides a chance to learn about local culture, sample regional wines, and enjoy scenic strolls through neighborhoods filled with art and history.

In this guide, you’ll find a carefully curated list of the 11 best food tours in Santa Barbara. Whether you’re after a half-day walking adventure through downtown, a photography-focused tour of the Funk Zone, or a full exploration of Solvang’s Danish treats, each experience offers a unique way to taste and see the city. We’ve included practical details, reviews, and what makes each tour stand out, helping you choose the perfect match for your interests and schedule.

Quick Overview

This list covers a variety of Santa Barbara food tours, from walking experiences in the lively downtown to artsy neighborhood explorations like the Funk Zone, and even a trip to the Danish-inspired town of Solvang. Notable options include The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour, which combines food, wine, and city sights, and the Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food and Photo Tour, perfect for lovers of street art and photography. For those wanting a deeper dive into local history combined with tasting, the Historic Santa Barbara Food Tasting Tour offers a leisurely exploration with insider stories. If a more upscale experience appeals, the Taste Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food & Drinks Walking Tour or the Funk Zone Wine & Food Tour provide curated tastings paired with excellent wines and craft drinks.

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

Starting at $175 per person, this 3 to 4-hour tour offers a lively trip through the heart of Santa Barbara. It’s well-loved for its combination of local food, up to two wine tastings, and city sights. The tour begins at a central meeting point, making it easy to access, and you’ll visit 5 to 6 eateries, sampling regional delicacies along the way. Highlights include visiting the historic El Paseo Building, where local wineries pour 3-4 wines in a courtyard that dates back to the 1920s, and passing by the Arlington Theatre with its long-standing place in Santa Barbara’s cultural scene. The tour also features photo stops next to iconic landmarks, making it a great way to combine culinary delights with sightseeing.

What makes this tour standout is the mix of food, wine, and history presented by a knowledgeable guide. Guests rave about Kirk’s storytelling, blending fun facts with personal anecdotes. The price reflects the quality of tastings, including wine and shared grazing boxes, making it an excellent value for a half-day experience. This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Santa Barbara’s culinary culture and cityscape in one engaging walk.

Bottom line: Perfect for those who enjoy an active walk combined with diverse tastings, and an insider’s look at Santa Barbara’s historic sights.

2. Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food and Photo Tour

For $170, this 3-hour tour combines culinary sampling with photo tips in Santa Barbara’s trendy Funk Zone. The neighborhood, once warehouses and scuba shops, now buzzes with art galleries, wine tasting rooms, and hip eateries. You’ll start at a microbrewery, sampling craft beers and local snacks, then move to wineries and a distillery, tasting a variety of drinks. What sets this tour apart is its focus on photography, where an expert guide shares tips on capturing food and street art using your smartphone or camera.

Limited to 8 guests, the tour offers a personalized experience and plenty of opportunities for photo practice. Reviewers love Nadia’s enthusiasm and her knack for making everyone feel comfortable while learning how to take better food photos. The mix of food, drinks, and art makes it ideal for travelers interested in the local scene’s visual and culinary elements.

Bottom line: A fun, small-group outing perfect for foodies and photographers who want a creative taste of Santa Barbara’s artsy side.

3. Solvang Food and Photo Tour

At $170, this 3 to 4-hour tour takes you to the Danish-inspired town of Solvang, known for its windmills and bakeries. The small group walks through the charming streets, sampling traditional Danish treats while your guide shares stories about the town’s heritage. The tour also offers photo guidance, so you can snap pictures of landmarks like the Solvang Festival Theater and the windmills, while tasting local favorites like Danish pastries, chocolates, and sandwiches.

Guests appreciate Cameron’s humor and knowledge, with many noting how the tour helps navigate the town’s many shops and eateries. It’s excellent for first-timers or those wanting a relaxed, cultural experience with delicious samples and scenic photo opportunities.

Bottom line: Ideal for lovers of European charm and traditional treats, especially if you want a leisurely pace with plenty of photo stops.

4. Historic Santa Barbara Food Tasting Tour

Priced at $125 per person, this 3.5-hour tour combines culinary experiences with a walk through Santa Barbara’s historic sites. You’ll visit six tasting stops, including wineries, a market, and boutique shops, sampling locally made wines, chocolates, and cheeses. The tour also explores landmarks like the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Arlington Theatre, blending food with local architecture and history.

Tour guide Sandy’s extensive knowledge makes it a favorite for those interested in local history and gourmet food. Reviewers highlight her extra effort in answering questions and making the experience memorable. The variety of tastings and insider stories make this a great value, especially if you’re keen on a relaxed, informative exploration.

Bottom line: Perfect for history buffs who want to pair cultural stories with delicious tastings.

5. Taste Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food & Drinks Walking Tour

At $235, this 3-hour tour offers an upscale experience with visits to elite wine bars, gourmet eateries, and trendy spots in the Funk Zone. Starting at Margerum Winery, you’ll enjoy a curated wine flight, then taste specialty tacos, sushi, and craft pizza at carefully selected venues. The tour culminates at Oku restaurant with a sushi and wine pairing set against waterfront views.

Guests consistently praise the quality of the tastings and the insider access to local eateries. The tour’s higher price reflects its focus on premium wines and exclusive food pairings, making it a worthwhile splurge for discerning palates.

Bottom line: Best suited for travelers seeking an exclusive, high-quality food and wine experience in Santa Barbara’s trendiest neighborhood.

6. Santa Barbara: Funk Zone Food & Photo Tour

For $160, this 3-hour experience combines food tasting, street art discovery, and photo tips in the Funk Zone. It features bites from six locations, with a focus on capturing the neighborhood’s colorful murals and galleries. An experienced guide will teach you how to take appealing food photos, making this a hit for those wanting both culinary and visual memories.

With only 7 reviews, it’s a newer tour but gets high marks for fun, informative guides. It’s ideal for travelers who want a dynamic blend of tastes and art, with the bonus of improving their photography skills.

Bottom line: A lively, small-group tour for art and food lovers eager to take home memorable photos.

7. Best of Santa Barbara Food and Drinks Tour

At $245, this 3-hour tour covers wine, beer, gin, sushi, tacos, and craft pizza in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. It’s a comprehensive sampling experience, with visits to local eateries and watering holes. The tour emphasizes special dishes not available elsewhere and includes photo opportunities with eatery owners and bar owners.

Participants rave about the food diversity and fun atmosphere, making it a great choice for those who want a full flavor of Santa Barbara’s modern food scene. The inclusion of local gifts adds value for those looking for souvenirs.

Bottom line: Perfect for those who want an all-in-one tour combining food, drinks, and memorable interactions.

8. Historical Walking Food & Wine Funk Zone Santa Barbara Tour

This 3-hour tour, costing $245 per person, uniquely combines culinary and wine tasting experiences. Starting at 19 E Mason St, you’ll sample three wines and a beer flight while exploring artisanal wineries and local shops. The tour ends at Margerum Winery with a specialty pizza. Gift cards are included to use at 16 local businesses.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on Santa Barbara’s artisanal wine culture and shopping opportunities. Reviewers note the knowledgeable guides and the chance to try local wines in a relaxed setting.

Bottom line: Ideal for wine enthusiasts who also want to explore local shopping and food.

9. Food Tasting Experience and Guided Walking Tour in Santa Barbara

This $99 tour is the shortest on our list, lasting about 2 hours. It’s designed for food lovers who want a quick, flavorful taste of Santa Barbara’s historic Theatre District. Starting at Arlington Plaza, you’ll sample French pastries from Renaud’s, and hear stories about local landmarks. The tour includes small bites and cultural insights, making it a compact but satisfying experience.

Rated 4.5/5, many reviewers praise the storytelling and the chance to try authentic French pastries. It’s a good choice if you prefer a shorter, focused experience.

Bottom line: Best suited for those on a tight schedule but still wanting a taste of Santa Barbara’s culinary and architectural scene.

10. Downtown Santa Barbara Food and Drinks Tour

At $245, this 3-hour tour offers a comprehensive city experience. It combines wine tastings, beer flights, gin and vodka tastings, and local restaurant stops for sushi, tacos, fish, and pizza. The tour provides scenic photo opportunities and the chance to meet legendary eatery owners. It’s highly rated for its variety and lively atmosphere.

Guests comment on the quality of the food and drinks and the knowledgeable guides. If you’re after a full day of sampling Santa Barbara’s culinary diversity, this tour is a strong contender.

Bottom line: Suitable for those who want a full day’s experience with multiple drinks and food stops in Santa Barbara’s bustling downtown.

11. Funk Zone Wine & Food Tour

This 4.5-hour tour priced at $245 per person is an expanded version of the Funk Zone experience, focusing on artisanal wineries, local food, and craft drinks. The itinerary includes two full wine tastings, a beer flight, and sushi, tacos, and pizza stops. The tour concludes at Margerum Winery with a special wine flight and local pizza.

Rated 5/5, reviewers highlight the comprehensive nature and the quality of tastings. It’s great for travelers wanting a longer, in-depth experience of Santa Barbara’s food and wine scene.

Bottom line: Best suited for those who want a luxurious, extended tasting of Santa Barbara’s top eateries and wineries.

How to Choose the Right Food Tour

When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time available, and interests. For a full city experience with history and food, the Historic Santa Barbara Food Tasting Tour offers a relaxed, insider’s view. If your focus is art and photography, the Funk Zone Food and Photo Tour provides both delicious bites and visual inspiration. For wine lovers wanting an extended tasting, the Funk Zone Wine & Food Tour is hard to beat.

Book early, especially for tours with limited spots like the Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food and Photo Tour or the Taste Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food & Drinks Walking Tour, to avoid missing out during peak seasons.

Final Thoughts

Santa Barbara’s food scene offers many ways to indulge, learn, and explore. Whether you opt for a guided walk through downtown, an art-inspired photo tour, or a wine-focused adventure in the Funk Zone, each experience provides a taste of the city’s culinary charm. For those after a comprehensive day, the Funk Zone Wine & Food Tour or the Best of Santa Barbara Food and Drinks Tour are excellent choices.

Travelers who prefer shorter, focused experiences might enjoy the Food Tasting Experience and Guided Walking Tour or the Historic Santa Barbara Food Tasting Tour. Whatever your style, booking early will ensure you secure your spot in these popular tours. Get ready to savor Santa Barbara’s flavors and make memories that last long after your trip ends.