What to expect
This is far more than a meal. Over two and a half hours you wander the oldest, most storied blocks of downtown Santa Barbara with a local guide who knows every courtyard, every legend, and every taquero by name. You taste, you laugh, and you see the city the way residents do.
Between bites we duck into hidden gems most visitors walk straight past: a Spanish adobe courtyard, tucked away alleys, and the architecture that gives Santa Barbara its glow. Your guide brings the history to life with stories about the mission era, the fishermen, and the families who built this town.
And the food is genuinely award winning. We have handpicked five taquerias making some of the best tacos on the Central Coast, paired with chips, fresh salsa, and drinks along the way. Come hungry, come curious, and leave with new friends and a favourite taco spot of your own.
What's included
In every ticket
- Five award winning tacos from five handpicked taquerias
- Chips and fresh house salsa
- Three drinks: margaritas, beer or wine for guests 21+
- Non alcoholic options always available
- Vegetarian tacos with 24 hours notice
The full experience
- A friendly, knowledgeable local guide
- Downtown history, architecture and hidden gems
- All ages welcome, kids and dogs too
- Rain or shine, tours run seven days a week
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
How the tour flows
Five delicious stops across about 1.5 miles of easy, flat walking.
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Meet and greet
Gather at 321 Motor Way in front of Santa Barbara Roasting Company. Meet your guide, get the lay of the land, and set off into historic downtown.
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First taco and first stories
Your opening taqueria, plus the history of how downtown Santa Barbara came to be, told between bites.
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Hidden courtyards and a round of drinks
Wander through tucked away adobe courtyards and alleys, with your first margarita, beer or wine along the way.
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The taco crawl continues
More award winning tacos, chips and fresh salsa, and the architecture and legends that make this city special.
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Final stop and farewell
Wrap up with your last taco and drink, favourite local recommendations from your guide, and full bellies all round.
Where we meet
321 Motor Way, in front of Santa Barbara Roasting Company
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Arrive 15 minutes early. Look for your guide near the roasting company entrance.
- Lunch Tour 12:00 to 2:30. Bright, breezy and great for families.
- Sunset Tour 4:00 to 6:30. Golden hour light and an easy evening pace.
- Runs seven days a week. Rain or shine, all ages, dog friendly.
What guests say about this tour
Questions, answered
What is included on the tour?
Five award winning tacos plus chips, fresh salsa, and three drinks such as margaritas, beer or wine for guests 21 and older. Non alcoholic options are always available, and vegetarian tacos can be arranged with 24 hours notice.
Where does the tour start?
We meet at 321 Motor Way, in front of Santa Barbara Roasting Company, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Please arrive about 15 minutes early so we can start right on time.
How long is it and how far do we walk?
The tour runs about 2.5 hours with roughly 1.5 miles of easy, flat walking. There are five tasting stops along the way, so you are never walking for long.
Can kids and families come along?
Absolutely. This tour is all ages and family friendly. Guests under 21 have their own ticket and enjoy the tacos, chips, salsa and non alcoholic drinks. It is dog friendly too.
What is your cancellation policy?
You get a full refund with free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour. Tours run rain or shine, all year round.
Ready to eat like a local?
Small groups book up fast, especially at weekends. Reserve your spot online in a couple of taps.
Book this tour