Santa Barbara County Courthouse Tours and Activities
581 Reviews
Free admission
After the great earthquake of 1925 ruined much of the city, an opportunity arose to give this beloved city by the sea something that would reflect the areas culture and beauty; something that would both honor and impress its residents. Designed in Spanish-Moorish style and completed in 1929, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is now one of the main tourist attractions on a visit to the American Riviera.
One of the most beautiful government buildings in all of the United States, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a working courthouse, but visitors are encouraged to explore what its grounds hold in store for them. Here you’ll find the Sunken gardens where many weddings take place, an elevator to the 85-foot “El Mirador” clock tower for a panoramic view of downtown Santa Barbara, many hand-painted rooms full of detail (including the fantastic Mural Room), the Spirit of the Ocean fountain, and many wrought-iron hand-rails and window coverings which make the courthouse what it is – spectacular.
1100 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
Tours and Activities to Experience Santa Barbara County Courthouse
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Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
284
All Aboard Santa Barbara’s Original & Longest Running Trolley Tour and Charter Services
See the American Riviera in 90 minutes
Santa Barbara sightseeing at its finest on the original, fully narrated Santa Barbara Trolley Tour. For 30 years, we've been providing trolley tours in the Santa Barbara community. Join us as we visit local hot spots such as the Santa Barbara Courthouse, Santa Barbara Zoo, Museum of Natural History, the historic Santa Barbara Mission, and more, all fully narrated by our energetic and knowledgeable tour guides! Our pick up location is only a 10 minute walk from Stearns Wharf, at the Visitor Center located at 1 Garden St.
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From
$25.65
From
$25.65
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Downtown Santa Barbara Food Tour
362
Eat delicious lunch food, drink great drinks and learn about downtown Santa Barbara on this 3.5ish-hour walking tour. Indulge your palate for a few hours with sipping, sampling, and savoring. You will enjoy food from 5-6+ local eateries, 1-2 wine tastings or 1 wine tasting plus another alcoholic beverage (depends on the day, it could be wine, beer or a cocktail). Go where locals like to go. This fun, informative and local walking lunch tour is sure to pleasantly fill you up and entertain the whole family. Great for a daytime activity and awesome way to learn about other places to eat and drink on your visit!
TOURS CAN EASILY BE MADE PRIVATE - please email, call or text us for more information regarding private experiences.
IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE WALKING OR HEALTH ISSUES, please let us know, we do occasionally offer slower paced tours or please consider a private tour experience to meet your comfort level.
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From
$115.00
From
$115.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour
189
Explore Santa Barbara by electric bike, covering plenty of ground on a morning or afternoon excursion. Ride your easy-to-use beach cruiser to key landmarks such as State Street and the Santa Barbara Mission as your knowledgeable guide shares the city’s history during this Santa Barbara bike tour. Have your camera ready as you glide along the renowned Pacific coastline. Numbers are limited to five people, ensuring personalized attention and a small-group experience.
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From
$95.00
Price varies by group size
From
$95.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Historic Santa Barbara Food Tasting Tour
17
Savor the best of historic Santa Barbara on a 3.5-hour culinary walking tour through the heart of this scenic, seaside city. Meet local chefs and artisans as you explore alongside your local guide, and get an insider’s take on the vibrant gourmet scene. Sample locally-made wines, handcrafted chocolate and gourmet cheese at a series of six tasting stops that include a public market, wineries and boutiques. Learn a bit of local history as you trace the relaxed course, which blends essential landmarks with hidden gems and local favorites.
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From
$129.00
From
$129.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
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Private Santa Barbara History and Architecture Walking Tour
8
When you come on a tour with me, I can show you the must see sites, as well as some out-of-the-way architectural gems that only a local like me knows about. I have researched local history quite extensively and am very knowledgeable. What makes this tour unique is my in-depth understanding of local history, lore, and architecture, and my abilities to answer whatever questions you might have, as well as to show you the hidden places that aren’t listed in every guidebook. We can arrange beforehand to focus on what you find most interesting: Architecture? History? Adobe construction? Fabulous views? Gardens (Santa Barbara has one of the largest varieties of trees in its downtown area of any city in the country!)? Perhaps a combination of them all!
I can cater to whatever interests you have!
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From
$99.00
Price varies by group size
From
$99.00
Price varies by group size
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
Learn More
Mountains to Shore Biking Tour in Santa Barbara
3
Take a van to the top of La Cumbre Peak, hop on a bike, and embark on a mostly downhill journey to the shores of a local Santa Barbara beach. With plenty of sights to see along the way, including the Santa Barbara Mission, this roughly 20-mile (32-kilometer) tour is perfect for all skill levels. Chat with a local guide about the natural and cultural history of the area, and enjoy a provided lunch in a park.
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From
$155.00
From
$155.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Adventure
2
Make Santa Barbara your game board with a 3-hour scavenger hunt adventure for a team of 2–5 people. Use a smart phone to follow a series of locally-themed clues that lead to fun challenges with your friends and family. Trace a 2-mile route past historic monuments, seaside neighborhoods and hidden gems to get an insider's look at the city. Rack up points to compete against prior scavenger hunt teams, or simply enjoy the self-guided tour at your own pace, with plenty of stops to eat, drink and sightsee.
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From
$20.52
Price varies by group size
From
$20.52
Price varies by group size
Santa Barbara Private Tour and Wine Tasting Experience from LA
2
Ready for a touch of luxury? Have a relaxing day in beautiful Santa Barbara! This trip starts off with a spectacular drive up the coast before arriving downtown. Marvel at the Spanish-inspired historic buildings and take in a panoramic view from the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse before exploring the historic Old Mission. Have lunch and soak in the Old West Ambiance at the Cold Spring Tavern. Take a beautiful drive up to charming Los Olivos and try out some of the local wines such as Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc. This tour is around 9 hours and includes admission to the Old Mission self-guided tour and one free wine tasting experience (or olive oil tasting for under 21s).
The planned itinerary can be personalized to include your most desired sightseeing or dining destinations. Contact us to customize this tour!
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From
$260.00
Price varies by group size
From
$260.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Santa Barbara Locals History and Nature Private Tour
"Local's" only knowledge, History-Sea Cliffs, Rare Bird Habitats-City Views (& secret-locals spots). Come see it all! Santa Barbara’s Rich History-home of the Chumash Native Americans. Discover Santa Barbara amazing immigrant history: Italians, Spanish, Asians, Pioneers, Columbus & more! We visit the Courthouse Tower with a 360 view of the City and talk about our travels. From there we will tour the Queen of Missions and the Santa Barbara Riviera Views. Next we travel west to the locals More Mesa Preserve and take a 1 mile mild hike to the Ocean Cliffs with views and photo-op of the Channel Islands, original home of the Chumash. More Mesa Preserve is home to much wildlife including the endangered Kite Hawk! From there we will drive through historic Hope Ranch Mansions Drive, along Shoreline Park for more photos of the sea and city, then on to Santa Barbara’s famous Harbor for a beautiful stroll along the Breakwater, looking out across the sea and full view of the city.
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From
$90.00
From
$90.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Private Half Day Tour of Santa Barbara's Architecture
Situated on a south-facing section of Californian coastline Santa Barbara lies between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Santa Barbara's climate is often described as 'Mediterranean', and the city has been branded as the "American Riviera" due to its similarities with the French Riviera.
The Spanish influence is evident throughout the city with white stucco buildings, red-tile clay roofs and Spanish street names.
In fact, two of the city’s iconic landmarks that you’ll visit Santa Barbara County Courthouse and the the18th-century Old Mission appear to have been transplanted directly from Spain. You’ll also visit El Presidio Real de Santa Bárbara a former military installation also known as the Royal Presidio of Santa Barbara founded and built by Spain in 1782.
You’ll learn this and more from your Private Architectural Tour of Santa Barbara.
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From
$165.00
Price varies by group size
From
$165.00
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Learn More
Wine & Chocolate Walking Tour of Downtown Santa Barbara
1
For a foodie-friendly outing combining local history with California wine culture, you can enjoy the best of both with this Santa Barbara small-group tour. Start your midday adventure with convenient meet-up in the downtown area. With your guide leading the way, you can sip wine at two boutique tasting rooms, sample artisanal chocolates, and learn about the region's famed wine industry and top winemakers.
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From
$135.00
From
$135.00
Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game
Enjoy a guided walking tour of beautiful and interesting parts of Santa Barbara while following clues on your smartphone and solving interesting puzzles along the tour.
Play the game on your smartphone with your group as the game guides you through the city.
Score points for correct answers and try to get the high score on the leaderboard.
See major attractions as well as less-known gems of Santa Barbara on this unique scavenger hunt and walking tour.
Play any time that fits your schedule! There is no in-person guide you have to wait for!
Tour downtown Santa Barbara and see State Street, the Presidio, Anacapa Street, the Courthouse building, and more.
Your group of 2 to 6 people works together to solve the 22 challenges on the scavenger hunt.
Wear comfortable shoes! You'll walk about 2 miles along this scavenger hunt tour.
Explore the city at your own pace
Enjoy fun challenges with family and friends
Discover Santa Barbara's hidden gems and historic sights
Perfect for all ages
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From
$24.50
Price varies by group size
From
$24.50
Price varies by group size
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
Learn More
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