Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Tour with Funk Zone & Mission

Summary

Santa Barbara electric bike ride through beaches, art and history

You’ll cruise Santa Barbara’s waterfront by electric bike, wander through Montecito’s leafy streets, check out murals in the Funk Zone, and pause at historic sites like Old Mission Santa Barbara—all led by a local guide who keeps things easygoing. Expect ocean air, unexpected laughs, and plenty of chances to see the city from new angles.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about hopping on an electric bike in Santa Barbara — I hadn’t been on anything but my old rusty cruiser in years. But our guide, Jamie, just grinned and handed me a helmet like it was no big deal. The bikes were way smoother than I expected (and faster — in a good way), so we zipped right out along the waterfront path. There’s this moment when you pass under the palm trees and suddenly you catch that salty Pacific smell mixed with sunscreen and someone grilling somewhere nearby. It made me laugh because it felt like summer camp for grown-ups.

We cruised past the harbor, where pelicans were just kind of loafing around on the docks, and then Jamie took us up into Montecito. The houses there are something else — all bougainvillea and quiet driveways, not at all what my California daydreams used to look like. When we stopped by the Old Mission Santa Barbara (I think it’s called the “Queen of the Missions”?), Jamie told us about its history while we tried to get a decent photo without looking too sweaty. I still think about how cool and echoey it felt inside compared to the sun outside.

The Funk Zone was my favorite part — you can actually smell wine barrels as you ride past some of the tasting rooms (and yes, I nearly ran into a sandwich board because I got distracted by street art). Jamie pointed out spots for foodies that I’d never have found alone. We even made a quick detour to see this gigantic fig tree near the train station; apparently it’s some kind of record-breaker? Not sure if that’s true but it looked prehistoric enough.

Honestly, what stuck with me wasn’t just seeing Santa Barbara’s landmarks by e-bike — it was how relaxed everything felt once we got moving. Even when I fumbled with my Mandarin at one stop (long story), everyone just laughed and kept pedaling. So yeah, if you’re thinking about an electric bike tour in Santa Barbara, don’t overthink it. Just go — even if you haven’t ridden in ages.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Santa Barbara by electric bike

• Ride seaside boardwalk bike path
• View Montecito and Coast Village
• Explore Santa Barbara's Funk Zone
• Visit old fort and China Town
• Photo at Queen of the Missions
• See ecological Fig tree at train station
• Tour Santa Barbara County Courthouse
• Visit harbor and secret overlook

Top questions

How long is the Santa Barbara electric bike tour?

The route covers roughly 5 miles along dedicated bike paths and city streets; exact timing varies based on group pace and interests.

Is lunch included on this electric bike tour?

No lunch is included, but your guide will point out recommended restaurants and tasting rooms along the way.

Are helmets provided for the electric bike tour?

Yes, helmets are required for safety and are provided as part of your tour.

Can children join this Santa Barbara e-bike tour?

Riders must be at least 12 years old per California law; infants or small children can use specialized seats or prams if needed.

What neighborhoods does the tour visit?

You’ll ride through areas like Santa Barbara Waterfront, Montecito, Funk Zone, and may stop at Old Mission Santa Barbara depending on timing.

Is this electric bike tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces visited are wheelchair accessible; specialized equipment is available upon request.

Do I need biking experience for this tour?

No advanced experience needed—just basic biking ability; guides adjust routes based on group comfort level.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a modern electric bike fitted to your height and style preference, safety helmet, bottled water for the ride, plus guidance from a passionate local who’ll tailor stops based on your interests—whether that means more time at historical sites or extra foodie tips in the Funk Zone.