El Paseo

Historic Charm, Modern Santa Barbara

Rich in history and unmistakably Santa Barbara, El Paseo is where Spanish Colonial charm meets modern-day vibrance. Stroll beneath orange trees, admire the artistry of hand-laid tiles, and discover a one-of-a-kind mix of local wineries, dining, wellness boutiques, and more. Every corner tells a story and every visit feels like a new chapter.

ABOUT EL PASEO
A white building with teal doors and windows, green awnings, and a small balcony. People are walking on the sidewalk, and there are flags hanging along the archway. A streetlamp and orange tree are also visible.
Black and white photo of a narrow cobblestone street with arched white walls on the left and a building with windows on the right. A person is standing near the wall and a vintage car is parked at the end of the street. Potted plants line the right side, and trees are in the background.
A black and white photo of a narrow outdoor courtyard with plants, benches, and a building with arched shadows.
A black-and-white photo of a small courtyard with a group of five women sitting on steps near a building. The women are wearing wide-brimmed hats and white clothing, possibly vintage style. There are trees, bushes, and outdoor furniture in the scene, with a sign for a restaurant named "Paseo" visible on the building.

Our History

Preserving the Spirit of 1924

Step through the archways of El Paseo Santa Barbara and into the history of California. Built in the 1920s around the 1826 adobe of Comandante José de la Guerra, El Paseo is Santa Barbara’s original ‘Street in Spain’.

Today, El Paseo remains a vibrant hub where historic preservation meets modern elegance, inviting you to dine and shop within the same sun-drenched courtyards that have hosted Hollywood legends and community celebrations for over a century.

MORE HISTORY

La Naranja

Historic Orange Trees of El Paseo Santa Barbara

When the 'Street in Spain' was being dreamed up in the 1920s, the smell of orange blossoms was actually the scent of success. Back then, citrus was California’s 'other' gold—the region’s second-biggest export, topped only by the oil boom. By tucking these orange trees into our courtyards, the architects weren't just adding greenery; they were planting a piece of the era’s soul. A century later, our trees are still here, fruiting every year as a fragrant, living reminder of the industry and elegance that built Santa Barbara.

Pro-tip: If you visit during the spring, the scent of the orange blossoms is so thick you can almost taste it. It’s our favorite time of year at El Paseo.

DIRECTORY
A tree with orange fruit in front of white buildings with wooden accents, under a bright blue sky with some clouds.
A citrus tree with orange fruit growing in front of a white Mediterranean-style building with green window frames and brown roof tiles, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
A man and a woman in traditional Mexican attire perform a dance during a cultural event, surrounded by an audience of children and adults.
A couple dressed in traditional Mexican clothes dancing together at an outdoor event, with a crowd watching.

Viva La Fiesta!

Pure Santa Barbara Tradition

Built to celebrate our city’s reopening and its architectural rebirth, our courtyards have served as the unofficial headquarters for Santa Barbara’s most beloved tradition for over a century.

From the "Spirit of Fiesta" dancing under the stars to the legendary margaritas shared by generations of families, El Paseo Santa Barbara is where the history of Old Spanish Days comes to life. Come experience the tradition that started it all.

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Directory

  • Grassini Family Vineyards Logo
  • Jamie Slone Wines Logo
  • Sol Seek Logo
  • Belay Wealth Partners Logo
  • Soul Sucker Logo
  • Derek Harrison Logo
EXPLORE THE DIRECTORY

Shop. Dine. Explore.

A Timeless Landmark in Downtown Santa Barbara