The Old Town tour, created in 2022, combines local history with architecture. This free public tour – offered on specific days – is suited to those wanting to explore Santa Barbara’s original town center (the 400, 500 and 600 blocks of State Street) understand those events that ushered in the Spanish-Colonial style of architecture, visit the unusual Brinkerhoff Victorian District of the late 1800’s, and, finally, gaze in wonder at three of local architect Jeff Shelton’s 21st century buildings that are now ranked among Santa Barbara’s most frequented architectural attractions*. The Old Town tour begins at either 10am or 2pm in the 700 block of State St, makes 15 stops of interest, and ends at the corner of Haley and State Street. Other stops of interest include fascinating information about the Hotel Santa Barbara, Joe’s Restaurant, Hotel Savoy, GE Tempo – a military think tank, Sevilla Square, Gutierrez Drug Store, Hendry Brothers Iron Works, Seaside Oil Co., and so much more. After the tour, continue exploring on your own taking in the nearby El Paseo, Courthouse, and Paseo Nuevo shopping mall. (Note: there is no seating on this tour.) An optional wine tasting voucher – good for a 5 taste flight at Santa Barbara Winery, Santa Barbara’s oldest winery, can be purchased for a substantially discounted price. Cash or Venmo accepted.
Your guide carries 11 x 17 old photos to help place you back in time and relates entertaining and interesting stories along the way. At the end of the tour, you’ll get a chance to win a McConnell’s ice cream! An optional wine tasting voucher – good for a 5 taste flight at Santa Barbara Winery, Santa Barbara’s oldest winery, can be purchased for a substantially discounted price. Cash or Venmo accepted.
The tour is led by owner/creator, John Ummel, a retired, long-time resident of Santa Barbara.
*A private tour can be arranged on any day of the week at a time convenient for you. Subject to tour guides’ availability. Contact John for more information.
Not Included on This Tour:
Historical information and other items of interest above Ortega Street e.g., El Paseo, Lobero Theatre, Courthouse, Meridian Studios, etc.
Parking Options
- Park in the parking garage of the Paseo Nuevo mall. Short 5 minute walk to tour start point.
- Park at the parking garage at 16. E. Ortega. Short 5 minute walk to starting point
- Parking rates: first 75 minutes are free; $2.50 per hour or fraction thereof thereafter
