Welcome to Ventura, California, the premier vacation and pleasure spot!

With the help of a local guide, explore the spectacular natural beauty of this coastal city. You can go on an adventure at the Channel Islands National Park while kayaking, snorkelling, or observing whales. You might also enrol in a private surfing lesson and go surfing at the beach.

Learn more about the region's rich cultural history by visiting historical landmarks like the Ventura Pier and the San Buenaventura Mission. You might also take a leisurely stroll through the charming downtown to check out the neighbouring stores, art galleries, and eateries.

Taste some of the region's delectable cuisine while taking in the warmth and hospitality of the inhabitants. Take part in Ventura's dynamic culture and learn about the allure of the California coast.

The local guides in ToursByLocals are enthusiastic to share their expertise and love of Ventura, giving you a unique experience.

Ventura

Superb bird watching awaits you here! Let me guide you around a lesser known Ventura location teeming with nature. On this tour we visit several areas where I will help you spot freshwater species, shore birds, and learn a bit about the Chumash culture. For 7 years I have brought others to this area and seen the awe it inspires. You will be lent a pair of binoculars to use for the duration of the tour and have plenty of time to take stunning wildlife photos. You may encounter majestic brown pelicans, Western snowy plover, great blue herons and more (depending on season).

Enjoy the sea breezes and beach comb as we walk on the sand to the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center. Visit the Ventura Harbor for an optional refreshment before saying goodbye to the seabirds, surf and sand. A 10% donation from the guide earnings will be made to Friends of the Santa Clara River, the local environmental non-profit providing the binoculars, from this tour. A waiver for taking the tour is required.

Brown Pelicans-A Rebounded Population Success Story

Photogenic Snowy Egrets Live at the Ventura Wildlife Ponds

The Santa Clara River Estuary - Visit this Critical Fresh-Salt Water Ecosystem

The Santa Clara River Estuary is a Dynamic Ecosystem, Changing with the time of Year

Shorebirds Live on the Sand, from Willets to Endangered Western Snowy Plovers

Watch Cute Sandpipers run back and forth at the surf zone

Outstanding Birdwatching & Beach Combing

Half Day Ventura Wildlife Walking Tour

I will give you the full locals tour. Driving through beautiful neighborhoods, and taking you to the places that make Santa Barbara a great place to visit! There are so many interesting and beautiful places to see in Santa Barbara. I will take you to all of the highlights of our town, the American Riviera! You will see beaches, gardens, fabulous views and homes. Seeing our Santa Barbara through the eyes of this enthusiastic local is extraordinary!

Around town as seen by an enthusiastic local!!

Private Santa Barbara Highlights Tour

Historical Architectural Tour of Santa Barbara, California

I am the best person to give you this tour! I have spent the last 50 years in Santa Barbara and am passionate about sharing interesting and entertaining details about the city that are fascinating to all ages. Come on this tour and learn how Spanish Colonial Revival architecture became popular when rebuilding took place after the 6. 8 earthquake. You will visit the Presidio, the "fort" for the Spanish soldiers stationed here during the first years of Spanish occupation. We visit the County Courthouse, built to resemble a Spanish-Moorish castle followed by the "Queen of the Missions", built in 1786. You will enjoy a viewpoint high above the city whose grounds belonged to an Italian horticulturalist who had his workers create a maze of sandstone stairs that traverse the "American Riviera" from top to bottom. You will learn about the maritime history of Santa Barbara and much more!

Architecture and history come together in Santa Barbara

Solvang & Wine Tasting Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country

You will be transported from Santa Barbara to the beautiful wine country in a new, comfortable high-top shuttle van.
Your day will start with a visit to the quaint Danish-inspired village of Solvang. It's charming shops and bakeries make for a great start to your day with a bit of free time for strolling and enjoying the town's ambience and treats. From there, your guide will take you in to Ballard Canyon AVA for an estate wine tasting at the gorgeous Rusack Vineyards in the heart of this region.

From there you will be taken to Los Olivos District for a visit to a Lavender Farm, and Olive Ranch (with Olive Oil Tasting) and wine tasting and gourmet picnic lunch at Brander Vineyard.

Following lunch, we take you to the town of Los Olivos, the hub of wine tasting in Santa Barbara County. Enjoy some free time in town along with a scheduled VIP tasting at the outstanding Kaena Wines.

A single day tour with transport, wine tasting, free time in Solvang, and gourmet picnic lunch.

Immerse yourself in the expansive outdoor landscape of Santa Cruz Island. Take in sweeping views for miles, spot the island fox, enjoy profusive blooms in spring, and truly clear your mind. This piece of paradise is in my backyard, come see! Choose a hike level and we'll head out on a pleasant trail with provisions for the day in our daypacks. After hiking, explore the exhibits near the landing or relax next to sparkling clear sea on the rocky pristine beach.

Option 1: Hike to Potato Harbor, medium 5 mi round trip, high above on a breathtaking trail (no beach access). Time will be available after the hike to do some additional exploration at Scorpion Ranch.

Option 2: Hike to Smugglers Cove, hard 7. 5 mi round trip, to a small isolated beach paradise on the ocean side of the island.

Very good health & physical ability a must. The island is remote with no medical access for many hours. Fulltime exposure to the elements (no shade). May-Sept is hot, Oct-Mar is windy.

A waiver for taking the tour is required

Remote grandeur high above it all on the way to Potato Harbor.

Sightings are not rare but nowhere else in the world but the Channel Islands will you see the Island Fox.

Clear your mind, Soak in the natural world on Santa Cruz Island

Hike and Explore the Largest California Channel Island

Full Day Santa Cruz Island Tour

Come see the gorgeous Santa Ynez Valley that you've heard so much about! I have been giving tours of this AVA (American Viticultural Area) for seven years and know many of it's hidden treasures beyond the wineries. There are seven AVAs within this area because of the range of temperature from the California central coast to the inland valley. Vintners have been growing grapes here since the early 1970s, and now there are over 200 wineries. The movie "Sideways", a dark comedy which was released in 2004 starring Paul Giamotti and Thomas Hayden Church brought attention to the area and helped put the Santa Ynez Valley on the map as a top California wine growing destination.

There is a per person charge because this tour involves wine tasting. (Beverage or Wine Tasting)

See the Santa Barbara Wine Country

Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tour

Day Trip to beautiful Santa Ynez from Santa Barbara

We will start out from your hotel. Going north on the 101 toward Buellton. This is a beautiful drive along the ocean. First stop, Nojoqui falls park and waterfall. This is a ten minute walk through ancient woods to a natural waterfall. It is an old Indian holy place. Continuing on through Buellton, Solvang, Los Olivos. These are lovely old western towns now dominated by wine tasting rooms and restaurants. Lots of shopping as well. This is beautiful country of rolling hills, horses and wineries. Stopping for lunch at Industrial eats or other fabulous restaurant we will continue on to Demetria Winery. You will think you are in Tuscany! Picking up hiway 154 back towards town, we will finish at Cold Springs tavern, a 150 year old former stage coach stop. Now a bar and restaurant! This is a lovely back country loop, enjoyed by generations of visitors!

Tour of the beautiful country of rolling hills, horses and wineries!!

Biking and Tasting Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country

You will be transported from Santa Barbara to the beautiful wine country in a new, comfortable high-top shuttle van.
Once in Los Olivos (tasting hub of the Santa Ynez Valley) you will be fitted on a Specialized comfort hybrid bike. The riding portion of the tour will take you past a Lavender Farm, gorgeous equestrian ranches and small private vineyards to the quaint Danish-inspired village of Solvang. From there, continue through the larger vineyard estates of the stunning Ballard Canyon AVA.
When the biking portion of the day is complete, the fun is just beginning. You are first rewarded with a Los Olivos tasting experience, then we take you to an estate winery (with olive oil tasting on the way) for another tasting and gourmet picnic lunch.
A full day, immersive, and unforgettable tour.

A single day tour with transport, guided biking, wine tasting, and gourmet picnic lunch.

Ventura is a delightful place to ride, with beach bike paths, cool breezes and quiet seaside residential streets. We'll go about 5 miles one-way (10 mile total ride) at an easy pace with stopping at many points of interest. Biking is the perfect way to be active, get around sustainably, and have fun! I know because I cycle almost every day around town! Our furthest point is Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center, with time built in to explore the park exhibits, go to the harbor, take refreshment breaks, shop, and check out local art work. Sounds of surf and sea breezes will be present!

Almost all of the ride is on either bike-pedestrian only lanes or low volume residential streets. A non-electric beach cruiser bike rental is included in the tour price, but the rider must sign a rental agreement and waiver at the bike shop. An additional waiver for booking this tour is necessary. Copies of either waiver available in advance.

Walk the Length of the Historic Ventura Pier (Time Permitting)

Explore Exhibits, Native Plant Garden and Look Out Tower at the Channel Islands National Park VIsitor Center

Break for Refreshments at the Ventura Harbor, Explore art venues and Scenery

Pedal the Beach Bike Path Past Coast Dunes and Ocean Scenery

Observe Wildlife at the Ventura River Estuary

Go on the Nationally Acclaimed Sea Level Rise Managed Retreat Project

Bike Round Trip from Downtown to the Harbor

Half Day Ventura Bike Tour

For the last 40 years I have been enjoying the many hikes that the local mountains above Santa Barbara have to offer. Join me on one of my favorite hikes that will provide commanding views of the city. You can choose a moderate or more difficult hike; it's up to you!

The cost is $50 per person on the hiking tour.

Enjoy beautiful views and an experienced local tour guide.

Hike in Santa Barbara!

I will take you to the 4 places I enjoy the most. We will start at Alice Keck Park a stunning place. It was built on the site of an old hotel that burned down in 1925. Then on to The Rose Garden at the Old Mission. This is the Queen of the 26 California missions. We will have lunch at this time, many local choices! After lunch, the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens. You can see old Indian construction here as well. Lastly we will end at Shoreline park for a stroll along the ocean. This park is 16 acres along the ocean. Great local surf spot! Then back to your hotel!

A private tour of Santa Barbara Green spaces

Gardens and Parks of Santa Barbara

Spend four to five hours in downtown Santa Barbara visiting three unique wine tasting rooms that can include lunch (not included in price of tour) at the first wine tasting room in the historic "El Pueblo Viejo" area of the city. Following will be two more wine tasting rooms in different parts of the city.

Enjoy historical narration as you experience the city. If you'd like to visit just two wine tasting rooms, you can enjoy an extra hour and a half of an historical/architectural tour of the city where you will visit the Old Mission and The Santa Barbara County Courthouse, the jewel of the city that was built to resemble a castle in the Andalucia section of Southern Spain. Pick up is anywhere in the city of Santa Barbara.

Wine Tasting on the American Riviera

Santa Barbara City Wine Tour

Ventura is the rare combination of a sophisticated town in a beautiful natural setting. You will be immersed in uncrowded beaches, cool ocean breezes, and rugged hillsides while never leaving modern amenities from scores of independent boutique shops and restaurants.

I have lived here for 25 years and walking is the best way to get up close and personal with Ventura. Take in breathtaking views from way above the town, as well as see where the Spanish Missionaries settled the area. Spot marine wildlife, check out the surfers and maybe a celebrity (no promises!). Get off the main path to peek at side attractions (Patagonia anyone? the world headquarters and original first 1973 store are in Ventura). Ventura remains unspoiled and a delightful escape from the big city down south. Come for the beach vibe, leave with the sand in your toes and sound of surf in your ear.

A waiver is required for this tour (provided in person at the start of our day).

Optional Visit to the First and Original 1973 Patagonia Store

Ventura Highlights from Beach Vibes to Big Views

Half Day Ventura Walking Tour

We have a number of wonderful museums in town. The Art Museum, just finishing an extensive remodel. The Natural History, also just remodeled and The Historical museum of Santa Barbara, my favorite. Santa Barbara is rich in history and the museum has a lot of it. I will take you around all these wonderful places.

Ventura tours

Explore with 14 tours and 4 guides.

Nina D.

$ 480 (USD)

Michael T.

$ 555 (USD)

Meredith B.

$ 500 (USD)

William C.

$ 950 (USD)

Nina D.

$ 1,070 (USD)

Meredith B.

$ 500 (USD)

Michael T.

$ 595 (USD)

William C.

$ 950 (USD)

Nina D.

$ 555 (USD)

Meredith B.

$ 150 (USD)

Michael T.

$ 555 (USD)

Meredith B.

$ 300 (USD)

Nina D.

$ 410 (USD)

Michael T.

$ 495 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Ventura

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Ventura tours

Things to do in Ventura