Santa Barbara: City Highlights Bike Tour

Exploring Santa Barbara by bike is a delightful way to experience the city’s coastal charms. The Santa Barbara: City Highlights Bike Tour offers a 2-hour adventure through the city’s scenic attractions, guided by knowledgeable locals who share insights along the way. With a choice of bikes and customizable stops, this tour promises an engaging and picturesque journey for visitors seeking to enjoy the vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty of this California gem.

This experience made our article of The Top 5 Santa Barbara City Tours.

Key Points

• The tour lasts 2 hours and covers the city’s highlights, including East Beach, Butterfly Beach, Stearns Wharf, and the Funk Zone.
• The cost is €68.70 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour starts with a 15-minute safety briefing at Cal Coast Adventures.
• Participants can choose from 7-speed beach cruiser or hybrid-style bikes with 21 gears.
• The tour operates 7 days a week from 9 AM to 5 PM, and closed-toe shoes are recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Santa Barbara: City Highlights Bike Tour is a 2-hour adventure that allows visitors to explore the city’s picturesque sights for €68.70 per person.

Set out on a 2-hour bike tour through Santa Barbara’s picturesque sights for €68.70 per person.

Guests can reserve the tour and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour starts at Cal Coast Adventures, where participants receive a 15-minute safety briefing before setting off to explore destinations like East Beach, Butterfly Beach, Stearns Wharf, and the Funk Zone.

Along the way, knowledgeable guides provide insights into Santa Barbara’s rich history and culture, ensuring a well-rounded and flexible experience.

Itinerary

Starting at Cal Coast Adventures, the tour begins with a 15-minute safety briefing before exploring the city’s highlights.

Riders will spend 10 minutes at East Beach, 10 minutes at Butterfly Beach, and 15 minutes at Stearns Wharf.

Next, they’ll visit West Beach for 5 minutes, the Santa Barbara Harbor for 10 minutes, and the Downtown area for 15 minutes.

The final stop is the Funk Zone District, where they’ll spend 15 minutes.

Throughout the 2-hour tour, you will enjoy scenic views and guided information about Santa Barbara’s rich history and culture.

Tour Highlights

Visitors on the Santa Barbara: City Highlights Bike Tour can look forward to a leisurely, intermediate-paced exploration of the city’s top attractions.

The tour allows for flexibility to customize destinations, giving participants the opportunity to discover hidden gems in the Funk Zone District and along the waterfront.

Tour guides provide insight into the rich history and culture of Santa Barbara, enhancing the experience.

Key highlights include:

• Scenic coastal views

• Exploration of the charming Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor

• Immersion in the vibrant downtown and Funk Zone areas

• In-depth commentary from knowledgeable local guides

Biking Experience

Participants on the Santa Barbara: City Highlights Bike Tour have the option to choose between 7-speed beach cruiser or hybrid-style (non-electric) bikes with 21 gears. Helmets are provided, and all riders under 18 must wear them.

The tour is suitable only for those who already know how to ride a bike, as no lessons are offered. Individuals with mobility impairments, those unable to ride a bike, and those over 287 lbs (130 kg) aren’t eligible for this tour.

The bikes are well-maintained and equipped for the scenic, intermediate-paced exploration of Santa Barbara’s highlights.

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Meeting Point and Additional Information

The meeting point for the Santa Barbara: City Highlights Bike Tour is 736 Carpinteria Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103.

The Santa Barbara: City Highlights Bike Tour meets at 736 Carpinteria Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103.

The tour operates 7 days a week from 9 AM to 5 PM. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and bring any personal water they may need.

Alcohol and drugs are prohibited during the tour.

Additional services include:

• Water provided

• No pickup or drop-off services

• Food and gratuities not included

East Beach

The tour kicks off at East Beach, where cyclists get to take in the scenic waterfront and enjoy a leisurely 10-minute stop.

Riders can admire the expansive ocean vistas, watch the waves crash against the shore, and spot pelicans soaring overhead. This picturesque stretch of coastline offers a tranquil start to the adventure.

The guide provides historical insights about the development of Santa Barbara’s beachfront, highlighting the city’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty.

After the stop, the group continues along the bike path, pedaling towards the next destination on the itinerary.

Santa Barbara Harbor

Leaving the beauty of Butterfly Beach behind, the tour now arrives at the bustling Santa Barbara Harbor.

Cyclists take a 10-minute stop to explore this lively waterfront area. Key highlights include:

• Observing the array of boats, yachts, and fishing vessels moored in the harbor

• Strolling along the scenic boardwalk and taking in views of the Pacific Ocean

• Visiting the harbor’s shops, galleries, and restaurants featuring fresh seafood and local cuisine

• Learning about the harbor’s role in the city’s maritime history and commercial fishing industry

The group then pedals onward to the vibrant downtown district.

The Funk Zone

Departing the bustling harbor, cyclists pedal into the vibrant Funk Zone district.

This eclectic neighborhood showcases Santa Barbara’s creative spirit. Galleries, boutiques, and hip eateries line the streets, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s artistry.

Tour guides share insights into the area’s transformation from a former industrial zone to a thriving hub of innovation. Riders can browse the locally-sourced wares, sip craft cocktails, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere.

Tour guides provide insights into the Funk Zone’s transition from industrial to a thriving hub of innovation. Visitors can browse, sip, and soak in the lively atmosphere.

With its mix of urban charm and coastal vibes, the Funk Zone captivates visitors seeking an authentic Santa Barbara experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Bike Instead?

While participants are welcome to use their own bikes, the tour company provides well-maintained bikes that are best suited for the tour’s needs. Bringing your own bike is not recommended as the tour guides can’t guarantee its suitability or safety.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is generally suitable for children over the age of 8 who can ride a bike. However, all riders under 18 must wear a helmet. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any age or height restrictions.

Are There Any Photo Opportunities During the Tour?

The tour provides plenty of scenic photo opportunities along the route, including the famous East Beach, Butterfly Beach, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Harbor, and the vibrant Funk Zone district. Riders can capture the city’s natural beauty and landmarks.

What if I Need to Stop for a Bathroom Break?

The tour allows for bathroom breaks as needed. Participants can notify the guide, who will accommodate stops along the route or at designated restroom facilities during the tour.

Can I Rent a Helmet if I Don’t Have One?

Yes, helmets are provided for all riders. If you don’t have your own, you can rent one from the tour operator. All riders under 18 must wear a helmet for safety reasons.

The Sum Up

The Santa Barbara: City Highlights Bike Tour offers a delightful 2-hour exploration of the city’s scenic attractions. Priced at €68.70 per person, the tour features knowledgeable local guides, comfortable bikes, and customizable stops in vibrant areas. Participants can soak in stunning coastal views while discovering the city’s highlights, including East Beach, Butterfly Beach, and Stearns Wharf.

You can check availability for your dates here: