Private Tour
Private Walking Tour of El Pueblo Viejo in Santa Barbara
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
On this tour, we will peel back the layers of history to imagine what Santa Barbara, and the people in it, were like in the 18th and 19th centuries. We will explore the old core of Santa Barbara, known as El Pueblo Viejo, "the old town," centered around the Presidio, and discover what remains of the first few decades of the town. I will show you the must see sites, as well as some out-of-the-way architectural gems that only a local like me knows about. I have researched local history quite extensively and am very knowledgeable. What makes this tour unique is my in-depth understanding of local history, lore, and architecture, and my abilities to answer whatever questions you might have, as well as to show you the hidden places that aren’t listed in every guidebook. We can arrange beforehand to focus on what you find most interesting: Architecture? History? Adobe construction? Perhaps a combination of them all!
I can cater to whatever interests you have!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Experienced Guide
Parking Fees
What To Expect
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
Here, guests will admire one of the oldest structures in California. Built in 1782 of Adobe brick, the Presidio includes original rooms, soldiers gardens, a chapel, and re-creations of everyday objects of the 18th century. Guests will learn how the buildings were constructed only from materials of the surrounding countryside, and get a chance to imagine life in the far-reaches of the once great Spanish Empire.
We will pass by the Rochin Adobe, built in 1856 by a descendant of Captain Francisco Ortega, first Comandante of the Presidio, using adobe bricks salvaged from the almost destroyed fort. Circa 1900, it was covered in wooden clapboard, as it remains today.
Options
Private Walking Tour of El Pueblo Viejo in Santa Barbara
Reviews
16 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fascinating Tour: Very Highly Recommended
Deborah B,
Jan 22, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00My partner and I were completely blown away by Sully and his presentation. This tour is a must for anyone interested in Santa Barbara history and the origins of the current community. Sully has a wealth of knowledge and can’t wait to share it. Sully was overly generous with his time and energy. The tour was chock full of fascinating information and details. Very highly recommended.
Great tour- Sully, the tour guide, really knows history- would recommend this tour to anyone who has a interest in Calif
Christopher P,
Sep 4, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00Walking in the footsteps of the founding fathers of Santa Barbara! He makes the world of the past live in the present!
Must do while in Santa Barbara!
laurapQ5438SY,
May 1, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sully is a very knowledgeable historian of Santa Barbara and California in general. We had a great time, he told us some really amazing stories. Would definitely recommend to anyone who visits Santa barbara. We have been here many times but didn't know the history. It's obvious that he loves what he does and I felt like he would have stayed with us all evening telling us the history if given the opportunity. 10 out of 10, highly recommend! He also suggested a place for dinner that was fantastic.
Outstanding Tour!
Dianne F,
Mar 21, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00We took Sullivan Israel’s private walking tour of El Pueblo Viejo in Santa Barbara and were blown away! Sullivan loves Santa Barbara and really knows its history. He answered all of our questions and more. He even brought old maps and pictures to highlight his presentation. Sullivan was very generous with his time. He also provided information about other sites to visit. This tour was so awesome due to Sullivan’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and love for his community. Sullivan is an excellent guide: friendly, informative, and engaging. If you are a history and/or architecture fan, we highly recommend this tour. It was outstanding! Thank you, Sullivan!
Worth it times ten.
twauhob,
Sep 7, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sullivan's rich detailed accounts of early Santa Barbaran & early Californian history come with short geography & carpentry explainers, are packed with wit, dense, logical. He uses the houses, streets and mountain vistas around presidio to illustrate stories about soldiers, bandits, priests, explorers, famous names. Sullivan is extremely well read in the local history & brings you into fascinating stories including the origin of the Bear Flag Republic. If you like history, even a little, you will want to see if he's available & book his tour.
Historic and Beautiful Santa Barbara
F5604KFchrisr,
Aug 6, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience overall. Our tour guide Sullivan was very knowledgeable. We visited historical sites in Santa Barbara filled with so much rich history and places we never even knew were still part of this wonderful city of Santa Barbara. Sullivan gave us an insight on how this beautiful and historic city began, the culture, the backgrounds and most importantly stories he told that made this experience all worthwhile. Much recommended!
A Must When In Santa Barbara
DMH1164,
Aug 2, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We stay in Santa Barbara quite frequently and stumbled on a private tour. We did not know what to expect but we do love history and checked it out. This 2 hour tour did not disappoint, Sullivan’s knowledge was very interesting, informative and kept us engaged. This walk through Santa Barbara history told to us in detail was a great way to spend our afternoon. I highly recommend
Look forward to bringing friends on this tour
Mary H,
Jul 16, 2021
- Review from Viator
5.00The depth of knowledge and interest Sullivan Israel had in leading the tour made it feel like you were a part of history. I am a Santa Barbara native but have never heard such detailed information about this town’s past. And Sullivan made it very relevant to today as well. Montecito Mom
Definitely Recommend!
MM200815,
Jul 11, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful experience. Sullivan was very organized in bringing us around the historical sites of Santa Barbara and telling us the background stories of the buildings there, and the history during that time. He even spent extra time with us at the end answering our questions. He is very knowledgeable about Santa Barbara’s history.
GREAT Tour! KNOWLEDGEABLE Guide!! A “MUST DO” for visitors and locals alike!!!
MontecitoMom,
Jul 10, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow! What a good experience. Sullivan is knowledgeable, helpful, and funny. This tour is perfect for anyone who wants a fun and informative tour of Santa Barbara. My family and I loved this tour, and I would highly recommend for anyone else!
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