Private tour in Santa Barbara Meredith B
up to 4 people
3 hours
Private transportation
1
Meredith B.
I love my hometown of Santa Barbara, and I love sharing it with newcomers. I offer friendly, fun,...
Itinerary not perfect? Message Meredith B. to build a tour that’s just right for you.
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. 8 earthquake. 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 quick stroll past the Arlington and Granada theaters we will 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. Next you will see a few of George Washington Smith's masterpieces and "Crocker Row". 100 year old hitching posts and other stone creations made from local sandstone will be pointed out and discussed as we travel through the "Upper East Side" toward historical Santa Barbara High School and observe the "whimsical" style of modern architect Jeff Shelton.
Contact your local guide to know more!!
This tour is always private. The vehicle I use with two guests is a Toyota Sienna; with four guests a Ford Transit with custom black pilot seats. If you have more than four guests I have two other vehicles; one that can hold nine and one that can hold 14. Price can be discussed if there are more than four. If you have a large group and want to charter a Santa Barbara airbus, I can jump on the bus and use its microphone. Price for chartered bus upon request.
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:
(20)
Book with a 20% deposit!
Size:
up to 4 people
Duration:
3 hours
Transportation:
Private transportation
1
Book with a 20% deposit!
Size:
up to 4 people
Duration:
3 hours
Transportation:
Private transportation
1
You will receive an email shortly with your booking and payment information.