Experience Santa Barbara—its architecture and its past—in a unique and personal way. Join us in a small group walking tour of the downtown area. Led by highly knowledgeable docents of the Architectural Foundation, the tour focuses on architectural styles, significant and historic buildings, aesthetics, past and present building usage, and landscape history. Discover why Santa Barbara is called “The American Riviera,” and why the local press lauds our educational walkabouts.
On the Domingo (Sunday) Tour, see the historic art and architecture of downtown Santa Barbara as it was reborn after the 1925 earthquake. Domingo tour leaves from the Downtown Public Library mid-block on Anapamu Street at 10 am and is an easy stroll lasting approximately two hours. Rain will cancel the tour, but weather permitting, it runs weekly all year.
Architectural sites on the Domingo (Sunday) Walking Tour:
- Pre- and Post-Earthquake Santa Barbara Santa Barbara Central Library (1917)
- La Arcada (1930)
- East Figueroa Buildings San Marcos Building (1913; 1926)
- Santa Barbara Museum of Art (1914-1937)
- Granada Theater (1924)
- Upper Hawley Building (1887)
- 1301 State Street Arlington Theater (1930)
- US Bankruptcy Court (1946-47)
- Santa Barbara Medical Clinic Building (1920)
- Trinity Episcopal Church (1919)
- Plus many more, including Notre Dame School, Yoga Center, and Our Lady of Sorrows Church
Special Private Tours:
- Tours for private groups and the physically challenged can be arranged.
- Special tours for groups larger than 10 people may be arranged at least two weeks in advance and can be scheduled for any day of the week.
- For further information on large, private, or special tours, please email us at [email protected] or call (805) 965-6307.
Bring your camera and friends. All are welcome, including children, but please keep in mind that the walking tour is two hours long with lots of detailed information. Children under 12 are free but must be accompanied by an adult. Please, no strollers.