Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour: Waterfront & Funk Zone
The electric bikes do the climbing for you, so you cover twice the ground without the sweat.
An electric bike tour of Santa Barbara covering the waterfront boardwalk, Funk Zone, Montecito, Old Mission Santa Barbara and the County Courthouse with a local guide, helmet and water included. The tour runs 2.5 hours and adjusts to your pace and interests. Private tours guarantee a custom route built around what you want to see. Minimum age is 12 years. Children ages 3 and up can join with adult supervision.
Step-by-step itinerary
- Santa Barbara Waterfrontpassing by
- Montecitopassing by
- Funk Zone5m
- Old Mission Santa Barbara5m
- Santa Barbara County Courthouse10m
Explore Santa Barbara by electric bike
- Ride 5-mile seaside boardwalk
- View Montecito and Coast Village
- Explore Funk Zone neighborhood
- See old fort and China Town
- Photo at Old Mission Santa Barbara
- Visit ecological Fig tree at train station
- Tour Santa Barbara County Courthouse
- Visit Santa Barbara harbor and overlook
The experience
The tour starts on Santa Barbara's 5-mile seaside boardwalk, a dedicated bike path that runs underneath tunnels of palm trees and alongside the central coast's best beaches. From there your guide takes you through Montecito and into the Funk Zone (the city's rapidly growing neighborhood packed with art, wine and beer), where they'll point out the restaurants and tasting rooms worth your time. The electric bikes handle the hills, so you spend your energy taking in the views instead of grinding up grades.
Depending on your speed and what you want to see, the route includes stops at Old Mission Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse (an architectural landmark with intricate artistry), and the record-breaking Fig tree hidden inside the train station. Your guide also shows you the old fort and old Chinatown: spots most visitors miss. The harbor is a final stop, where you either ride alongside the boats for an intimate look or head to a secret overlook for photos of the water and ocean. Every tour varies slightly based on your ability and interests.
Helmets are required and provided. You'll need closed-toe shoes and should wear comfortable active wear. The bikes come in different sizes, so let the operator know the heights and genders of your group when you book so they can set you up with the right fit. If you're bringing young children, specialized infant seats are available, and the tour is wheelchair accessible throughout.
What’s included
- Electric bike.
- professional local guide.
- helmet.
- water.
- and access to the waterfront boardwalk, Funk Zone, Montecito, Old Mission Santa Barbara, the County Courthouse, and the train station Fig tree.
Options for this experience
3 optionsInformation
Lasts 2h 30m, runs every day at 13:00, from US$ 85 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Prices and times updated 3 days ago
Operated by Cal Coast Adventures
Is this one for you?Choose the 1 PM group tour if you want to meet other travelers and split the cost. Pick a private tour (9:30 AM or 1 PM) if you'd rather set your own pace and route without adjusting to a group's speed or interests.
Traveler reviews
More experiences you might like
- 19 reviews
- 4.95★
- Duration
- 1h 30m
- Every day
- 12:30
- 115 reviews
- 5.00★
- Duration
- 2h 30m
- start times · Every day
- 2
- 185 reviews
- 4.95★
- Duration
- 7h
- Every day
- 09:00
- 23 reviews
- 5.00★
- Duration
- 6h
- Every day
- 10:00
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
How far do you actually ride on the electric bike tour?
The waterfront boardwalk alone is 5 miles on a dedicated bike path. The full tour covers additional ground through Montecito, the Funk Zone, and the downtown historic district, all on the electric bikes: the exact distance varies based on which stops your guide includes and your group's pace.
What's the Funk Zone and why is it worth a stop?
The Funk Zone is Santa Barbara's rapidly growing neighborhood known for art, wine and beer. Your guide highlights the must-try restaurants and tasting rooms for anyone interested in food and local culture, making it a natural break in the ride.
Can I book a private tour instead of joining a group?
Yes. Private tours guarantee that you and your party get a custom, personalized route built around what you want to see and your preferred pace. Group tours run at 1 PM, while private tours depart at either 9:30 AM or 1 PM. You choose which option suits your schedule when you book.
Do I need to know how to ride a bike or be in great shape?
The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. The electric bikes do the climbing for you, which means you don't need to be a strong cyclist. The motor handles the hills. You do need to be comfortable on a bike and capable of riding. Closed-toe shoes are required for safety.
What happens if the weather turns bad or I'm not feeling the pace?
Every tour adjusts based on your ability and what you'd like to see. If conditions change or the pace isn't working, your guide will adapt the route. On private tours especially, the itinerary is flexible around your preferences.
Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour: Waterfront & Funk Zone
2h 30m · EN
from US$ 85 per person