Most bookedSanta Barbara Trolley Tour
All Aboard Santa Barbara’s Original & Longest Running Trolley Tour and Charter Services See the American Riviera in 90 minutes Santa Barbara sightseeing at its finest...
- Narrated Tour
Tickets & tours
Courthouse Tours & Admission
Entry to the courthouse is free. You can join daily docent walks or book an independent city tour to see the grounds.
Most booked
Top ratedPrivate Santa Barbara History and Architecture Walking Tour
When you come on a tour with me, I can show you the must see sites, as well as some out-of-the-way architectural gems that only a local like me knows about. I have...
- Guided Tour, historical photos
Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour
We'd love for you to come have a blast with us on one of our electric bike tours! As the first tour provider to lead electric bike tours in Santa Barbara we're confident...
- Water
- Professional guide
- Helmet
Best valueSanta Barbara Highlights Private 2-Hour Driving Tour
World class private tour, completely controlled by you! Come see the best sights in Santa Barbara, at your leisure! Commentary and Tour by Laure Spiers, a local...
- Free navigation and Smartphone Guide
- Pintours App Guide
Small groupThe ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour
Eat and drink your way through downtown Santa Barbara with a local—no planning required. We’ll take you to a mix of favorite spots, with generous tastings, a little day...
- A local host (more like a knowledgeable friend than a traditional guide)
- A curated wine tasting is included (typically 3–4 wines), plus one additional beverage (non-alcoholic or alcoholic)
- All food tastings are included (enough for a light meal)
"Dead of the Night" SB Ghost Tour History & Mystery-Children FREE
Welcome to the City of Friendly Ghosts Artisan Ghost Tour - Enchantment awaits you. Your SB Ghost Tour includes tales of history and mystery curated from research done...
- Experienced guide
Tour prices change based on demand and the platform you use.
What will it cost your group?
Enter your group and compare totals on both platforms. From-prices; children are priced as adults unless the listing gives a child rate.
Viator and GetYourGuide side by side
Compare local tours that feature the courthouse.
| Option | Duration | Viator from | GetYourGuide from | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| santa barbara trolley tour | 1 h 30 min | $37 | Compare | 4.6 (930) | seeing all major city highlights |
| private architecture walk | 2 h to 3 h | $99 | Compare | 5.0 (62) | architecture and history lovers |
| electric bike tour | 2 h 30 min | $85 | Compare | 5.0 (604) | exploring the city outdoors |
| private highlights drive | 1 h to 2 h | $45 | Compare | 3.0 (8) | personalized city sightseeing |
| downtown food tour | 3 h to 4 h | $175 | Compare | 4.9 (553) | tasting local culinary delights |
| ghost and history tour | 2 h | $55 | Compare | 4.9 (42) | evening downtown exploration |
How to choose
- If you want a narrated drive around the city: take the Santa Barbara Trolley Tour.
- If you want deep historical facts and customized pacing: take the Private Santa Barbara History and Architecture Walking Tour.
- If you prefer to cover more ground outdoors: take the Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour.
- If you enjoy ghost stories and local mysteries: take the Dead of the Night SB Ghost Tour.
Ticket questions
Is the Santa Barbara County Courthouse free to visit?
Yes. General admission, access to the clock tower, and the daily docent-led walking tours are completely free.
Do I need a reservation for the Santa Barbara Courthouse tour?
No reservations are needed for the free docent-led tours. These take place Monday through Friday at 10:30 AM, and every day at 2:00 PM.
How long does it take to tour the Santa Barbara Courthouse?
The free guided tour typically lasts 1 hour. If you explore on your own, allow 15 minutes for the Mural Room, 20 to 30 minutes for the tower, and 20 minutes for the gardens.
From Viator
Recent reviews
4.6
930 reviews of the santa barbara trolley tour on Viator
Great tour that covered all of the highlights in a short amount of time. Our guide, Rusty, was great . We were able to spend ample time at the mission and saw enough on the trolley to be able to explore comfortably on our own after the tour. Good value for the money. Highly recommend.
It really worth the 90 minutes tour. It gives you the whole picture of Sta. Barbara and their history
Lovely hotel. Corner room, lots of light, balcony, very spacious probably at least 500 sq. ft., impeccably maintained and clean. Staff very nice and accommodating, including parking valets. Excellent restaurant also. Only downside is no in-room coffee; have to go down to lobby to get your morning jolt. A biggie with me, but still 5 stars b/c the positives compensated for that flaw.