History

From its origins as an 1820s commandante’s estate to its rebirth as California’s first Mediterranean shopping village, El Paseo stands as a living testament to two centuries of Santa Barbara heritage.

A black and white photo of a traditional Mexican celebration featuring individuals on decorated horses wearing sombreros and traditional clothing. Spectators are gathered in the background near white buildings with balconies and banners, watching the event.
A vintage black-and-white photo showing a narrow street with potted plants, benches, and buildings with arched windows and balconies. There is a fabric awning extending over the street, and trees can be seen in the background.

The Golden Age

More than just a collection of shops, El Paseo became the heartbeat of Santa Barbara’s social calendar. It was here that the traditions of Old Spanish Days were nurtured, transforming the property into a festive gathering place for generations of locals. Between the historic walls of the de la Guerra adobe and the vibrant 'Street in Spain,' the complex successfully preserved the warmth of early California hospitality, ensuring that the spirit of the past remained a central part of the city’s future.

Exploring Downtown Santa Barbara History

The story begins with Casa de la Guerra, the ancestral home of José de la Guerra, the fifth Comandante of the Santa Barbara Presidio. Built primarily by Chumash laborers, the adobe was the social and political epicenter of Alta California. It famously hosted the three-day wedding of Anita de la Guerra, an event immortalized by Richard Henry Dana in his classic, Two Years Before the Mast.

A black-and-white photo of a narrow alleyway with an arched walkway on the right side and trees in the background.

In the early 1920s, visionary architects James Osborne Craig and Carleton Winslow (who took over after Craig’s untimely death) reimagined the block surrounding the old adobe. They created a winding "Street in Spain"—a romanticized village of artisan studios, shops, and a central restaurant.

A black and white photo of a cobblestone street in front of a white building with arches and hanging potted plants. A vintage car is parked in the background, with a person standing near the wall. Plants are visible on the right side.
A courtyard with a white building, surrounded by lush green palm trees and flowering plants, including pink bougainvillaea, with a stone paved ground and a staircase leading to an upper floor.

El Paseo served as the "proof of concept" for Santa Barbara’s signature architectural look. After the devastating 1925 earthquake, the city used El Paseo as the blueprint for rebuilding the entire downtown in the Spanish Colonial Revival style.