Santa Barbara: Taco Walking Tour with Drinks & Local Gifts

Summary

Santa Barbara taco tour walking food stops with drinks & gifts

You’ll taste five different tacos across downtown Santa Barbara, sip on craft beer or margaritas at two stops, and wander between local taquerias with an easygoing guide who shares stories along the way. Expect laughter, new flavors, and even a small local gift card to keep exploring after you’re full.

What’s the experience like?

We almost missed the first stop because I got distracted by a mural — bright colors everywhere, and our guide, Rosa, just laughed and waved us back. That set the tone for the whole Santa Barbara taco tour: not rushed, just wandering through these streets that smell like orange blossoms and grilled meat. The first taco was carne asada, smoky and a little messy (I wore half of it). Rosa told us how her uncle used to grill in his backyard nearby. The whole thing felt less like a tour and more like tagging along with someone who actually lives here.

I didn’t expect the shrimp taco to be my favorite but it was — something about the lime and the crunch. We stood outside one spot because all the tables were full, which honestly made it better. People kept walking by saying hi to Rosa or asking what we were doing. At the third taqueria, there was this faint sound of mariachi music coming from somewhere down the block, mixed with laughter from a group at another table. I tried to order in Spanish; Rosa grinned but didn’t correct me (probably for the best).

The beer at stop four was cold enough to make my hand ache — in a good way. Someone’s dog wandered over and sat by my feet while I tried queso birria for the first time (messy again). There’s something about eating tacos outside on a Santa Barbara afternoon that makes you forget what time it is. By the end, we’d walked about a mile and a half without really noticing it. Rosa handed out these little shop gift cards and said thanks for visiting her city. I still think about that shrimp taco sometimes when I’m hungry at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santa Barbara taco tasting tour

• Meet experienced tour guide
• Walk 1.5 miles downtown
• Visit 5 award-winning taquerias
• Eat Carne Asada, Shrimp, Fajita Chicken tacos
• Try Mushroom and Queso Birra tacos
• Enjoy Margarita, Wine, or Beer at two stops
• Listen to fun facts about Santa Barbara
• Receive local gift card at tour end

Top questions

How long does the Santa Barbara taco tour last?

The walking tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

How many taco stops are included?

The tour includes five different award-winning taquerias or restaurants.

Are drinks included on this taco tour?

Yes, two stops include either a margarita, wine, or craft beer beverage.

Is this Santa Barbara taco tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

What types of tacos will I try?

You’ll sample carne asada, shrimp, fajita chicken, mushroom, and queso birria tacos.

Is there a gift included on this tour?

Yes, each guest receives a local shop gift card at the end of the tour.

Can children join this walking food tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers; alcohol is only served to those 21+.

Does this food tour include pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet in downtown Santa Barbara.

What’s included

Your day includes tastings of five different tacos at top local spots in downtown Santa Barbara, two alcoholic beverages (margaritas, wine or beer), stories from your guide as you walk about 1.5 miles together — plus each guest gets a special gift card from local shops before heading off on their own adventure.