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Private Santa Barbara History and Architecture Walking Tour

Private Santa Barbara History and Architecture Walking Tour

Overview

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 researched local history quite extensively and am very knowledgeable. What makes this tour unique is my in-depth understanding of local history, lore, and architecture, and my abilities to answer whatever questions you might have, as well as to show you the hidden places that aren’t listed in every guidebook. We can arrange beforehand to focus on what you find most interesting: Architecture? History? Adobe construction? Fabulous views? Gardens (Santa Barbara has one of the largest varieties of trees in its downtown area of any city in the country!)? Perhaps a combination of them all!
I can cater to whatever interests you have!

City: Santa Barbara

Sun 23 Feb

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $99.00

Make a reservation

Sun 23 Feb

Starting at $99.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Guided Tour, historical photos

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
I am fully vaccinated. As this entire tour is outdoors, it is not necessary for us to wear masks, though social distancing is required. However, if you feel more comfortable with me wearing a mask, or you want to wear a mask, or both, I am more than happy to accommodate those needs.

What To Expect

El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park

Here, guests will admire one of the oldest structures in California. Built in 1782 of Adobe brick, the Presidio includes original rooms, soldiers gardens, a chapel, and re-creations of everyday objects of the 18th century. Guests will learn how the buildings were constructed only from materials of the surrounding countryside, and get a chance to imagine life in the far-reaches of the once great Spanish Empire.

Santa Barbara Historical Museum

Constructed in 1964 of Adobe brick, the museum is a classic example of early California-style architecture. The museum contains many excellent exhibits on local history, including painting and a collection of etchings. The courtyard also features two adobe structures dating from 1817 and a gift shop, and is an excellent spot for pictures. Guests can enter to explore the exhibits if they choose.

City Hall

Constructed before the 1925 earthquake, in 1923, Santa Barbara’s City Hall is an early monument to the Spanish Colonial Revival movement. The building is decorated with hand-painted tiles, and has arches which extend over the sidewalk. In front, there is a large California Pepper Tree, which is a city landmark. City Hall, along with Casa de la Guerra and the News-Press Building, face Plaza de la Guerra, the ceremonial heart of the city.

Casa de la Guerra

Constructed in 1819 by Don Jose de la Guerra, fifth Comandante of the Presidio, as both a mansion for his family and a center for his business, this adobe remains just as impressive as it did back in the day. It was a center of cultural and political activities, back when Santa Barbara was simply a few adobes grouped around the Presidio. Today, it remains a centerpiece of the town, hosting the Fiesta celebrations each summer. It is open for visitors on the weekends.

El Paseo Building

The construction of El Paseo, from 1922-29, was the first major step in converting the architecture of Santa Barbara from Eastern US main street to Hispanic Pueblo. We will wander through the quaint passageways, visit the romantic courtyard, and meander down the famous “Street in Spain,” before emerging onto State St. proper. Great spot for pictures.

The Historic La Arcada Courtyard

As we stroll up State St., the principal avenue of Santa Barbara, will will enter the pleasant courtyards of the La Arcada building. This tiled paseo wanders past quaint shops and restaurants through the center of the block, which will lead us to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. On the way, enjoy the quirky bronze statues, second-story arches bridges, and fountain filled with live turtles!

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

The beauty and architectural significance of this building cannot be overstated. The most important 20th century building in all of Santa Barbara, it is only second to the Mission in significance, and can be considered the public monument to the Spanish Colonial Revival movement in the United States. We will observe all the wonders the courthouse has to offer, from the great Roman triumphal arch flanked by stone statues on its front facade, to its hand-carved column capitals and painted tiles throughout. Once restrictions ease, we will journey inside, visit the stunning mural room, and climb the stairs or take the elevator up the clock tower for a 360 degree view of the entire town!

Santa Barbara Public Library

With different parts of the structure dating from 1917, 1925, and 1930, the Santa Barbara Public Library is an impressive structure, directly across the street from the courthouse. As we walk down Anapamu St, we can admire the detailed stone sculptures which surround the main doorways.

The Granada Theatre

The Granada Theatre stands out as a city landmark for many reasons; for one, it is the tallest building in the entire city of Santa Barbara, built in 1924 before the 60ft height ordinance. Additionally, its upper floors are decorated in stunning glazed terra cotta. Hopefully, after restrictions ease, we will be able to journey inside once more to marvel at the wonderfully restored theatre space.

Arlington Theatre

Another architectural marvel of downtown Santa Barbara, the Arligton theatre, with its tower that shoots above the surrounding skyline, and arched paseo at ground level, is a pleasant place to sit in the shade. Inside the building, the theatre space itself is rather stunning: it was built to feel like the town square of a Spanish Village. Lined with fake, 3-dimensional building facades, and with a vaulted roof painted with stars, this effect is achieved quite well.

Alameda Park

Set out in 1850 for public space, the Alameda parks of today still play a central role to downtown life, hosting events during the Summer Solstice and Earth Day celebrations annually. Planted with a variety of trees brought from abroad, from redwoods to East African Fern Pines. One of the blocks contains a bandstand from the 1880’s, while the other contains an extensive playground dubbed “Kids’ World.” The third block of parks was once home to the internationally famous Mirasol Hotel, but, after the building was badly damaged in a fire in 1966, the entire space was converted into a stunning botanical garden, replete with a duck pond and rare flowering trees.

Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens

Once home to the famous El Mirasol Hotel, this entire square block is now a stunning garden home to a butterfly meadow that attracts monarchs, a running creek with stepping stones, and a massive Australian Fig tree that provides a shady area overlooking a duck pond with live turtles!

Santa Barbara Main Post Office

A fascinating blend of Streamline Moderne and Spanish elements, the Santa Barbara Post Office is a fun building to see. The building incorporates sculptures, both within and without.

Lobero Theatre

Built in 1924 by esteemed architect George Washington Smith, the Lobero Theatre is an important city landmark. This site has operated as a theatrical space since 1873, when Italian immigrant Jose Lobero opened Southern California’s first opera house here. If restrictions ease, we can go inside and admire the painted vaulted ceiling.

Show 11 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (28)

Odyssey742205

Dec 2022

Sully was a fantastic,tour guide, history teacher, and entertainer. All three of us came away so happy that we had gone. Best 3 hours we have spent and worth every penny.

TravelSenior2

Sep 2022

Sullivan Israel’s Architectural and Historic Tour of Santa Barbara was excellent. His description of how Santa Barbara came about from the trading of the Chumash peoples, the arrival of the Spanish invaders, the creation of the Presidio, the impact of the Mexican Civil war, the creation of the California State, to the Earthquake of 1925 was given in a lively and entertaining discourse . His in depth knowledge shows his keen interest in the subject of how this town came about giving the low down of the movers and shakers that created this lovely city.

AnacortesLady

Sep 2022

Sully, our private tour guide, exceeded our expectations. His knowledge of the Santa Barbara city area from both a historical and current day perspective was incredible. His passion to share his knowledge was clearly evident. He went above and beyond to ensure we had a terrific tour experience. Thank you, Sully!