Architecture of Santa Barbara

Enjoy a leisurely walk through Santa Barbara with a local architect that will point out and elaborate on the prevalent Mediterranean Mission-style architecture. Although you will only walk about a mile, there will be plenty to see. The architectural style reflects Santa Barbara’s Spanish-colonial heritage and Mediterranean climate. Elements such as clay-tiled roofs, white-washed plaster walls and wrought-iron accents became more prominent when the city was rebuilt following an earthquake in 1925. The architect will show you some of the more famous buildings this firm designed, including El Jardin, a mixed-use project with obvious Spanish influences and whimsical features. Ablitt Tower is another distinctive project as the footprint of this vacation-rental residence is a mere 20 x 20 feet. The building could only go up, and it rises spectacularly over an area full of restaurants, shops and nightclubs. The tower’s more than 50 windows offers magnificent views in every direction.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Follow a local architect through Santa Barbara for an enlightening architectural tour.
• Become familiar with architecture that beautifully reflects Santa Barbara’s Spanish roots.
• See some of the whimsical, somewhat controversial projects that the architect designed.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.