Ultimate Guide to Santa Barbara: A GPS Self-Guided Urban Stroll

Santa Barbara, US
77% of travellers recommend this
Very Good (9 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • inclusion
    VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
  • inclusion
    Lifetime access to this tour in English

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Smartphone and headphones
  • exclusion
    Transportation
  • exclusion
    Food/drink

Meeting Point

Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Meeting point

1400 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 , United States

End point

End Point

The tour ends on Stearns Wharf.

Meeting point

217 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

Alameda Park

Starting on the corner of Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden and Alameda Park, you’ll learn about Santa Barbara’s early roots.

2
Trinity Episcopal Church

Pass by Trinity Episcopal Church and hear more about Santa Barbara's rich history.

3

Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church

Pass by Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church and hear more about Santa Barbara's rich history.

4

Arlington Theatre

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5

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Take in some of Downtown’s most iconic landmarks including Hotel Californian, Lobero Theatre, Hotel Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

6
Hill-Carrillo Adobe

I’ll tell you about the Chumash natives who lived here more than 9,000 years ago, and the city’s dramatic transformation when Spanish explorers Juan Cabrillo and Sebastian Vizcaino arrived here in the 1500s.

7

Lobero Theatre

Take in some of Downtown’s most iconic landmarks including Hotel Californian, Lobero Theatre, Hotel Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

8
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park

Appreciate one of the city’s most important historical sites, the El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park.

9

Santa Barbara Historical Museum

Gaze at one of the city’s oldest structures, the Covarrubias Adobe, situated next to the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

10

Casa Covarrubias

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Gaze at one of the city’s oldest structures, the Covarrubias Adobe, situated next to the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

11

Hotel Santa Barbara

Take in some of Downtown’s most iconic landmarks including Hotel Californian, Lobero Theatre, Hotel Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

12

Moreton Bay Fig Tree

Listen to the story of the 150-year-old Moreton Bay Fig Tree.

13

Funk Zone

Hear how the Funk Zone got so funky and discover the city’s alluring Urban Wine Trail, covering over 20 wineries.

14

Hotel Californian

Take in some of Downtown’s most iconic landmarks including Hotel Californian, Lobero Theatre, Hotel Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

15

Burton Mound State Historical Landmark

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I’ll tell you about the Chumash natives who lived here more than 9,000 years ago, and the city’s dramatic transformation when Spanish explorers Juan Cabrillo and Sebastian Vizcaino arrived here in the 1500s.

16

West Beach

Soak up the fresh wild air along West Beach.

17

Stearns Wharf

As you wind your way across State Street to Stearns Wharf where our tour ends, I’ll tell you about the disastrous 1925 earthquake that destroyed the area, and how influential activists with a vision put policies in place to preserve the remarkable beauty of the historical downtown district.

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Please note: You won't be guided through any museums or other attractions mentioned en route. If you choose to enter and visit such places, you'll need to pay for it independently of this tour.
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by VoiceMap Audio Tours

What our experts say

  • icon
    Start at Stearns Wharf for views.
  • icon
    Bring headphones for best experience.
  • icon
    Try local seafood at The Fish Market.
  • icon
    Visit near Santa Barbara Mission.
  • icon
    Explore State Street for shopping.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience the enchanting beauty of downtown Santa Barbara at your own pace with Santa Barbara's Beginnings: A Self-Guided Audio Tour. This unique and affordable walking tour allows you to explore the idyllic seaside city while learning about its rich history and captivating stories. Created by Tour Freely, a company founded by the passionate couple Mindy and Jerry Flanagan, this self-guided tour promises to be an unforgettable experience.

What to expect?

Embark on a 75 to 90-minute journey through Santa Barbara's past and present. Immerse yourself in the city's early roots as you stroll through iconic landmarks and charming streets. With the self-guided audio tour, you have complete control over when to start and finish, allowing you to linger at stops along the way and truly absorb the beauty of downtown Santa Barbara.

Who is this for?

Santa Barbara's Beginnings: A Self-Guided Audio Tour is perfect for both locals and visitors who crave a deeper understanding of this remarkable city. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a unique way to explore, this tour caters to all. It's designed for individuals of all ages, ensuring an inclusive experience that welcomes families, friends, and solo travelers alike.

Why book this?

Discover Santa Barbara's hidden gems and untold stories as you weave through its streets with the self-guided audio tour. Unlike traditional guided tours, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace, stopping to snap photos or grab a bite to eat whenever you please. The VoiceMap app provides automatic GPS playback and turn-by-turn directions, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. Plus, with unlimited use before and after your booking date, you can revisit this captivating journey whenever the mood strikes.

Good to know

Before starting your self-guided tour, make sure to install the VoiceMap app and enter the unique code provided on your confirmation ticket. The app works offline, allowing you to enjoy the tour without worrying about an internet connection. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading the app, ensuring a smooth start to your Santa Barbara adventure.

Reviews

Travelers who have experienced Santa Barbara's Beginnings: A Self-Guided Audio Tour rave about its immersive and informative nature. They praise the freedom it offers, allowing them to explore the city's highlights and hidden treasures at their own pace. Many mention how the tour provides a deeper understanding of Santa Barbara's history, making their visit even more enriching and meaningful. Overall, individuals who have taken this tour express high satisfaction, with some even considering it the highlight of their Santa Barbara trip.

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