ARCHITECTURAL WALKING TOURS OF HISTORIC SANTA BARBARA

It's the vision of romantic early California come to life: Santa Barbara has always prided itself on its history and loving preservation of its charming Spanish/Moorish/Mediterranean style buildings. You almost expect to see the characters of Ramona, the Helen Hunt Jackson novel that first idealized the lifestyle of old California, in the days when it was part of the Spanish Colonial empire.

Now, you can experience the most significant architecture and history of Santa Barbara on small-group walking tours of the downtown area. Join knowledgeable docents from the Architectural Foundation for an exploration of the architectural and landscape design heritage, and the events and people that shaped it.
From historic adobes to modern interpretations of the Spanish/Moorish/Mediterranean style, discover why Santa Barbara is often called “the American Riviera.”

Details: morning walking tours begin Saturday at the City Hall steps at de la Guerra Plaza at 10, and Sunday tours begin at the entrance of the Public Library (near Anapamu and Anacapa Streets) at 10. Walks are an easy stroll and take about two hours. Cost: $10 per person; children under 12 are free and should be accompanied by an adult. For more, go to www.afsb.org; for info on lodging and dining, visit Santa Barbara CVB, click here.