• El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park - Visitors can appreciate one of California’s oldest buildings here. Constructed in 1782 using Adobe brick, the Presidio features original rooms, soldiers’ gardens, a chapel, and re-creations of 18th-century daily items. Guests will discover how the buildings were made solely from local materials and envision life on the outskirts of the once-mighty Spanish Empire.
• 820 Anacapa St - The tour will pass by the Rochin Adobe, built in 1856 by a descendant of Captain Francisco Ortega, the first Comandante of the Presidio, using adobe bricks salvaged from the nearly destroyed fort. Around 1900, it was covered in wooden clapboard, which remains today.
• Santa Barbara Historical Museum - Built in 1964 with Adobe brick, the museum exemplifies early California-style architecture. It houses excellent exhibits on local history, including paintings and a collection of etchings. The courtyard features two adobe structures from 1817 and a gift shop, making it a perfect photo spot. Guests can choose to explore the exhibits inside.
• 715 Santa Barbara St - Constructed in 1817 by Domingo Carillo for his bride, Conception Pico, sister of Pio Pico, Governor of Alta California, these adobes are beautifully preserved as part of the Historical Museum. Here, visitors can relax in the courtyard’s shade and listen to the fountain while the guide shares stories of Spanish-era pirates and battles.
• 112 E De La Guerra St - The Lugo Adobe and Meridian studios. Designed by renowned architect George Washington Smith, the picturesque studios were completed in 1925. Guests can admire the unique pastel-colored stucco walls and large glass windows, as well as an ancient wisteria vine blooming with purple flowers in spring. Behind the studios lies the hidden gem of the Lugo Adobe, built by a retired Presidio soldier in the early 19th century, well-preserved and remodeled. Its secluded location means it is rarely visited by tourists.
• 802 Anacapa St - Named after the Presidio, to which it is adjacent, this beautiful building was constructed in 1945, incorporating two original Mexican-period adobes and the 1906 Nardi Hotel. Behind the building is a hidden courtyard and garden, and Presidio St., technically Santa Barbara’s earliest city street, as it was once part of the path from the waterfront to the Presidio and the Mission.
• Orena Adobe - These Adobes, lining this section of E. De La Guerra St., were built in 1849 by Jose de la Guerra, the fifth Comandante of the Santa Barbara Presidio. They exemplify original Mexican-Californio architecture and were later sold to Gaspar Orena. His descendants still own these structures today!
• City of Santa Barbara City Hall - Built before the 1925 earthquake, in 1923, Santa Barbara’s City Hall is an early monument to the Spanish Colonial Revival movement. The building features hand-painted tiles and arches extending over the sidewalk. In front, a large California Pepper Tree serves as a city landmark. City Hall, along with Casa de la Guerra and the News-Press Building, faces Plaza de la Guerra, the ceremonial heart of the city.
• Casa de la Guerra - Constructed in 1819 by Don Jose de la Guerra, the fifth Comandante of the Presidio, as both a mansion for his family and a business center, this adobe remains as impressive as ever. It was a hub of cultural and political activities when Santa Barbara was just a few adobes around the Presidio. Today, it remains a town centerpiece, hosting the Fiesta celebrations each summer. It is open for visitors on weekends.
• El Paseo Building - The construction of El Paseo, from 1922-29, marked the first major step in transforming Santa Barbara’s architecture from Eastern US main street to Hispanic Pueblo. Visitors can wander through quaint passageways, visit the romantic courtyard, and stroll down the famous “Street in Spain,” before emerging onto State St. proper. A great spot for photos.
• Hill-Carrillo Adobe - Built by Daniel Hill, one of the earliest American immigrants to Santa Barbara, in 1825, this unassuming structure is one of the oldest private buildings in town and was once the center of its social life. It hosted the first City Council meetings in the 1850s and was restored in 1919.
• Masonic Temple - Adorned with intricate carvings and frescoes, Santa Barbara’s Masonic Temple is one of the town’s most sophisticated buildings.
• 100 E Carrillo St - Built in 1914, following the designs of architect J. Corbley Pool, with an addition by Julia Morgan, this structure is unique as the only prominent brick building in Santa Barbara.
• Events Professionals - This elegant Spanish Building, constructed in 1926, was designed by Julia Morgan, the first woman to attend the Ecole de Beaux Arts in Paris. She designed over 700 buildings in California, and this building is a fine example of her style.
• 920 Anacapa St - This small structure, hidden behind the Presidio, was built in 1825 and has remained relatively unchanged since.
• 122 E Canon Perdido St - The tour concludes at El Cuartel, across the street from the starting point. This small structure was once part of the Presidio complex and is the oldest building in town, constructed in 1788. Visitors can explore the rooms and back garden to see a relatively unchanged 18th-century structure and imagine life back then.

• Experienced Guide

• Parking fees

This tour offers a fascinating journey through time, revealing the rich history of Santa Barbara and its inhabitants during the 18th and 19th centuries. Participants will explore the historic heart of Santa Barbara, known as El Pueblo Viejo, “the old town,” centered around the Presidio, and uncover remnants from the town’s early years. The tour highlights must-see sites and hidden architectural treasures known only to locals. The operator has extensively researched local history and possesses a deep knowledge of the area. What sets this tour apart is the operator’s comprehensive understanding of local history, lore, and architecture, along with the ability to answer any questions and showcase hidden spots not found in typical guidebooks. The tour can be customized to focus on your specific interests, whether it’s architecture, history, adobe construction, or a mix of all three. The operator is eager to tailor the experience to suit your preferences!

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