Butterfly Beach, Santa Barbara

Explore Santa Barbara on a trolley tour. See the city's most iconic landmarks, including Stearns Wharf, East Beach, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Start your tour at Stearns Wharf, California’s oldest working wharf. Soak up the sun, salty breezes, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Next, head to East Beach, a favorite spot for locals for volleyball, skating, paddle sports, and art shows. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Santa Barbara mountains. Visit the Andrée Clark Bird Refuge, a 42-acre open space park that includes a 29-acre lake that is an artificially modified estuary that supports brackish wetlands. Stop at Butterfly Beach in the chic and laid-back village of Montecito. The beach’s pristine shoreline is ideal for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. See the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, which has a rich history dating back to 1876. Exhibits and collections change throughout the year to educate and entertain children and adults alike. Visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara, a community of many parts, but one spirit. The Mission has served as a gathering place and spiritual home for many since its establishment in 1786. See the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, designed in the Spanish-Colonial style and completed in 1929. The fully operational Courthouse is an iconic Santa Barbara landmark with its distinctive four-faced clock tower, red tile roofs, elegant arches, and verdant sunken garden and grounds. Stop at the El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, a 5 1/2-acre park that preserves the site of the last Spanish fortress, or presidio, founded in Alta (Upper) California in 1782. Finally, visit the Santa Barbara Harbor, where you will find interesting stores, delicious seafood restaurants, and the occasional celebrity yacht.

Discover the best bike routes, historical landmarks, and viewpoints of Santa Barbara on an electric bike with an expert guide. Choose between a customizable private tour or a shared group tour where a route is decided by your guide. Start with an easy stroll along the scenic Cabrillo bike path and quickly venture into the artsy area of Santa Barbara. Check out the delicious wine and dine culture of this area. Let your tour guide show you the must-see historic buildings in the heart of downtown. As you bike through downtown, enjoy a safe and spacious bike ride up and down the energetic State Street Promenade allocated for bike and pedestrian traffic only. After downtown, your guide might have a few secret gems that he or she will show you before heading back along the waterfront. The finale of this tour will take you through the bike path that winds through the Santa Barbara Harbor and along the boardwalk back to the bike shop.

A private tour like this can be customized if desired. We normally see these sights: Bird refuge and wave to the giraffes at the zoo Beautiful Butterfly Beach in the town of Montecito Cruise the waterfront on the Cabrillo bike path Check out historic Stearns Wharf and the dolphin fountain Look at the city from a lookout point above the harbor See the biggest fig tree in America Find our what's funky in the "Funk Zone" Cruise up the State Street Promenade (blocked off from cars) See a 360 degree view of downtown from the Courthouse tower See the beautiful Old Mission and Rose Garden Admire the unique Arlington Theatre and compare to the towering Granada Theatre At American Riviera Bike Tours, we look forward to making your visit to Santa Barbara special!

Cruise over to Montecito and see Butterfly Beach. Ride along the sunny Cabrillo Bike Path and check out Stearns Wharf. On a clear day you'll see 4 of the Channel Island on your way to the harbor and Shoreline park. Effortlessly ride up State Street Promenade and enjoy all the people watching that you can handle. If you like architecture, check out the Arlington theatre and Granada Theatre. If you want to see why the SB Courthouse is voted most beautiful public building, it's just a block from State Street. The free view from the Courthouse tower is amazing.

Discover the timeless charm of Stearns Wharf, an iconic landmark nestled in the picturesque harbor of Santa Barbara, California, USA. Erected in 1872 by esteemed local lumberman John P. Stearns, this historic marvel stands tall as the longest deep-water wharf between San Pedro and San Francisco. Step back in time and immerse yourself in over a century of maritime heritage, as Stearns Wharf beckons with its rich legacy of serving as a vital hub for passenger and freight shipping along California's South Coast. Whether you're strolling along its weathered planks, savoring fresh seafood at its quaint eateries, or simply soaking in panoramic views of the coastline, there's something for everyone at Stearns Wharf. Cruise through the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara, as you pass through State Street and the funk zone. The tour will take riders along both east and west beach as you make your way to Santa Barbara City College for the best views of the city. Then, make your way to the celebrity hangout of Montecito. Cruise along Butterfly Beach and into the lower village, from here head to the famous Rosewood Miramar resort and up to the Upper Village. Climb to the top of Shoreline Park with ease on an e-bike and soak in some of the best views of Santa Barbara. Follow your guide off the beaten path as they take you to one of the greatest lookouts of Downtown Santa Barbara. Enjoy breathtaking views in the small, but hidden park. Only accessible by bike or on foot. Spot some seals as you adventure around the beautiful Santa Barbara Harbor, home of many adventures and great dining options. Watch the bikes as you explore down the break wall and peruse local seafood markets, restaurants, and maritime museum.

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.

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.