Santa Barbara Scenic Walking Tour: The Ultimate Guide to Iconic Landmarks
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About the Tour
About the Tour
Is Santa Barbara really California’s take on the French Riviera? There’s only one way to find out — by exploring it on foot. With its Mediterranean climate, breezy coastal lifestyle, and a history as captivating as its scenery, this seaside city has long been a magnet for Hollywood icons, musicians, and dreamers of every kind. On this walking tour, you’ll wander through the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, uncovering legendary landmarks, storied hotels, and architectural gems that define the city’s unmistakable charm.
We begin at the edge of Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden and Alameda Park, where Santa Barbara’s earliest chapters come into view. You’ll hear about the Chumash people who lived here more than 9,000 years ago, and the seismic shift — literally and figuratively — that followed the arrival of Spanish explorers Juan Cabrillo and Sebastián Vizcaíno in the 1500s.
As we make our way down State Street toward Stearns Wharf, you’ll learn how the devastating 1925 earthquake reshaped the city, and how a group of visionary activists fought to preserve the beauty and character that still define Santa Barbara today.
Along this 90‑minute journey, you’ll be able to:
- Hear the story behind the 150‑year‑old Moreton Bay Fig Tree
- Stand where Sebastián Vizcaíno first made landfall
- Explore El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, one of the city’s most important historical sites
- Get a taste of the Urban Wine Trail, home to more than 20 wineries
- Breathe in the ocean air along West Beach
- Learn how John Peck Stearns’ bold vision transformed a quiet settlement into a thriving coastal hub
- Discover how the Funk Zone earned its name — and its attitude
- Peek into Santa Barbara’s Prohibition‑era hotspots, where the party never really stopped
- Admire downtown icons like Hotel Californian, Lobero Theatre, Hotel Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art
- See the Covarrubias Adobe, one of the city’s oldest surviving structures, beside the Santa Barbara Historical Museum
Every city has a soul — and Santa Barbara’s is sun‑drenched, storied, and endlessly enchanting. Join us as we bring its past to life and reveal the magic woven into every block.
Your seaside adventure awaits.
Tour Producer
Tour Producer
TourFreely
TourFreely: Discover More. Wander Freely
TourFreely was founded by Southern California natives Mindy and Jerry Flanagan. As a GPS‑guided tour company, TourFreely transforms local history and culture into immersive storytelling adventures. With nine curated SoCal tours—spanning both walking and driving experiences—they offer travelers a dynamic way to explore the region. From sun‑drenched vineyards to storied city streets, TourFreely invites curious explorers to discover the vibrant spirit and natural beauty of Southern California.
At our core, we’re fueled by freedom, curiosity, and connection. We want locals to fall in love with their hometowns all over again—and visitors to feel like insiders the moment they hit play. Our tours are flexible, affordable, and delightfully stress‑free: no crowds, no schedules, just you - exploring at your own pace.
TourFreely’s growing catalog includes:
• Six immersive walking tours: La Jolla, Carlsbad, Beverly Hills/Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip, UC San Diego, and Santa Barbara
• Three unforgettable driving tours: San Diego, Temecula Wine Country, and Santa Barbara Wine Country/Sideways Wine Trail
And for even more adventure, we’ve joined forces with Adventure Inc. and created three self‑guided Orange County drives, complete with their signature jeeps, e‑bikes, and open‑air mokes.
Whether you’re strolling Hollywood’s storied sidewalks or cruising past rolling vineyards, TourFreely invites you to slow down, stay curious, and see Southern California through a new lens—your own.
Preview Location
Preview Location
Location 9
Library and Courthouse
On your right is the Santa Barbara Public library and across Anacapa Street is the County Courthouse.
In 1870, Miss Sara Plummer founded the city's first library on State Street but after many moves, it became clear in 1914 that the libra... Read More
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Major Landmarks
Major Landmarks
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Alameda Park
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Trinity Episcopal Church
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Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church
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The Arlington Theatre (Metropolitan Theatres)
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The Granada Theatre
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Santa Barbara Museum Of Art
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Superior Court Of California County Of Santa Barbara
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Lobero Theatre
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El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park
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Casa Covarrubias
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Hill Carrillo Adobe
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Santa Barbara Historical Museum
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De La Guerra Plaza
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Hotel Santa Barbara
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The Funk Zone
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Urban Wine Trail Santa Barbara
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Amtrak Station
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Moreton Bay Fig Tree
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Hotel Californian
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Burton Mound State Historical Landmark
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chumach story circle
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first peoples monument santa barbara
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West Beach
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Stearns Wharf
Getting There
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start location1500 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA
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Total distance5km
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Final location217 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA
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Distance back to start location2km
Directions to Starting Point
Our tour begins at the intersection of East Micheltorena Street and Santa Barbara Street where two city parks border three corners and an apartment complex sits on the 4th corner. Stand on the corner where two low, concrete pillars sit on either side of an asphalt walkway that takes visitors into the middle of the park. As you look at the apartment across the street, you will start the tour by turning left to walk on the sidewalk bordering the park.
Public parking can be difficult to find.Try Garden Street a block away behind you. Paid parking is available in the city lot on Anacapa Street between Anapamu and Victoria Streets.
The tour starts at Alameda Park and ends at the bottom of State Street/Stearns Wharf. You can walk back, Uber|Lyft back or get a glass of wine at the Funk Zone and figure it out later!
One last thing! There are restrooms and a hydration station at the starting point in Alameda Park.
Show Directions
Tips
Tips
Places to stop along the way
Tour freely - Feel free to stop along the way to appreciate the history, the food and the architecture and you can always pick the tour back up when you are ready to start again. Consider restaurants where the locals eat like Joe's Cafe, Finneys, Eureka or the Drunken Crab.
Best time of day
Ideally, it is best to start before 10:30am, especially on the weekends. Sunny days are best, but most days are very temperate even during the summer. Wear sunscreen and your comfy sneakers! Parking will be easier, the earlier you start.
Precautions
Enjoy the tour – the center of downtown Santa Barbara's nightlife and shopping district on State Street between Sola and Gutierrez Streets, has been renovated into a vast 10-block pedestrian promenade. Now that there is no vehicular traffic on State Street in this section, you may stroll, browse, shop, sip, and eat while taking in the architectural splendor, views, and sounds of the area. The sidewalk can be quite narrow on lower State Street so be vigilant by watching for traffic, bikes, pedestrians and scooters. By accessing our GPS tour, you are agreeing to release all liability. Tour at your own risk.
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Questions and Reviews
Questions and Reviews
