Santa Barbara's Signature Cocktail & Food Happy Hour History Tour

Meet your guide in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara in front of the historic Arlington Theater at 3:45 PM, before you set off on your three hour walking tour to explore the gastronomy, cocktails and history of this beautiful beach city. Your guide will begin the tour by giving you an overview of the history of the region, going back as far as 13,000 years ago, and continuing up to the big geological events that have helped to shape Santa Barbara's architectural history. You'll hear about the history of the Chumash people, Spanish Colonization, the Mexican period and the rough and tumble days of the Goldrush era in Santa Barbara and up to current day. Then get ready to wet your whistle!

As you make your way to your first cocktail stop, your guide will point out some of the beautiful architecture of the city such as the Granada Theater where you'll feel like you're stepping back to the 1920's when you peek into the front lobby. At your first cocktail stop, your guide will give you insights into what makes this local bar a local's favorite, using only the highest quality seasonal ingredients for all of the concoctions. Your guide can give recommendations on the best cocktails, and you'll have the opportunity to order a cocktail of your choice at this half hour craft cocktail stop.

Next you will stop by the incredibly picturesque Santa Barbara County Courthouse, whose architecture is said to have been inspired by a castle in Spain. Your guide will tell you about the building of the courthouse, rich in history and one of Santa Barbara's most photographed destinations. 

You will then wander through the quaint and charming La Arcada plaza, where you'll feel like you're meandering along a street in Spain, past shops and restaurants, in addition to sculptures by acclaimed artists. It is here, at a restaurant which focuses on local flavors, that you will enjoy a second 45 minute cocktail stop, with an opportunity to order happy hour small bites featuring fresh local California cuisine.

After relaxing at La Arcada, you'll make your way past California's oldest continuously operating theater, which was originally built as an opera house, as well as walking through the historic Presidio neighborhood. Here you will learn about the Spanish colonization of the region, as well as strolling past old adobes and along a lovely Paseo once frequented by the rich and famous during Hollywood's golden age.

Your final cocktail stop will be at a spot that truly captures the laid-back California vibe that Santa Barbara is known for. You'll find yourself in an environment that invites you to hang out for a while longer, now that you've taken in the sights and learned the history that makes Santa Barbara the cultural gem it is today.