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Private tour in Santa Barbara Meredith B
Historical Architectural Tour of Santa Barbara, California
5.0
(23) reviews
-
3 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-9 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
3 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-9 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Meredith B.
5.0
Guide rating
36
Reviews
Tours delivered
15 hrs
Avg. response time
I love my hometown of Santa Barbara, and I love sharing it with newcomers and locals alike. I offer friendly, fun, informative tours. From hiking in the mountains to biking or driving along beaches to exploring museums or historical buildings, your time in Santa Barbara will be both memorable and educational. The kids will love the Maritime Museum, the Zoo, or the Sea Center on the wharf. I enjoy working with children, the public in general, and with those who are limited English speakers. I hold a multiple subject teaching credential and have worked with elementary aged students for the past 25 years. I also hold a TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) Certificate, a LMT (Library Media Teacher) credential and have been trained to be a Massage Therapist. In addition, I am CPR/First Aid trained. I took a 30 hour course to be a docent at our local Courthouse and am a member at both the SB Maritime Museum and SB Historical Museum where I attend frequent lectures on local history. I am licensed to provide transportation in the State of California. TCP #22256. Pets ok but no smoking
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Meredith B.
Architecture and history come together in Santa Barbara
Overview of your Santa Barbara tour
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!
Recent Reviews
Kate R.United States
My parents-in-law and I had the best time! Meredith kindly responded to my request for an adapted tour for someone who finds walking difficult. And we were all riveted and fascinated the whole time! We learned about Santa Barbara’s history as well as its most influential architects. Meredith has a wealth of knowledge and she is a terrific storyteller. We learned so much, completely enjoyed Meredith’s delightful company, and raved about her for days afterward! We all enthusiastically recommend Meredith as a delightful and knowledgeable local guide.
Kent B.United States
Meredith was a fabulous tour guide on our half day in Santa Barbara. She was more than willing to tailor our tour to fit our time constraints and age restrictions. She was fun and extremely knowledgeable of the city she loves and proudly calls home. We hit a home run with Meredith…and even met the mayor of Santa Barbara! Thanks ToursByLocals for providing us with such a professional guide.
Rosemary D.United States
Meredith is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We saw so many interesting things we would never have seen on our own. It was an excellent combination of driving and walking, with stops to meet the interests of my 14 year old granddaughter. I will definitely recommend Meredith to my friends. Tours by Locals has never disappointed us.
Trisha P.United States
Incredible tour with Meredith - she was born and raised in SB and knows everything! People walk up and talk to her on the streets - she's like the mayor of SB! Fun, energetic, intelligent and knows the best places to eat. Would do it again in a minute! Thank you Meredith for a great day!
James R.United States
Meredith's tour was well-paced, fun and informative.
Your Santa Barbara tour itinerary
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.
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Van
This tour is always private. The vehicles I use are either a five passenger Toyota Sienna or a nine passenger Ford Transit. 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.
What's included
Other: Water and light snacks
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Meeting location
735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, California, 93101, United States
Airport, your hotel, or an agreed upon location.
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
History
Tour reference number
252388
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Santa Barbara best suited for?
This private tour in Santa Barbara is perfect for anyone interested in history and architecture, especially those who want to learn about the Spanish Colonial Revival style that became popular after the 1925 earthquake. It's also ideal for families, as it's kid-friendly, and for those who prefer minimal physical activity. With Meredith B. as your guide, you'll gain fascinating insights into the city's past and its architectural gems.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Santa Barbara be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
3 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-9 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
3 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-9 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.