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Things to do in Santa Barbara Downtown, Santa Barbara

Our most recommended things to do in Santa Barbara Downtown, Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara: City Highlights Bike Tour

1. Santa Barbara: City Highlights Bike Tour

Explore Santa Barbara and its waterfront and downtown area on wheels. Grab a bike and cruise by the Santa Barbara Zoo, Funk Zone, and State Street, with amazing views and information along the way. Get to the shop to be greeted with smiling faces, good vibes, and enthusiasm to get on the road. We carry quality bikes because we want your tour experience to be enjoyable and fun. You will have the option of riding a 7-speed beach cruiser with a basket, or a hybrid-style (non-electric) bike with 21 gears. Once you get fitted on your bike and have the seat heights all adjusted, grab some water bottles and head off to the waterfront to begin the tour. This is a leisurely tour that will be adapted to any pace that you would like. You can always talk to your tour guide if you wish to go somewhere specific. Typically, you can explore the entire beachfront bike path area, check out the Santa Barbara Zoo, learn about the rich history of that area, and ask any questions that you might have along the way. From here, circle back and go towards the downtown area where you may go explore the Funk Zone, State Street, and the Santa Barbara Harbor area.

Santa Barbara: City & Sand Electric Bike Tour

2. Santa Barbara: City & Sand Electric Bike Tour

Start with an easy ride along the scenic Cabrillo Bike Path, then explore the artsy funk zone of Santa Barbara. After learning a little bit about the wining and dining options of the funk zone, see some of the historic buildings in the heart of downtown. Enjoy a safe and spacious bike ride up and down lively State Street Promenade, which is reserved for bike and pedestrian traffic only. Get insider info and hear of some hidden gems from your expert guide, before heading to the beach. Ride onto the sand at Santa Barbara's Harbor and pass alongside the waves and palm trees as you glide from the beach to beach along the waterfront. Discover Butterfly Beach, Secret Beach, and Miramar Beach in the ritzy town of Montecito. End the tour with a final stop outside at the 5-star Rosewood Miramar Hotel, with a stunning view of the beaches directly on the sand.

Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

3. Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

Rent an electric bike and discover a new way to explore Santa Barbara, California. Choose a 2-hour rental or an all-day rental, and pick from three different brands of electric bikes to find the right variety and size for you. Learn how to safely operate your bike before taking off on your adventure. The three electric bike brands offered are Specialized Turbo Como, Townie-Electra Go, and Rad Power Bikes' fleet of Ebikes. All three brands offer pedal-assist power with multiple levels of assist. The Rad Power Bikes also all have a throttle that can be used if you need an extra boost up the hill. Whatever brand or style you choose, feel secure knowing that all electric bikes are well-maintained and user-friendly. As an added perk, get a tutorial before taking off to ensure you know how to safely and properly use the bike to its utmost potential. Most of the bikes are rated to last about 30 to 50 miles, however, this is dependent on riding style, rider weight, and the route taken. Rarely do riders run out of battery during these electric bike rentals. When you rent your bike, make sure to ask about popular places to ride to and visit. Most of the staff you will meet are also tour guides and are here to help you get the most out of your electric bike rental.

Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

4. Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

Enjoy a comfortable and smooth ride on a 7-speed bicycle with this full-day bike rental in Santa Barbara. Take advantage of the over 300 days of sunshine per year and discover the waterfront with a map of the bike routes in the area. Head to the bike shop and pick up your bike. Get a helmet for yourself and any other rider peddling with you. Take the family along too with 24” and 20” kid's mountain bikes. Feel free to ask the rental staff for recommendations where to eat or what to do on your ride. Glide along the coastal boardwalk and feel free to stop and pick something up with the included lock and basket. Return the bike to the rental shop at the end of the rental period.

Santa Barbara: App-Based Murder Mystery Detective Game

5. Santa Barbara: App-Based Murder Mystery Detective Game

Wander the streets of Santa Barbara while playing a fun murder mystery game on your phone and discover the city's sights along the way. See the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Arlington Theatre, Superior Court of California and much more.  Download the app, choose your route, then head out as a solo detective, with a partner, or as a group to get started. Follow the prompts on your phone as you travel to different locations within the game map and immerse yourself in an audio tale full of intrigue. Release your inner gumshoe and take on the role of a recent graduate of the Detective Academy. A murder has been committed in Santa Barbara and you're tasked with solving the crime. Your job is to visit each of the 10 locations marked on the map, piece together the evidence, identify the killer, and issue an arrest warrant. Choose a walking route in Downtown Santa Barbara, suited for groups of up to 4 people, or opt for a driving route. Play the game at any time and move at your own pace, taking a break whenever you need to and resuming once you're ready.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Santa Barbara Downtown, Santa Barbara

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