Welcome to the Original first Ghost Tour in Santa Barbara - Enchantment awaits you.
SBGT includes tales of history and mystery curated/collected from research done by Professor Julie Ann Brown.
Approximately, 10 traditional and current "happy ghost sighting stories" will be told to you along with photos and videos of some of our favorite ghosts caught by guests and locals on past SBGT tours. Owner often upon your request will extend the tour by an additional 15 minutes or more!
Tour Options
Walking Presidio Ghost Tour
Walking Tour: Original SB ghost tour. Great to take the train for this history mystery ghost adventure (visit to the historical museum).
Itinerary
Admission not included10 min
El Cuartel and the Chapel
Highlights
Experienced guide
What's included
Included
Experienced guide
Traveller Ratings
4.9
89 reviews
5
86
4
0
3
2
2
0
1
1
Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Stay home if you are sick
Please keep your distance and remain 6 feet apart at all times
Frequently asked questions
How long does SB Ghost Tour "Invisible Becomes Visible!"- Children FREE take?
SB Ghost Tour "Invisible Becomes Visible!"- Children FREE lasts about 1 hour. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does SB Ghost Tour "Invisible Becomes Visible!"- Children FREE cost?
Prices start at $25 per person for this Santa Barbara experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel SB Ghost Tour "Invisible Becomes Visible!"- Children FREE for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is We meet on the steps of the downtown post office.. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is SB Ghost Tour "Invisible Becomes Visible!"- Children FREE offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(89)
S
Sergio_C
July 12, 2026
My wife and I had such a...
My wife and I had such a great time on this tour! We had the greatest host, Julie. She was really kind and knowledgeable. Mixed ghost stories with local history. Loved every second of it! I would DEFINITELY recommend to anyone interested in the supernatural/history.
Operator response
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. I know how busy life is and I appreciate it for my heart. The two of you were absolutely special and it was great that you were surprising your wife with a special night for your anniversary. Thank you for the joy you brought and a happy visiting ghosts of Santa Barbara. I’m sure are still smiling as you got to learn their stories Julie
R
rhondamZ4578SW
April 24, 2026
Amazing ghost tour
Julie was a sensitive and intuitive guide. We learned much about the history of Santa Barbara and many colorful people during their life and after. She has a way of drawing you into the time and place as she tells each story.
Operator response
Thank you both for being amazing guests! Your generosity in taking time to write a lovely review is appreciated in great measure! Thank you for attending "the City of Friendly Visiting Ghosts!'
3
305wesd
April 21, 2026
Something fun yo do. If you're in Santa Barbara
Julie was terrific. She took the time to explain the history and was very personable and knowledgeable. She brought the stories to life. We're kind of skeptics of the supernatural. However, the day after the tour we had a ghost experience of our own. My wife took some pictures at a house that we later leaned was rumored to be haunted. Julie encouraged to not be scared and to take a picture if you're sensing something. Would recommend this tour!
Operator response
Well...how could your tour not be special? It was special because of both of you! Your openness to possibilities, curiosity and leaning, made the tour special to me! I leaned from both of you. Thank you for taking the time to send me the photos! They are amazing! Come back soon! Julie
Q
Quest49842311512
June 30, 2025
Wonderfully entertaining and Educational
This is a wonderful tour with Prof Julie. We learned so much about the history of Santa Barbara and its founders and also about ghosts and the paranormal. Our guide was so knowledgeable and her stories were entertaining and she even shows photos of ghosts. A very memorable tour. Highly recommended for anyone. We brought a 5 year old who was engaged the entire time and a baby along with a dog. All are welcome. Thank you Prof Julie and TripAdvisor for this wonderful activity👻
Operator response
Your lovely family are delightful! Your five year old is highly bright and kind...just like her parents. It was a blessing to have you join my tour and I am certain the "happy and friendly" visiting ghosts from paradise were delighted that you heard their stories.
L
leticiacE7786NM
May 5, 2025
Highly recommended as a local
I lived in Santa Barbara my whole life and I realized I knew very little about my hometown. Highly recommend this with a group of friends or even date night. Julie is very knowledgeable, easygoing and approachable. The experience all in all was great. So much history, no way it can be covered in one visit, definitely coming back for part 2 of the tour.
Operator response
Thank you for your beautifully written and analyzed narrative of your history and mystery ghost tour. It was a complete blessing to have been your guide...excited to have you return on your second tour soon!
J
jsmooth626
December 29, 2024
Original Ghost Tour Still the Best!
We were referred to Julie’s company The Original Santa Barbara Ghost Tours and decided to book a wine tasting+ Ghost tour over the winter holiday break.
Her colleague Allison met with us at a local wine bar and then took us on a very interesting walking tour of the Ghostly History of Old Santa Barbara. Her stories were engaging, fun, and at times got a little spooky.
I strongly recommend booking with the “Original” Ghost Tours with Julie as I’ve heard there were some copy cat companies out there trying to imitate but of course aren’t as good.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your very kind and beautifully written sincere review.
Allison is amazing.
As my friend who loved my tours after taking them is now helping me by volunteering to do tours when I’m unable to do them.
There is no one else I would trust but Allison.
She knows the tales by heart and is an amazing storyteller.
She enjoyed meeting you and your wife and the other guests last night.
Looking forward to seeing you both on another tour with your free coupon in the future.
Happy New Year!
T
Trisha_J
July 25, 2024
Fantastic History/Ghost Tour!
Julie was amazing!! We were her first 4 pm tour and it was fantastic! My mom and I had never been to Santa Barbara and it was wonderful learning about the history of this beautiful town. Julie was very knowledgeable and the ghost stories were fascinating! Highly recommend!
Operator response
You both were soooo delightful! It was a blessing to be your tour guide and share in our amazing stories of Santa Barbara! Blessed to have met you both!
K
K6229DYmelissac
July 24, 2024
Bring your camera and open mind
A great walking tour to learn some history and paranormal sightings throughout this amazing city. The guide is really knowledgeable and loves to share her stories with guests.
Operator response
Thank you for being so wonderful yesterday! The tour was amazing because of the two of you. From my heart I appreciate the time you have taken from your holiday to write this review. Looking forward to having you coming back if your travels bring you here and I will offer a private tour for the two of you!
G
Gisiel_T
February 17, 2024
Recommend !
Knowledgeable and kind ghost tour guide, Allison, made our trip exciting and memorable. My husband and I had so much fun learning the history of Santa Barbara.
1 people found this helpful
Operator response
Thank you for your wonderful review. Allison is a real treasure,f riend amazing volunteer guest guide. When she offers to help me, I know that her spiritual gifts and historical knowledge will have a chance to be shared. I am glad she was able to give you the tour amidst the pending storm.
R
Relax32483011011
September 26, 2023
A must for ghost enthusiasts
Julie is an amazing tour guide. Her passion for Santa Barbara history shines through in every ghostly tale. Her enthusiasm is infectious and made the tour all the more enjoyable. Highly recommend!! 👍👍
2 people found this helpful
Operator response
Your private tour in "the dead of the night" was incredible! It was because of both of you that it was very special. Seriously, having both of you with your amazing spiritual gifts brought the most enchanting late night ghost tour I have ever given!
Please come back soon! Julie
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