With its white adobe walls and red-tiled roof, the iconic Casa de la Guerra is the foremost place to learn about Santa Barbara’s Mexican period (1821-1848). This important historic landmark was built between 1818 and 1828 for José de la Guerra, fifth comandante of the Presidio, and served as the hub of social, cultural and political life in Santa Barbara. It was restored to its original appearance by the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) in the 1990s.
Through exhibits and period-furnished rooms, visitors are invited to learn about three generations of the de la Guerra family, life in early 19th-century Santa Barbara, and the mostly Chumash laborers who kept the household running. Continue your journey at the diverse historical sites, shops, wineries and restaurants of the surrounding Presidio neighborhood.
Tours and Admission
Casa de la Guerra is open Thursday-Sunday from 12-4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors (62+) and free for children 16 and under, SBTHP members and SNAP/EBT and CalFresh cardholders. Entry also includes admission to El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park.
For more information or to schedule a guided tour, call (805) 965-0093.
Hourly parking is available in the parking lot at 115 East Canon Perdido Street, just two blocks away. Visitors can pay for their parking through the paybyphone.com app.
Events at Casa de la Guerra
With a host of events and festivals throughout the year, Casa de la Guerra’s legacy as a community gathering place continues today. Check the SBTHP calendar for lectures, exhibits and other events during your visit.
Casa de la Guerra is also a popular site for weddings and other private events.
Explore the Presidio Neighborhood
Centrally located in Santa Barbara’s Presidio neighborhood and Museum Mile, Casa de la Guerra is a great jumping-off point for discovering the city’s Spanish and Mexican heritage. Two blocks away is El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, the site of Spain’s fourth and final fortress in California. Admission is free with your ticket to Casa de la Guerra.
Other must-see cultural sites nearby include the Santa Barbara Historical Museum and Santa Barbara Museum of Art. This vibrant neighborhood is famed for its independent shops, restaurants and wineries, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to meander.
