Cycling beneath the tall palm trees of Santa Barbara’s laidback waterfront is one of the best things to do in the city. Here are the best three bike tours.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Santa Barbara, the Californian coastal city with a Mediterranean style and an upscale vibe is a great place to appreciate the great outdoors and the favorable climate. Bike tours allow you to travel further and follow trails that aren’t accessible to motor vehicles. These guided trips combine light exercise with local expertise, unlocking the best views and experiences in Santa Barbara along the way.
Santa Barbara electric bike city and sand tour
Get to know Santa Barbara city on this 2.5-hour tour. You’ll start out nice and easy along the Cabrillo bike path, sandwiched between rows of characterful tall palms and the Pacific Ocean. Get a feel for the electric bike, as it takes most of the strain out of your riding. Then head into the city’s arty neighborhoods and along State Street Promenade, which is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. The final stretch of the tour leads you back towards the ocean, past the harbor and along the boardwalk. From $95 per person.
Santa Barbara: mountains to shore bike tour
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Are you looking for a longer bike tour in Santa Barbara? This five-hour excursion starts with a van-ride up a peak in the Santa Ynez Mountains. From here you’ll swap four wheels for two, with a bicycle (gloves and a helmet are also provided), before letting gravity do a lot of the hard work as you cycle the mountain roads all the way to the downtown area of Santa Barbara. Your guide will lead you to the top local landmarks, such as the Mission, along the way. A lunch break is also included. From $155 per person.
Santa Barbara Wine Country bike tour
Another great way to experience the surroundings of Santa Barbara is to head into the Santa Ynez Valley, where the local wine scene is thriving. Reach this rolling, rural landscape in the transport provided, then continue on by bike, passing vineyards and wineries and verdant countryside. And no tour of wine country would be complete without a few stops along the way for tastings and snacks. In total you’ll visit two wineries and also receive return transportation to your Santa Barbara hotel. The tour costs $25 less for non-drinkers. From $189 per person.