Combining history with architecture, your guide will walk you through the City’s original town center, escort you through the historic Brinkerhoff Victorian district, and finally, mesmerize you with buildings designed by local architect Jeff Shelton; many of which rival the Old Mission and Courthouse in terms of “must see” sites in Santa Barbara. This 2-hour adventure begins in the 700 block of State Street and ends in the 500 block. If you ever wondered how Santa Barbara adopted a uniform architectural style – Spanish Colonial – this is the tour to take! You’ll also learn about the transition of old town from 1850 to the present day, the Hotel Santa Barbara and Hotel Savoy (a city landmark), Joe’s restaurant, Hendry Brothers Iron Works, ghost of Ogle House, and finally, Shelton’s Pistachio,Ablitt and El Andaluz Gaudi-like structures. As an added bonus, on weekday tours we often visit Shelton’s studio!
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
