Casa Covarrubias: A Window into Santa Barbara's Past
Step back in time at Casa Covarrubias, a beautifully preserved 1817 adobe offering a glimpse into Santa Barbara's rich history and the lives of its prominent early families.
Casa Covarrubias, nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara, stands as a captivating reminder of California's rich history. Built in 1817, this adobe structure, also known as the Covarrubias Adobe, offers a glimpse into the lives of the prominent Carrillo and Covarrubias families who shaped the region. Unlike many historical adobes, it wasn't named after its original owner, Domingo Antonio Ignacio Carrillo, but rather after José María Covarrubias, who married into the Carrillo family. Declared a California State Historical Landmark, a Santa Barbara City Landmark, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Casa Covarrubias is more than just a building; it's a tangible link to the past, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and imagine life in early California. Today, the adobe is part of the Santa Barbara Historical Museum complex, hosting weddings, Fiesta events, and other community activities, ensuring its legacy continues to thrive.
A brief summary to Casa Covarrubias
- 713 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, Lower State, California, 93101, US
- Visit website
Local tips
- Combine your visit with a tour of the Santa Barbara Historical Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the region's history and the significance of Casa Covarrubias.
- Check the Santa Barbara Historical Museum's event calendar for special events, lectures, and exhibitions related to Casa Covarrubias and early California history.
- Explore the El Pueblo Viejo district, the designated historic downtown area, to discover more examples of Santa Barbara's iconic Spanish-style architecture.
Getting There
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Walking
Casa Covarrubias is located at 713 Santa Barbara Street, within easy walking distance of many downtown Santa Barbara attractions. From State Street, head east towards the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Turn right onto Santa Barbara Street. Casa Covarrubias will be on your left, adjacent to the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. The walk is generally flat and takes about 10-15 minutes from the heart of State Street. Limited street parking is available.
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Public Transport
Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) buses serve the downtown area. Several routes have stops within a few blocks of Casa Covarrubias. Check the MTD website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. From the Transit Center at 1020 Chapala Street, take any bus heading east and get off at the Santa Barbara Street stop near De la Guerra Street. Walk north on Santa Barbara Street for one block. Casa Covarrubias will be on your left. A single ride fare is $1.75.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Santa Barbara. Request a ride to 713 Santa Barbara Street. The fare from the Amtrak station or the waterfront area typically ranges from $8 to $15, depending on traffic and demand.
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Driving
If driving, take the Garden Street exit from Highway 101 and head away from the ocean. Turn left onto De la Guerra Street, then turn right onto Santa Barbara Street. Casa Covarrubias will be on your right. Limited street parking is available, and parking lots are located within a few blocks. Metered street parking typically costs $2.50 per hour, with a two-hour limit. Parking in nearby lots ranges from $2 to $4 per hour.
Discover more about Casa Covarrubias
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