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Downtown Santa Barbara, in the "Adobe Days" (early 1800's)
La Fiesta de Santa Barbara, early 1800's
Exploring the Hill-Carillo adobe, built 1826
El Presidio de Santa Barbara
The Lugo adobe, built 1812

Private Walking Tour of El Pueblo Viejo in Santa Barbara

By Sullivan Israel
10 out of 10
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$122 per adult
See tickets
Features
  • Free cancellation available
  • 2h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
Overview

On this tour, we will peel back the layers of history to imagine what Santa Barbara, and the people in it, were like in the 18th and 19th centuries. We will explore the old core of Santa Barbara, known as El Pueblo Viejo, “the old town,” centred around the Presidio, and discover what remains of the first few decades of the town. I will 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? Perhaps a combination of them all!
I can cater to whatever interests you have!

Activity location

  • El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
    • 123 E Canon Perdido St,
    • 93101-2215, Santa Barbara, California, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park
    • 123 East Canon Perdido Street
    • 93101, Santa Barbara, California, United States

Check availability

Private Walking Tour of El Pueblo Viejo in Santa Barbara in English
  • Activity duration is 2 hours2h2h
  • Opening hours: Sat 9:30 am-6:00 pm
  • English
Language options: English
Price details
AU$121.52 x 1 AdultAU$121.52
Total
Price is AU$121.52
Until Fri, 29 Nov

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's includedExperienced Guide
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedParking Fees

Know before you book

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Transport options are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
  • 10m
  • Admission ticket included
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.
820 Anacapa St (Pass by)
We will pass by the Rochin Adobe, built in 1856 by a descendant of Captain Francisco Ortega, first Comandante of the Presidio, using adobe bricks salvaged from the almost destroyed fort. Circa 1900, it was covered in wooden weatherboard, as it remains today.
Santa Barbara Historical Museum (Pass by)
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.
715 Santa Barbara St
  • 7m
Built in 1817 by Domingo Carillo for his bride, Conception Pico, the sister of Pio Pico, Governor of Alta California, these adobes have been wonderfully preserved as part of the Historical Museum. Here, we will stop in the shade of the courtyard and listen to the burbling fountain, as the guide explains tales of Spanish-era pirates and battles.
112 E De La Guerra St (Pass by)
The Lugo adobe and Meridian studios. The picturesque studios, designed by famous architect George Washington Smith, were completed in 1925. Here, guests can admire the unique pastel-colored stucco walls and large glass windows of the studios, as well as an ancient wisteria vine, covered in purple flowers in spring. In the back of the studios lies a hidden gem: the Lugo Adobe. Built by a retired Presidio soldier in the early 19th century, the adobe has been well-preserved and remodelled. Due to its secluded location, it is seldom frequented by tourists.
802 Anacapa St
  • 5m
Taking its name after the Presidio, to which it is immediately adjacent, this beautiful building was constructed in 1945, but incorporates two original Mexican-period adobes, as well as the 1906 Nardi Hotel. Behind the building there is a hidden courtyard and garden, and Presidio St., technically Santa Barbara’s earliest city street, as it was once part of the path that ran from the waterfront to the Presidio, and on to the Mission.
Orena Adobe (Pass by)
These Adobes, which line this section of E. De La Guerra St., were built in 1849 by Jose de la Guerra, fifth Comandante of the Santa Barbara Presidio. They are a perfect example or original Mexican-Californio architecture. They were later sold to Gaspar Orena. His descendants still own these structures today!
City of Santa Barbara City Hall (Pass by)
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 pavement. 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
  • 10m
  • Admission ticket included
Constructed in 1819 by Don Jose de la Guerra, fifth Comandante of the Presidio, as both a mansion for his family and a centre for his business, this adobe remains just as impressive as it did back in the day. It was a centre of cultural and political activities, back when Santa Barbara was simply a few adobes grouped around the Presidio. Today, it remains a centrepiece of the town, hosting the Fiesta celebrations each summer. It is open for visitors on the weekends.
El Paseo Building
  • 5m
  • Admission ticket included
The construction of El Paseo, from 1922-29, was the first major step in converting the architecture of Santa Barbara from Eastern US high 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.
Hill-Carrillo Adobe (Pass by)
Built by Daniel Hill, one of the earliest American immigrants to Santa Barbara, in 1825 this unassuming in one of the oldest private structures in the town, and was once the centre of its social life. In years since, it was used by the first City Council meetings in the 1850's, and was restored in 1919.
Masonic Temple (Pass by)
Covered in intricate carvings and frescoes, Santa Barbara's Masonic Temple is one of the most sophisticated buildings in town.
100 E Carrillo St (Pass by)
This structure was built in 1914, after the designs of architect J. Corbley Pool, with an addition by Julia Morgan. It is unique as it is the only prominent brick structure in Santa Barbara.
Events Professionals (Pass by)
This stately Spanish Building was constructed in 1926, and was designed by Julia Morgan, the first woman to attend the Ecole de Beaux Arts in Paris. She constructed over 700 buildings in California, and this building is a fine example of her style.
920 Anacapa St (Pass by)
This tiny structure, hidden away behind the Presidio, was constructed in 1825, and has remained relatively unchanged since.
122 E Canon Perdido St
  • 5m
We will end our tour at El Cuartel, across the street from where we began. This small structure was once a part of the Presidio complex, and is the oldest building in town, constructed in 1788. Here, you can wander inside the rooms and back garden, to see a relatively unchanged 18th-century structure, and imagine what life was like back then

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIESEl Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
    • 123 E Canon Perdido St,
    • 93101-2215, Santa Barbara, California, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLEEl Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park
    • 123 East Canon Perdido Street
    • 93101, Santa Barbara, California, United States

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