Santa Barbara Trolley Tour (Booked via Viator.com) We booked this tour through Viator for $28 per person (non-refundable), and I have to say — it’s an affordable, worthwhile way to see Santa Barbara and Montecito if you’re short on time. The tour runs about an hour and a half, narrated the whole way through. Our guide, Rusty, was excellent — knowledgeable, engaging, and easy to listen to. He mixed history with fun local details, pointing out landmarks, residents, and even a few celebrity homes. His energy kept the ride interesting from start to finish. Pro tip: Seating is a bit of a luck-of-the-draw situation. There are about four or five seats where the window is completely down — perfect for pictures. Otherwise, most windows stay up and only open a crack for air. If photos are important to you, get in line early so you can grab those open-window spots. It’s two people per bench. The rest stop was at the historic Santa Barbara Mission. We had about 15 minutes to use the restrooms, pop into the gift shop, and take pictures of the Mission’s beautiful exterior. (The church wasn’t open during our visit, but it often is, so worth checking next time.) Along the way, Rusty also pointed out some things I never would’ve noticed — like enormous fig trees scattered around town, a fossilized blue whale, and even a giraffe peeking its head out near the zoo! The Spanish-style architecture throughout Santa Barbara was another highlight, and being able to see so much in a short span of time made this tour feel really efficient. Meeting & Drop-off Spot: The Garden Street Visitor Center (close to the Carousel House). For brand-new visitors or anyone with limited time, this is a perfect introduction to Santa Barbara. Big kudos to Rusty for making it such an engaging ride.

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour (Booked via Viator.com) We booked this tour through Viator for $28 per person (non-refundable), and I have to say — it’s an affordable, worthwhile way to see Santa Barbara and Montecito if you’re short on time. The tour runs about an hour and a half, narrated the whole way through. Our guide, Rusty, was excellent — knowledgeable, engaging, and easy to listen to. He mixed history with fun local details, pointing out landmarks, residents, and even a few celebrity homes. His energy kept the ride interesting from start to finish. Pro tip: Seating is a bit of a luck-of-the-draw situation. There are about four or five seats where the window is completely down — perfect for pictures. Otherwise, most windows stay up and only open a crack for air. If photos are important to you, get in line early so you can grab those open-window spots. It’s two people per bench. The rest stop was at the historic Santa Barbara Mission. We had about 15 minutes to use the restrooms, pop into the gift shop, and take pictures of the Mission’s beautiful exterior. (The church wasn’t open during our visit, but it often is, so worth checking next time.) Along the way, Rusty also pointed out some things I never would’ve noticed — like enormous fig trees scattered around town, a fossilized blue whale, and even a giraffe peeking its head out near the zoo! The Spanish-style architecture throughout Santa Barbara was another highlight, and being able to see so much in a short span of time made this tour feel really efficient. Meeting & Drop-off Spot: The Garden Street Visitor Center (close to the Carousel House). For brand-new visitors or anyone with limited time, this is a perfect introduction to Santa Barbara. Big kudos to Rusty for making it such an engaging ride.

I enjoyed the tour. Chuck was the guide. He did an excellent job of driving us safely and being knowledgeable about the city. Chuck is a local and shared historical information, personal stories and made excellent recommendations on food, attractions, and things to do in Santa Barbara. Enjoyed and would recommend

I enjoyed the tour. Chuck was the guide. He did an excellent job of driving us safely and being knowledgeable about the city. Chuck is a local and shared historical information, personal stories and made excellent recommendations on food, attractions, and things to do in Santa Barbara. Enjoyed and would recommend

We rented the SB Trolley for our wedding this past May. We had about 86 guests that needed to get from East Beach to the Wine Cask and we thought the trolley would be a fun way to go. And it was! During the whole planning process, we had to change our original requested time and needs a few times and the staff was professional and accommodating. The trolley showed up on schedule and guests really enjoyed the ride. We also had one of our more special moments getting to ride in the trolley at sunset, just the two us, just after getting married - for sure a moment we will both never forget. For the price and the service, SB Trolley is a no brainer!

We rented the SB Trolley for our wedding this past May. We had about 86 guests that needed to get from East Beach to the Wine Cask and we thought the trolley would be a fun way to go. And it was! During the whole planning process, we had to change our original requested time and needs a few times and the staff was professional and accommodating. The trolley showed up on schedule and guests really enjoyed the ride. We also had one of our more special moments getting to ride in the trolley at sunset, just the two us, just after getting married - for sure a moment we will both never forget. For the price and the service, SB Trolley is a no brainer!

Our group of 7 enjoyed the SB Trolley Tour. Rusty was experienced, relaxed and thorough in his story telling. He accommodated last minute riders. The tour covered many sites. It provided a brief chance to stretch your legs at the Mission. Good value for your money.

Our group of 7 enjoyed the SB Trolley Tour. Rusty was experienced, relaxed and thorough in his story telling. He accommodated last minute riders. The tour covered many sites. It provided a brief chance to stretch your legs at the Mission. Good value for your money.

We weren't expecting much from the trolley ride, but boy, were we surprised! Our driver, a local with over 20 years of experience, had the best stories for each location we visited. His tales brought the city to life in a way we never imagined. The boys had an absolute blast, and the highlight of the trip was spotting a giraffe! I won't spoil the surprise—it's something you have to see for yourself. We even got a peek at the back gate of the Beanie Baby mansion, which was such a cool and unexpected sight. This trolley ride is truly the best way to explore Santa Barbara in under two hours. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to discover the city's hidden gems!

We weren't expecting much from the trolley ride, but boy, were we surprised! Our driver, a local with over 20 years of experience, had the best stories for each location we visited. His tales brought the city to life in a way we never imagined. The boys had an absolute blast, and the highlight of the trip was spotting a giraffe! I won't spoil the surprise—it's something you have to see for yourself. We even got a peek at the back gate of the Beanie Baby mansion, which was such a cool and unexpected sight. This trolley ride is truly the best way to explore Santa Barbara in under two hours. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to discover the city's hidden gems!