Presidio Neighborhood
Experience Santa Barbara Through Living History
Walks and experiences personally led by Ari, a 9th generation Californian
Every street has a story.
Discover Santa Barbara through the places, people, and family stories that have shaped this city for generations.
Ari invites you to experience Santa Barbara through her own family history. Her family built Casa Covarrubias in 1817, one of the oldest adobes in the city. Her great great grandfather was the last stagecoach driver over San Marcos Pass. Leo Carrillo is also part of her family line.
These walks bring history to life through the stories, landmarks, food, and traditions that make Santa Barbara unique.
This is not just a tour of the past. It is a chance to walk the same streets, visit the same places, and hear the stories that connect generations of Santa Barbarans to the city they call home.
Pictured here is my daughter at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum for her 8th grade graduation and her first visit to see her family history on the walls.
Every Street Has a Story
Explore Santa Barbara through history, food, wine, and the stories of a family that has called this city home for nine generations.
A three hour walk through downtown Santa Barbara with Ari, a 9th generation local.
Every street has a story.
Walk through the oldest parts of Santa Barbara with Ari and discover the people, places, and family stories that shaped this city.
Casa Covarrubias, one of Santa Barbara’s oldest adobes, was built by Ari’s family in 1817. Her great great grandfather was the last stagecoach driver over San Marcos Pass, and Leo Carrillo is also part of her family line.
This afternoon combines local history with food and wine, bringing together the stories of Santa Barbara’s past and the flavors of the city today. Each stop offers a deeper connection to the places you are visiting and the generations who came before.
What’s Included
Two wine tastings
Artisan cheese pairing
Culinary bites at local favorites
Historic site access
Light bites at La Paloma Cafe
Duration: 3 hours
Walking: Approximately 0.5 miles
Group Size: Maximum 10 guests
Ages: 21 and over
A full day of food, wine, and history along a legendary stagecoach route.
Before modern highways crossed the mountains, stagecoaches carried travelers between Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley.
Ari’s great great grandfather drove the route from the Arlington Hotel in Santa Barbara to Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos. The journey took eight hours and carried passengers over San Marcos Pass, connecting the coast with the valley beyond.
This immersive day follows that historic route through stories of the land, the Chumash people, stagecoach travelers, and the places where generations once stopped along the way.
The experience begins at the Carriage and Western Art Museum, opened by appointment, where guests will see Ari’s family connection through her great great grandfather’s whip, spurs, and bit. The journey continues with food, wine, and a final stop in Los Olivos where the stage route once ended.
What to Expect
Private museum visit featuring Ari’s family artifacts
Historic drive over San Marcos Pass with local stories
Food and wine experiences along the route
Wine tasting in Los Olivos
Transportation throughout the day
Meeting Point: Carriage and Western Art Museum
Setting: San Marcos Pass to Los Olivos
Ages: 21 and over
A kid friendly walk through the oldest blocks of Santa Barbara.
Every child deserves the moment when history becomes real.
Ari’s love for Santa Barbara began on a third grade field trip when her grandmother shared that her grandfather’s stagecoach would be on display at El Presidio. That story connected her to the city in a way she never forgot.
The Field Trip brings that same sense of discovery to young explorers today. Children walk the streets where history happened, hear stories from the past, and learn about the people who helped shape Santa Barbara.
Designed for families, school groups, scouts, and birthday adventures, this walk keeps kids engaged through storytelling, activities, and exploration.
What’s Included
A story filled history walk built for young explorers
A coloring activity featuring adobes, tiles, and local landmarks
A neighborhood explorer hunt along the route
A small treat to take home
Ages: School age explorers
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
Grown Ups: Adults accompany free of charge
Interested in a Partnership?
Become part of the Experience Santa Barbara collection.
Santa Barbara is defined by the people who create here, welcome guests, and share what makes this place special.
Experience Santa Barbara partners with local chefs, restaurants, wineries, museums, artisans, and hospitality professionals to create thoughtful experiences for visitors looking for something beyond the ordinary.
Our experiences include history walks, food and wine journeys, private gatherings, and curated moments that connect guests with the people, places, and traditions of Santa Barbara.
We are always looking for local partners who value quality, storytelling, and genuine hospitality. Whether you are sharing a family recipe, pouring a local wine, preserving a piece of history, or creating something unique for our community, we would love to explore how we can work together.
Partners are introduced to guests seeking authentic Santa Barbara experiences and become part of a carefully curated collection of local favorites.
If you are interested in collaborating, we would love to start a conversation.
Ready to Plan Your Experience?
Pricing and availability are shared upon inquiry. Reach out below and we'll start with a conversation.
Email: hello@conciergesb.com
Text: (805) 724-0905