Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food and Photo Tour

Name: Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food and Photo Tour
Price: 170 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.87 (105 reviews)

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Eat your way through the Funk Zone - Santa Barbara's hip, new 'hood - while learning about local culture and how to take great food photos.

This food & photo tour starts on lower State Street and will walk you through the Funk Zone neighborhood where you will taste what Santa Barbara is known for with bites of fresh seafood, gastropub creations, Mexican food, artisan beer, and locally grown wines several different locations. Along the way, you’ll get immersed in the local culture and hear interesting stories about each place you’ll visit.

You’ll also learn easy-to-shoot photo tips from your pro tour guide and take your food photo skills to the next level using your smartphone’s camera app. By the end of your 3 hour tour, you’ll be eating like a local and shooting like a pro!

(Please note: we cannot accommodate shellfish allergies, vegan or celiac restrictions at this time. However, we only have one shellfish/seafood tasting on the tour.)

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Infant meals not included

Minimum drinking age is 21 years

Not recommended for vegan or celiac dietary restrictions. Shellfish allergies cannot be accommodated, but will only miss out partially on one tasting.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Funk Zone

Begin your 3-hour Santa Barbara walking food tour at a central location in the Funk Zone, located near lower State Street. This region once housing warehouses and scuba shops — now revitalized into a bustling neighborhood of hip eateries, wine-tasting rooms, and artist studios — is where you’ll meet your guide for an afternoon food tasting and photo tour. Set out on foot at a moderate pace as your guide shares insights into Santa Barbara’s history and burgeoning art culture. Keep your smartphone ready so you can practice the helpful photo tips your guide offers along the way. You'll have many opportunities to take food photos and colorful portraits in the lively Funk Zone. Along the way, your guide stops for food & drink tastings (all included) at restaurants, a wine bar/bakery, & one microbrewery. Learn how to properly position your food for the best photos as you sample local fare. After your tour you can continue to explore and capture this fun & funky neighborhood on your own.

3 hours • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Local guide

Wine tasting

Beverages

Food tasting

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Transportation to/from attractions

Options

Santa Barbara Funk Zone Food and Photo Tour

Reviews

4.87

105 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

This was a nice balance...
sarah d,,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a nice balance of food, we went on a Friday which we learned was more food than alcohol heavy. Vanessa was a fun guide
Fun and Yummy day!
dianekL6487ZE,,Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Such a fun day in the Funk Zone eating our way around with guide Hannah. The food was yummy and company was great to spend the day with!
Worth the time for a one day visit.
622AlisonK,,Jun 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A fabulous food tour with 6 stops varying in food and drink types. The guide, Hannah, shared history and expertise of the area, making us feel like locals. A hearty amount of food and a nice balance of drinks.
What a treat!
MHTraveler90,,Jan 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My husband and I were in town for a comedy show that was taking place that evening and we had some time to kill. I use to go to school at UCSB; however, I never did many tours when I was in school and this was the perfect time! I believe it was Hannah (I'm horrible with names!) who took us on our tour on Saturday at 11:00. The weather was perfect and even better, it was only us two; so it was like having a private tour. We ended up eating 4 different dishes, along with a stop at Fess Parker Funk Zone (winery) and we ended at McConnell's Fine Ice Creams. First off, our tour guide was awesome! Not only was she super personable, but also very knowledgeable and hilarious! It takes a lot to keep up the energy for 3 hours and she did it effortlessly. On our tour we ate at Santo Mezca, the ceviche was delicious and the octopus was cooked perfectly! We would definitely come back to dry more dishes! Another stop was at the SB Biergarten and we ate Schnitzel Poutine that came with fries, mushroom gravy, green onion and cheese curds (I asked for the curds on the side). I can't say this would be a dish I would order on my own, however, I was glad I was able to experience it once. We had our third food stop at Mony's Mexican Food, we had a taco that came with chips and salsa (the salsa had a bit of heat!). I liked the portion of the taco dish since both of the previous dishes were full portions. I love street tacos that are made with simple ingredients and this was it! Second to last was a stop at the Lucky Penny and we had The OG pizza. The pizza was a full size pizza and had great flavor and thin crust (my fav is thin crust). Last but not least, we ended at McConnell's Fine Ice Creams. I am lactose intolerant, therefore, I ended up having the Mango sorbet. Flavor and texture wise, this was definitely one of the better sorbets I've had and very refreshing. Overall, I appreciate the large portions of food; however, I would say I could be happy with smaller portions and try more places or smaller portions and the cost of the tour be cheaper. I only say smaller portions since I don't like wasting food. Either way my husband and I really enjoyed our time exploring the Funk Zone!
A Flavorful Adventure in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone
Kateryna P,,Jan 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had an incredible time on the Funk Zone Food Tour in Santa Barbara! Visiting five local spots, we enjoyed a perfect mix of delicious food, refreshing alcoholic beverages, and a delightful dessert to top it all off. Our guide, Hannah, was fantastic—so friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience even more enjoyable. The group we toured with was wonderful, adding to the fun and lively atmosphere. Highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to explore the flavors of Santa Barbara!
Fun walking food tour.
820janellw,,Aug 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fun tour. Great food and information. The picture taking tips was a nice addition. Hannah was an excellent guide. Good way to see and learn more about the Funk Zone
Combo deal: great food and learn how to take photos of what you eat.
ThomasD827,,Sep 4, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was one of the best tours I have ever been on. I still use the “training” for taking pictures of food that I learned on the tour.
Fun & Delicious Tour
lpgarvin,,Aug 27, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The food & drinks on this tour were fabulous - especially at We Want the Funk! Dillon as our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. A great way to try some different foods and learn more about beautiful Santa Barbara!
Keep the Funk Zone Funky
Jason Wesley C,,Jul 30, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Camilla was a great tour guide. She took my girlfriend and I to parts of Santa Barbara we had no idea existed. She has a robust knowledge of the history of the Funk Zone. We went to a balanced array of places and Camilla ensured we did not wait or lose time. She even proactively cleaned tables, when needed, to save time. It was my girlfriend’s birthday and she had a great time. We definitely would recommend. They even accommodated our preference of no pork.
Great Foodie Tour
JustANomadTraveler,,Jul 8, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A must-do! A great way to kick off a trip to Santa Barbara! Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly and we had a great time eating our way around the the funk zone and taking pictures along the way. Definitely go on an empty stomach because we were in a food coma afterwards! Our guide gave recommendations for eating and drinking through out Santa Barbara, which we took and were not disappointed. Can’t recommend enough.