Historical Architectural Tour of Santa Barbara, California

I am the best person to give you this tour! I have spent the last 50 years in Santa Barbara and am passionate about sharing interesting and entertaining details about the city that are fascinating to all ages. Come on this tour and learn how Spanish Colonial Revival architecture became popular when rebuilding took place after the 6. 6 earthquake in 1925. You will visit the Presidio, the "fort" for the Spanish soldiers stationed here during the first years of Spanish occupation. We visit the County Courthouse, built to resemble a Spanish-Moorish castle followed by the "Queen of the Missions", built in 1786. You will enjoy a viewpoint high above the city whose grounds belonged to an Italian horticulturalist who had his workers create a maze of sandstone stairs that traverse the "American Riviera" from top to bottom. You will learn about the maritime history of Santa Barbara and much more!

The first stop will be the Presidio, built in 1782, followed by the Santa Barbara Courthouse, designed to resemble an Andalusian castle. After a stroll around "El Pueblo Viejo", the oldest part of downtown, we will drive for an inside look at the Courthouse, then drive one mile to the "Queen of the Missions", where you will learn about its architecture and placement. The homes designed by renowned architect Mary Osbourne Craig will be discussed as you gaze upon them and the ocean and island view. Following the Old Mission you will be driven to the best view point in town at the former property of Italian immigrant and horticulturist, Dr. Francesco Franceschi. Here you will learn about his life's passion. You will see homes created by George Washington Smith and modern architect Jeff Shelton. So much more will be pointed out but I am limited to 1,024 characters here.