El Pueblo Viejo Private Walking Tour: Uncover Santa Barbara's History
5.0
16 Ratings
Santa Barbara
Uncover the rich history of Santa Barbara on a private walking tour of El Pueblo Viejo. Explore the old town, discover hidden architectural gems, and learn from a knowledgeable local guide.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 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.
What's Included
  • Experienced Guide
What's Not Included
  • Parking fees
Additional Information

On this excursion, we’ll delve into history and envision what Santa Barbara and its inhabitants were like in the 18th and 19th centuries. We’ll traverse the historical heart of Santa Barbara, also referred to as El Pueblo Viejo, or ‘the old city,’ focused on the Presidio, and uncover traces of the town’s early years. I’ll guide you through important landmarks and hidden architectural treasures that only a resident like me would know. I’ve spent considerable time studying local history and have extensive knowledge. What sets this tour apart is my profound comprehension of local history, legends, and architecture, my ability to respond to your queries, and my skill at revealing secret spots not mentioned in every travel guide. We can decide in advance which elements grab your attention the most: Architecture? History? Adobe structures? Or maybe a mix of all? I can tailor the tour to match your interests!

Location
El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park
East Canon Perdido Street
On the porch East of the Chapel.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(16 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Deborah_b
Jan 22, 2023
Fascinating Tour: Very Highly Recommended - My 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.
Review provided by Viator
Christopher_p
Sep 4, 2022
Great tour- Sully, the tour guide, really knows history- would recommend this tour to anyone who has a interest in Calif - Walking in the footsteps of the founding fathers of Santa Barbara! He makes the world of the past live in the present!
Review provided by Viator
Laurapq5438sy
May 1, 2022
Must do while in Santa Barbara! - Sully 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dianne_f
Mar 21, 2022
Outstanding Tour! - We 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!
Review provided by Viator
Twauhob
Sep 7, 2021
Worth it times ten. - Sullivan'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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F5604kfchrisr
Aug 6, 2021
Historic and Beautiful Santa Barbara - Great 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dmh1164
Aug 2, 2021
A Must When In Santa Barbara - We 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
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mary_h
Jul 16, 2021
Look forward to bringing friends on this tour - The 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
Review provided by Viator
Mm200815
Jul 11, 2021
Definitely Recommend! - We 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Montecitomom
Jul 10, 2021
GREAT Tour! KNOWLEDGEABLE Guide!! A “MUST DO” for visitors and locals alike!!! - Wow! 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 10 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today