El Paseo and Casa De La Guerra

star star star star star
Santa Barbara, CA
El Paseo and Casa De La Guerra
pinit
18 likes

El Paseo, a historic adobe plaza that was originally built in 1826, is a wonderful place to walk around. After the earthquake in 1925, it was rebuilt. When you walk into it, you feel you are in the Old World. Colorful flags greet you from terra-cotta rooftops. Rounded archways beg you to explore further. Artfully glazed Spanish tile delights you with its pretty details and primary colors. Everything is perfect! Explore every corner and hallway of this building because there are lots of hidden spots and you don't want to miss anything! There is the Casa de La Guerra, built in 1819, home of the fifth Presidio comandante, Jose de la Guerra. See the old wagon. This affluent house was an important center of social life in old Santa Barbara. When government emissaries visited, gala celebrations were held here (Go inside the museum for more info and to see period rooms and art- you may even talk to elderly people who remember old times at the casa). See the historic sitting room in the delightful hallway where the restaurants are.

Walk the side alley (pictured in photo) that leads to De La Guerra Street and admire its thick wonderful arches and bright waving flags. Cross the street and see City Hall, with its red-tile roof and pretty arched corridor. Here at the De La Guerra Plaza during Fiesta Days (held for a week each August), this area is transformed into a mercado, a Mexican marketplace. There are crafts for sale, eggs filled with confetti, foods, children's shows, and live music.
Across the street, at 29 East De La Guerra Street, see the Orena Adobes, built in 1849. Look at the cute rooftop window! Cross Anacapa Street, and on your left see the old Presidio fortress and Presidio gardens, a pretty area of flowering trees behind a commercial building. Across the street are Santiago De La Guerra Adobe at 100 E. De La Guerra Street and Lugo Adobe in a pretty courtyard at 114 E. De La Guerra Street. At 136 E. De La Guerra Street, stop in at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum to see old possessions from Santa Barbara. There is an interesting exhibit about a Chinese fortuneteller who lived in Santa Barbara. Out back there is a courtyard with old pepper trees and a fountain. On De La Guerra Street, walk past other buildings with gorgeous wrought-iron work and little paintings in the stucco.
If you're hungry, find the magical El Paseo Restaurant inside El Paseo plaza. It's nice because it's semi-indoor semi-outdoor which means you're warm but you can see nature. There are beautiful details everywhere to delight you: fountains, twirls on metalwork, pretty tablecloths and candles. For coffee and a nice atmosphere, head up State Street one block from El Paseo to Good Cup Downtown. Inside they have an Italian look with yellow walls, dark wood furnishings, and a fireplace. There's a patio outside on State Street where you can sit and people-watch. There's a movie theatre next door.
A two-hour architectural walking tour leaves from City Hall at De la Guerra Plaza every Saturday at 10am, call (805) 965-6307.
For interesting places on State Street, check out the State Street entry. For more Spanish paseos nearby, go to Paseo Nuevo at the 700 and 800 block of State St, and La Arcada at the 1100 block. Don't miss out on these! They are wonderful, and pretty at night too.
Also nearby, check out the Courthouse with its amazing Spanish architecture, tropical sunken gardens, and tower with 360 degree views of the ocean and the American Riviera. If you love Spanish architecture, check out the cool houses on East Cota Street. You can also combine a visit to El Paseo with a walk around the Presidio area.

Continue to directions...

The bubbling fountain in the courtyard at El Paseo.

Flags you see as you enter from State Street.

Stop in for coffee at Good Cup Downtown, one block up State Street from El Paseo!

The rooftop of the Orena Adobe.

City Hall, across from Casa De La Guerra.

The archways of City Hall.

Wrought-iron window near the old Presidio Fortress.

Near the old Presidio fortress and gardens.

Fiesta eggs and confetti, at the mercado during Fiesta week.

The entrance to El Paseo, at night.

El Paseo Restaurant, a romantic spot where it looks like you're outdoors.

The chunky archways at night.

Directions

From Highway 101, exit at Carrillo St. If coming from the 101 northbound, turn right at the exit. If coming from the 101 southbound, turn left at the exit. Continue along Carrillo St and turn right on Chapala Street. There are two parking garages on your left. Park there and walk through Paseo Nuevo. Cross State Street and you will come to El Paseo.
El Paseo Restaurant, 813 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara CA 93101, call (805) 962-6050.
Good Cup Downtown, 918 State St.
Santa Barbara Historical Museum, 136 East De La Guerra Street, Santa Barbara CA 93101, call (805) 966-1601. Open Tues-Sat 10-5, and Sunday noon-5pm. Donation accepted for entry fee.
Casa De La Guerra, 123 East Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara CA 93101, call (805) 965-0093. Open Thurs-Sun noon-4pm. $5 admission.

map

Click on map for interactive view

Comments

Add your comments
star star star star star

Linda

Thu, 15 Oct 2009

Santa Barbara is cool, no other place in California like it. Loads of history with an atmosphere that feels European. Stunning beaches that never feel too crowded. Definately worth a stay.

star star star star star

Moni

Fri, 06 Nov 2009

Fiesta week was great!

Last Updated: Thu, 14 Mar 2024 19:06:05 GMT

Text and Image copyright: © 2006-2024 LotsaFunMaps.com.
Copying prohibited. Contact the editor | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram
Blog | The Official Mug | Privacy Settings | About Us