Santa Barbara Food Tour FAQ
Got questions? We’ve got answers. Here’s everything you might want to know and not know before, during, or after your Taste Santa Barbara Food Tour experience.
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS, FOOD ALLERGIES, FOOD AVERSIONS
We do our best to accommodate food allergies and dietary preferences—**but we need to know in advance**. If we’re not aware before the tour, we may be unable to adjust on the fly.
That said, please understand that none of our tasting partners operate in fully allergen-free kitchens, and there’s always a chance of cross-contamination.
If you have a severe allergy (or even a mild one you’re concerned about), we recommend emailing, calling, or texting us before you book. We’re happy to walk you through the planned stops and help you decide if the tour is a good fit!
That said, please understand that none of our tasting partners operate in fully allergen-free kitchens, and there’s always a chance of cross-contamination.
If you have a severe allergy (or even a mild one you’re concerned about), we recommend emailing, calling, or texting us before you book. We’re happy to walk you through the planned stops and help you decide if the tour is a good fit!
How long are the tours?
The Original Downtown Tour and the Taco Tour typically last about 3.5 hours from start to finish.
We cover roughly 2 miles on foot, with plenty of stops to sit, sip, nosh, and soak in the sights.
The exact timing can vary a bit depending on the group size, walking pace, and how many stories your guide tells (spoiler: it’s a lot—but the good kind). It’s 3.5 wonderful hours—just enough to enjoy the flavors, history, and charm of Santa Barbara without feeling rushed.
The Mini Tour and History Tours are a shorter experience—about 2 hours.
Private and customized tours can vary, usually running between 2–4 hours depending on your preferences.
Accessibility & Comfort
You don’t need to be an athlete—but you do need to be able to walk and stand comfortablyfor a few hours.
If you move at a slower pace or have mobility or health concerns, we highly recommend booking a Private Tour. That way, we can customize the route, pace, and stops to suit your comfort and needs.
Let's talk weather
The tours must go on! But—if rain really gets in the way, we’ll check in with you.
If Santa Barbara isn’t under a storm warning or major weather alert, we roll with the motto: “Rain schmain.” 🌧
That means:
• Dress for the weather—rain boots, umbrellas, ponchos (cute or not, no judgment).
• We don’t provide gear, so come prepared.
On hot days, wear what keeps you cool and don’t forget sunscreen.
On cooler days, bring layers—SB loves to change moods.
I eat a lot, are you sure there will be enough food?
Most guests leave pleasantly full, not overly stuffed—which is exactly what we aim for. You’ll enjoy several generous tastings across multiple stops, but we also want you to have room for when dinner rolls around.
If you’re an early riser, we do recommend having a light snack or small breakfast before the tour. A little something in your system helps keep blood sugar happy and vibes high—especially during those first steps between tastings!
🍷 Are beverages included on the tour?
It depends on the tour and ticket type!
Mini Downtown Tour
• Alcohol ticket: Includes 1 alcoholic beverage
• Non-alcohol ticket: No alcohol included
Original Downtown Tour
• Alcohol ticket: Includes a wine tasting and/or an additional alcoholic beverage
• Non-alcohol ticket: No alcohol included
Taco Tour
• Alcohol ticket: Includes 2 alcoholic beverages, depending on the day and stops
• Non-alcohol ticket: No alcohol, but non-alcoholic alternatives are available
💧 Water is available at most stops upon request.
🚨 Don’t forget your ID if you look under 25—we play by the rules.
📍 Tastings and locations may vary slightly based on availability (but they’re always delicious).
👯 Who takes these tours?
Who doesn’t take these tours?
You’re signing up for 3.5-ish hours of fun, food, drinks, and cool Santa Barbara stories—but not too much history, we promise.
- More and more locals are joining our tours, too!
- Even if you know the area, this is your chance to:
- Try new bites at familiar spots
- Not have to think about ordering
- Learn behind-the-scenes stories about your favorite eateries• Get local-only recommendations for places to revisit anytime
Our tours are perfect for:
• Out-of-town guests
• Birthday celebrations
• Team building
• Girls’ weekends
• Or just treating yourself to a really good time
♿ What if I roll in a wheelchair or stroller?
Both wheelchairs and strollers can be accommodated.
We’ve had guests roll with us before—wheelchairs and strollers are welcome!
That said, some parts of Santa Barbara can be a little bumpy, so while it might not be the easiest terrain, it’s definitely doable.
Please let us know in advance if:
• Someone in your group uses a wheelchair, or
• You’ll be bringing a stroller
We’ll do our best to plan accordingly and make sure your tour is as smooth (and delicious) as possible.
Custom and Private Tours
💵 Do tour guides accept tips?
Heck yes!
Tips aren’t required, but they’re like the guac of gratitude—extra, appreciated, and always welcome.
Cash, Paypal, Venmo, Zelle, Jewels = happy guide.
🎟 Do I really have to purchase tickets in advance?
Yep! Tours often sell out, so we strongly recommend booking ahead to reserve your spot. You can purchase tickets online or by phone using Visa, Mastercard, or AmEx.
We also accept Venmo, Paypal and Zelle. Just reach out and we’ll set you up.
Guides take tips, not reservations. 😉
If you have a last-minute request or want to add a guest, feel free to email us or shoot us a message—we’ll do our best to help!
🎉 What if I love the tour so much—can I book a private group?
Heck yes, you can!
Whether you’re planning a birthday, bachelorette, team outing, family gathering, or just a really fun day with friends, we offer private and semi-custom tours tailored to your crew.
Just fill out this quick form or email us here, and we’ll get your party started!
👯 Minimum group sizes vary by tour, and reaching out in advance is ideal—especially for weekends.
If time is not on your side, don’t be shy—reach out anyway. We’ll do our best to make magic happen!
👜 Do I need to bring anything?
Just bring yourself and your appetite—we’ll handle the rest!
Feel free to bring:
• A bottle of water
• Cash (or Venmo) to tip your awesome guide
Optional but always a good idea: comfy shoes, sunblock, and a light layer—just in case Santa Barbara changes her mood.
Are kids allowed on tours?
Yes—kids are welcome, please keep in mind:
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Tours run 3–4 hours and cover about 3 miles of walking, so make sure your little ones are up for the adventure
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You know your kid best—if you think they’ll enjoy the tour, we’d love to have them along for the fun
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All children age 3 and up need their own ticket, since they’ll be included in the tastings
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Children under 2 can join for free if they’re not participating in the food tastings
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Please let us know when booking if you’ll be bringing any children so that we can plan accordingly
What should I wear?
We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and walking shoes—you’ll be strolling through Santa Barbara, tasting and exploring along the way. Layers are a good idea, too, since our coastal weather likes to keep things interesting.
Fashion tip: Stretchy waistbands are your friend. 😉
Can I bring my dog (or other animals)?
We love animals (we’re total dog and chicken people!), but pets are not allowed on our public tours since we visit food establishments.
The only exception is for certified service animals, per ADA guidelines. If you plan to bring one, please give us a heads up when booking so we can inform our partners and accommodate as best we can.
If a stop includes indoor dining, we ask that you remain outside with your animal whenever possible, out of respect for our restaurant partners and guests who may have allergies.
If you’re planning to bring a dog or have unique needs, we recommend booking a private tour—that way, we can tailor the experience just for you (and your furry companion)!
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME IN MY TRIP TO TAKE THE TOUR?
We recommend taking the tour early in your stay so you can revisit places you liked and to learn about other places you may want to visit.
DO TOURS COME IN OTHER LANGUAGES?
Currently, tours are in English, but soon they will be offered in Spanish as well.
Taste Santa Barbara
Get ready to feast on Santa Barbara deliciousness like true locals!