Free Santa Barbara Walking Tours

Modeled after the tip-based European tours, Free Walking Tour Santa Barbara has been offering their award winning tours to locals and tourists alike since 2017.  Choose the 90-minute Funk Zone Tour and you’ll explore the history of this former industrial part of town, which has transformed into SB’s most vibrant wine tasting, brew pub, art, and restaurant scene today.  Choose the 105-minute “classic” Waterfront tour –  especially suited to those unfamiliar with Santa Barbara – and enjoy a leisurely walk along the Waterfront  while hearing about interesting stories, events and characters which shaped our city’s past.  Finally, take the 105-minute Old Town tour which covers the lower blocks of State Street, the historic Brinkerhoff Victorian district, and three of architect Jeff Shelton’s Gaudi-like buildings.  This tour also covers those events that ushered in the Spanish-Colonial style of architecture.  

All tours are accompanied by dozens of old 11 x 17 photos that help place you back in time.  

A “two for one” wine or beer tasting voucher is given to all tour goers; redeemable at Santa Barbara Winery or Validation Ale.

Special Events


Free Funk Zone Walking Tour
April 18 - 29, 2024
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Location: Free Santa Barbara Walking Tours

Explore the nooks and crannies of this former warehouse district; learning about the founding of Lockheed aircraft, history of the Hotel…


Free Waterfront Walking Tour
April 20 - 30, 2024
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Location: Free Santa Barbara Walking Tours

Explore the history of Santa Barbara's waterfront during this 1 hour and 45 minute guided tour that takes in 11 stops.  The…


Free Old Town Walking Tour
April 21 - 28, 2024
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Location: Free Santa Barbara Walking Tours

Combining history with architecture, this tour covers the lower blocks of State Street, the transition of Old Town from 1850 to the…