Santa Barbara Downtown Cocktails and History Walking Tour

Lively cocktails and captivating tales await as you embark on a historic journey through Santa Barbara's enchanting downtown, uncovering its vibrant past one sip at a time.

Exploring the vibrant streets of Santa Barbara on a cocktails and history walking tour sounds like an engaging way to discover the city’s rich heritage. We’ll immerse ourselves in the local culture, visit historic sites, and sample craft beverages – a unique blend of culinary adventure and insightful storytelling. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour promises a personalized experience that delves into the city’s Prohibition-era secrets and contemporary drinking scene. It’s an opportunity to uncover Santa Barbara’s hidden gems, so let’s dive in and see what awaits.

Key Points

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  • Small-group walking tour led by a professional local guide in Santa Barbara, focusing on the city’s historical attractions and cocktail culture.
  • Highlights include visiting a Prohibition-era speakeasy, touring a local brewery, tasting olive oil, and receiving personalized food and drink recommendations.
  • Operates daily at 2:30 PM and is suitable for guests aged 21 and over.
  • Provides a flexible, immersive experience with opportunities to ask questions and explore at one’s own pace.
  • Tour is not wheelchair accessible and requires moderate walking, with an option available for non-drinkers.

Tour Overview

The Santa Barbara Downtown Cocktails and History Walking Tour is a 14-review, 100% recommended small-group experience that covers approximately 1 mile of leisurely walking.

Operated by Totally Cali Tours of Santa Barbara LLC, this tour offers an intimate exploration of the city’s top attractions and off-the-beaten-path eateries, led by a professional local guide.

Guests can expect stops at three historical cocktail bars for drinks, as well as opportunities to ask questions and receive personalized attention.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and is for 21+ only, with a starting time of 2:30 PM.

Highlights of the Walking Tour

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One of the highlights of the Santa Barbara Downtown Cocktails and History Walking Tour is the insightful commentary from the guide on the city’s rich history and vibrant culinary culture.

Along the way, we’ll:

  • Enjoy special attention from bar owners, including a backroom tour at Night Lizard Brewery
  • Receive personalized recommendations for food and drink options throughout the tour
  • Experience unique activities like olive oil tasting for non-drinkers
  • Appreciate the flexibility of the tour, even for private groups, as we ask questions and explore at our own pace.

Cocktail Bars and Historical Attractions

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As we embark on the tour, we’ll visit three historical cocktail bars in Santa Barbara, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s past.

First, we’ll stop at Casa Blanca, a Prohibition-era speakeasy hidden behind a false wall.

Next, we’ll explore the iconic El Paseo, where we’ll learn about its origins as a 19th-century mercantile district.

Finally, we’ll visit Night Lizard Brewery, where the owner will give us a private tour of the backroom.

Along the way, we’ll encounter stunning historical buildings and enjoy personalized recommendations for food and drinks that capture Santa Barbara’s culinary culture.

Personalized Attention From the Guide

Throughout the tour, we’ll receive personalized attention from our knowledgeable guide, Melissa.

She’ll offer:

  • Insightful commentary on Santa Barbara’s history and culture
  • Special access to local establishments, like a backroom tour at Night Lizard Brewery
  • Tailored food and drink recommendations to suit our tastes
  • Flexibility to address our questions and adapt the experience as needed

Melissa’s expertise and genuine enthusiasm will ensure we’ve a unique and memorable journey, immersing us in the vibrant history and flavors of this coastal city.

Accessibility and Age Restrictions

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and it’s limited to guests aged 21 and over. This ensures the experience is tailored to the preferences and needs of the adult audience.

Accessibility Age Restrictions
Not wheelchair accessible 21+ only
Requires moderate walking Alcohol served at bars
Navigable for most guests Minimum drinking age enforced
Option for non-drinkers available Strictly no minors allowed

While the tour may not be suitable for everyone, it provides a unique and immersive exploration of Santa Barbara’s vibrant cocktail and historical culture, catering to the interests of the adult adventurer.

Meeting and End Points

The meeting point for the Santa Barbara Cocktails and History Tour is Casa de la Guerra, located at 15 E De La Guerra St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

From there, you’ll embark on a leisurely 1-mile walking tour that culminates at 833 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

Along the way, you can expect:

  • Insightful commentary on the city’s history and culinary culture from your professional local guide
  • Stops at three historical cocktail bars for drinks (cost not included)
  • Personalized attention and the opportunity to ask questions
  • Recommendations for food and drink options throughout the tour

Guest Reviews and Ratings

Based on the 14 reviews, guests have overwhelmingly praised the Santa Barbara Cocktails and History Tour, giving it an impressive 4.9 overall rating. Guests repeatedly highlighted the guide Melissa’s knowledge and friendliness, as well as the enjoyable mix of history and cocktails with great food recommendations. The tour’s flexibility, even for private groups, was also appreciated. The highlights included local spots, historical buildings, and spectacular views while avoiding tourist traps.

Positive Feedback Negative Feedback
Knowledgeable Guide None Reported
Great Cocktail Mix N/A
Excellent Food Recs N/A
Flexible for Groups N/A
Avoided Tourist Traps N/A

Booking and Pricing Information

Though the Santa Barbara Cocktails and History Tour starts at $85 per person, we offer a lowest price guarantee.

Booking is easy, with availability shown on our website. The tour lasts about 1 mile of leisurely walking, running approximately 2.5 hours.

Key things to know:

  • Meeting point is at Casa de la Guerra, ending at 833 State St.
  • Tour runs daily at 2:30 PM.
  • Only for guests 21 and over.
  • Not wheelchair accessible.

With our small group size of 12, you’ll enjoy personalized attention from your local guide.

Come explore Santa Barbara’s history and cocktail culture with us!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children or Families?

We wouldn’t recommend this tour for children or families. It’s an adults-only experience focusing on historical cocktail bars, so the content and atmosphere wouldn’t be suitable for younger participants. There are likely better options for family-friendly tours in the area.

Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Preferences?

We’ll do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences on the tour. Just let the guide know ahead of time, and they’ll work with the participating venues to ensure you have an enjoyable experience.

What Is the Refund Policy if the Tour Is Canceled or Rescheduled?

If the tour is canceled or rescheduled, we offer a full refund. Just let us know, and we’ll process the refund promptly. We want to ensure you have a great experience, even if plans change.

Does the Tour Include Any Discounts or Promotions for Locals or Repeat Visitors?

Unfortunately, the tour details do not mention any discounts or promotions for locals or repeat visitors. The price appears to be a flat rate of $85 per person, with a lowest price guarantee, regardless of residency or prior participation.

How Does the Tour Maintain COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Precautions?

We prioritize the health and safety of our guests. The tour follows all current COVID-19 protocols, including mask requirements, social distancing, and limited group sizes. We’ll provide updates on any changes to these precautions prior to your tour.

The Sum Up

The Santa Barbara Downtown Cocktails and History Walking Tour offers a distinctive blend of culinary adventure and historical insight. Led by the knowledgeable guide Melissa, we’ll discover the city’s rich heritage, including visits to a Prohibition-era speakeasy and the charming El Paseo district. With engaging commentary and exclusive access to local bars, we’re sure to have a memorable experience, making it a must-do for visitors aged 21 and over.