The Original TACO TOUR Santa Barbara

If you’re a fan of tacos, Santa Barbara’s Original Taco Tour might just be your new favorite way to explore the city’s culinary scene. While I haven’t personally joined this tour (yet!), I’ve gone through the details, reviews, and what makes it stand out for foodies and curious travelers alike. This tour promises a solid mix of tasting, sightseeing, and local stories — all packed into about two and a half hours.

What instantly catches the eye is the variety of tacos from five different award-winning taquerias—a much more dynamic experience than just one sit-down meal. paired with the chance to sip two beverages of your choice (margarita, wine, or beer), this tour offers a pretty tasty way to get to know Santa Barbara’s downtown.

One potential consideration to keep in mind is the limited number of drinks included—just two per person—so if you’re thinking of a big night out, you might want to plan accordingly or purchase additional drinks on your own. Also, it’s designed for small, private groups, making it more intimate but possibly less flexible if you’re traveling alone.

This tour seems like an ideal pick for food lovers, local culture seekers, and those wanting a relaxed, fun way to explore downtown Santa Barbara without the fuss of planning individual tastings or tours. It’s especially great if you enjoy a mix of walking, storytelling, and sampling a variety of flavors.

Key Points

• Curated Tasting Experience: Tastes from five different taquerias, each offering a unique flavor profile.
• Guided Local Insights: Knowledgeable guides share fun facts, tips, and Santa Barbara stories.
• Includes Drinks: Two beverages of your choice — margaritas, wine, or beer — complement the tacos.
• Flexible & Private: Only your group participates, creating a more personalized experience.
• Great for Foodies: Perfect for those who want more than just a meal—they want to explore, learn, and taste.
• Value for Money: At $149, it offers a fun, full experience with multiple stops, drinks, and gifts.

What to Expect on the Taco Tour

Starting Point and Overall Layout

The tour begins at 321 Motor Way and ends at 525 State St, Santa Barbara. From there, your guide, an experienced local, leads you on a relaxed walk through Santa Barbara’s vibrant downtown. This isn’t a high-intensity walk—most of the time is spent sitting, tasting, and listening to stories, so it’s accessible for most travelers.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Santa Barbara Downtown
Your adventure kicks off with an introduction to Santa Barbara’s lively downtown area. The guides are known for being fun, informative, and engaging from the get-go, making the experience friendly and approachable. Expect to learn tidbits about the city’s architecture, culture, and the history behind the eateries.

Taco Sampling at Five Award-Winning Taquerias
The core of the tour is visiting five different taquerias. Each stop features a different type of taco, showcasing a range of flavors and styles. From Carne Asada to Shrimp, Fajita Chicken, Mushroom, and Queso Birria, the variety keeps things interesting.

Several reviews highlight the quality and surprise factor of the tacos, with many saying the tacos were “AMAZING” and “very different from what you might find on your own.” For example, one review mentions the tour guide being “incredibly informative,” sharing stories about local culture and the history of the taco spots, which adds depth to the tasting experience.

Drinks and Refreshments
Two beverages are included—choices range from a margarita, wine, to beer. Some reviews point out that this is a good balance, giving you enough to enjoy with your tacos without overdoing it. If you want more drinks, you’re free to purchase extra on your own at the last stop, where beverages are available for sale.

The Food and Beverage Experience

The tacos are curated to give a broad taste of what Santa Barbara’s best eateries have to offer. People rave about the variety, with one reviewer mentioning that the tacos featured “great flavor profiles” and that the tour provided an “excellent mix of history, drink, and food.” The fact that two stops include drinks adds a social element to the tour, making it more relaxed and fun.

The Guide and Atmosphere

According to reviews, the guides are top-notch—fun, friendly, and full of local stories. One reviewer called their guide “Alex,” noting that he was “incredibly informative” and made the whole experience enjoyable. The small group format ensures you get personalized attention, making it feel more like a gathering with friends than a large, impersonal tour.

The Gift & Extras

At the end of the tour, each participant receives a gift bag filled with coupons worth over $200 to local businesses—a nice touch that extends the value beyond just the tasting. This adds a bit of local flavor and encourages exploring other spots in Santa Barbara.

The Realities of the Experience

While many reviews are glowing, there are a few points worth considering. One reviewer mentioned that the tour didn’t include the mom-and-pop taco stands they expected, instead focusing on more established, award-winning spots. If you’re really after discovering hidden gems or tiny family-run stalls, this might not be the tour for you.

Also, some say that for the price, there could be more drinks offered, but it’s important to remember that the tour includes five stops, guiding, stories, and gifts—so it’s more than just a tasting session.

Most travelers find the timing—about two and a half hours—perfect for a leisurely afternoon. The pace is relaxed, with plenty of opportunities to sit, chat, and enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $149 per person, this tour offers good value if you’re a fan of food, social experiences, and local culture. The multiple tasting stops plus drinks and the personalized guide make it more than just a meal; it’s a mini adventure in Santa Barbara’s culinary scene. Reviewers consistently mention feeling full and satisfied at the end, with many praising the “variety and quality” of the tacos.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits foodies who want to taste a diverse array of tacos from the best local spots. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy walking through neighborhoods, learning stories, and sampling drinks along the way. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate guided insights into local culture without the fuss of planning individual stops.

While it’s not specifically tailored for kids, families with kids well-versed in tacos and walking might find it enjoyable, especially since most of the time is sitting and tasting rather than long hikes. If your group values a more social, relaxed vibe with good storytelling, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Original Taco Tour Santa Barbara offers a tasty, engaging, and well-curated experience. The combination of five different taquerias, knowledgeable guides, and drinks makes it a compelling choice for those looking to explore downtown Santa Barbara through their palate. It’s especially suited for travelers craving an informal, fun way to learn about local eats and culture, all while satisfying their taco cravings.

If you’re a foodie wanting to sample some of the best tacos, enjoy good company, and hear fun stories about Santa Barbara, this tour could be a highlight of your trip. Just remember to go with an open mind and appetite—you’ll leave full, happy, and with a few new favorite spots in mind.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, offering a relaxed pace to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

How many stops are included?
There are five taco restaurants or taquerias, each offering a different style of taco, providing a variety of flavors.

What beverages are included?
Two beverages are included, and your choices are margarita, wine, or beer. You can purchase additional drinks if desired.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it is a private experience, meaning only your group will participate, making it more personalized.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at 321 Motor Way and ends at 525 State St in Santa Barbara.

Can service animals participate?
Service animals are allowed, which makes the tour accessible for travelers needing assistance.

What about dietary restrictions?
The guides are very accommodating and can help with dietary restrictions or aversions, ensuring everyone enjoys the experience.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

In essence, this tour offers a friendly, flavorful way to see Santa Barbara’s downtown while tasting some of the best tacos in town. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s a chance to enjoy good food, good stories, and great company—all in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.