Hill-Carrillo Adobe: A Window to Santa Barbara's Past

Discover Santa Barbara's rich history at the Hill-Carrillo Adobe, a beautifully restored 1826 landmark showcasing early California life and the city's vibrant cultural heritage, a serene escape in downtown.

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Hill Carrillo Adobe

The Hill-Carrillo Adobe, a beautifully preserved historic landmark in downtown Santa Barbara, offers a captivating glimpse into California's early history. Built in 1826, this adobe home stands as a testament to the city's Spanish and Mexican heritage. Originally the residence of Daniel Hill, an American merchant, and his wife Rafaela Ortega, it later became a hub for community gatherings and pivotal moments in Santa Barbara's development, even hosting the city's first council meeting. Today, meticulously restored, the adobe showcases period furnishings and exhibits, providing visitors with an immersive experience of life in early California. Its serene courtyard offers a tranquil escape, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts and anyone seeking a connection to Santa Barbara's rich cultural tapestry. The adobe is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a California Historical Landmark.

A brief summary to Hill Carrillo Adobe

11 E Carrillo St, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Downtown, California, 93101, US
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Local tips

Check the Hutton Parker Foundation's website for information on special events, exhibits, and potential closures before visiting.
Combine your visit with a walking tour of Santa Barbara's historic adobes to fully appreciate the city's architectural heritage.
Visit during the annual Old Spanish Days Fiesta in August to experience Santa Barbara's vibrant cultural traditions.

Getting There

Walking

The Hill-Carrillo Adobe is centrally located in downtown Santa Barbara, easily accessible on foot from most hotels and attractions in the area. From State Street, walk east on Carrillo Street. The adobe is located on the north side of the street, between State and Anacapa Streets, across from the Santa Barbara Public Library. Look for the historic building with its distinctive adobe walls.
Public Transport

Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) buses serve the downtown area. Several bus lines stop near the intersection of State and Carrillo Streets, a short walk from the adobe. Check the MTD website or app for schedules and routes. A single ride fare is $1.75.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Santa Barbara. A short ride from the Amtrak station or the waterfront to the Hill-Carrillo Adobe will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and demand.
Driving

If driving, be aware that parking in downtown Santa Barbara can be challenging, especially during peak hours. Street parking is available, but often limited. Several public parking lots are located within walking distance of the adobe. Public parking Lot 8 on Anacapa Street between Carrillo and Figueroa Streets is conveniently located near the back entrance of the Adobe. Parking rates in city lots are $3 per hour, with the first 75 minutes free. The maximum daily rate is $33.

Discover more about Hill Carrillo Adobe

Step back in time at the Hill-Carrillo Adobe, a meticulously preserved landmark that whispers tales of early Santa Barbara. Constructed in 1826, this adobe stands as a tangible link to the city's formative years, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in its rich history. The story of the Hill-Carrillo Adobe begins with Daniel Hill, a Massachusetts native who arrived in Santa Barbara in 1823. A man of ambition, Hill quickly integrated into the local community, marrying Rafaela Luisa Ortega, a granddaughter of José Francisco Ortega, the founder and first comandante of the Presidio of Santa Barbara. In 1826, the newlyweds moved into their newly built adobe home, a structure that would become one of the first in the pueblo to boast wooden floors, a significant upgrade from the packed earth floors common at the time. The adobe's walls, constructed from sun-dried bricks of earth, clay, and straw, provided natural insulation against the California sun, keeping the interior cool in summer and warm in winter. Covered with a layer of lime plaster, the thick walls hinted at the adobe bricks beneath, a testament to the simple yet effective building methods of the era. The home soon became a social center, hosting gatherings and celebrations that reflected the vibrant culture of early Santa Barbara. After the Hills relocated to a ranch in Goleta, the adobe was sold to fur trader John Wilson. Over the years, the adobe passed through various hands and served diverse purposes. It functioned as a residence for prominent families, a school, a laundry, and even a dentist's office, each leaving its mark on the building's evolving story. In 1916, Esther Fiske Hammond of Montecito purchased the property, initiating a significant restoration that preserved its historical integrity. Later, in 1928, Max Fleischmann, an heir to the Fleischmann's Yeast fortune and a benefactor of Santa Barbara, stepped in to save the adobe from potential demolition, ensuring its preservation for future generations. For 83 years, the adobe served as the headquarters of the Santa Barbara Foundation, becoming a hub for local philanthropy. In 2014, the Hutton Parker Foundation acquired the property and embarked on a meticulous restoration, collaborating with the Santa Barbara Historical Museum to create exhibits that celebrate the adobe's history and the spirit of philanthropy in Santa Barbara. Today, the Hill-Carrillo Adobe stands as a testament to the city's commitment to preserving its past. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored rooms, furnished with period pieces that evoke the atmosphere of early California life. The adobe also features exhibits that showcase the building's history, the stories of its inhabitants, and the evolution of Santa Barbara's cultural landscape. Beyond its historical significance, the Hill-Carrillo Adobe offers a tranquil escape from the bustle of downtown Santa Barbara. Its serene courtyard, adorned with lush greenery and shaded by mature trees, provides a peaceful oasis for reflection and contemplation. The adobe's location, nestled between State Street and Anacapa Street, makes it easily accessible to visitors exploring the city's historic district. The Hill-Carrillo Adobe is more than just a building; it is a living testament to Santa Barbara's past, a place where history comes alive and where visitors can connect with the stories of those who shaped the city's identity. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply seeking a moment of tranquility, the Hill-Carrillo Adobe offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Santa Barbara's unique heritage. Visiting the Hill-Carrillo Adobe is like stepping into a time capsule, where the echoes of the past resonate within its walls. It's a place to learn, to reflect, and to connect with the spirit of early California. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this remarkable landmark and discover the stories that make Santa Barbara so special.

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Essential bars & hidden hideouts

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The Pickle Room

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The Good Lion

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Sportsman Lounge

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Mel's Lounge

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Elsies Tavern

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Dargan's

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The Bobcat Room

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Dusk Bar

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Hill-Carrillo Adobe: A Window to Santa Barbara's Past

A brief summary to Hill Carrillo Adobe

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Hill Carrillo Adobe

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Hill Carrillo Adobe

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Janssens-Orella-Birk Building

Santa Barbara Old Japantown Plaque

El Paseo "Street in Spain"

Paseo de la Guerra

The Orena Adobe

De La Guerra Plaza

Casa Covarrubias

Rafael González House

Trinity Episcopal Church

Andalucia Building

Area 5.1 Winery

Fess Parker Funk Zone

Hastings Adobe

Burton Mound State Historical Landmark

Funk Zone Studios

Unmissable attractions to see

Santa Barbara Fox

Scavenger Hunt Walking Tours - Santa Barbara

Lobero Theatre

Superior Court Of California County Of Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Museum Of Art

El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park

Santa Barbara Public Library

Casa de la Guerra

Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens

Jamie Slone Wines

Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Museum & Library

The Granada Theatre

Santa Barbara Historical Museum

Arlington Theatre

Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church

Essential places to dine

Chase Restaurant and Lounge

Roy

Petit Valentien

Finch & Fork

Mizza

State & Fig

The Blue Owl

Intermezzo by Wine Cask

Cajun Kitchen

California Pasta

Benchmark Eatery

Sama Sama Kitchen

milk & honey

Eureka!

Barbareño

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Yes Store

Barefoot Boutique

Sands Boutique

Marshalls

Salt Boutique

Lewis & Clark

Anthropologie

Santa Barbara Museum of Art Store

Creations Boutique

Lovebird Boutique & Jewelry Bar

Paradise Found

Evangelina Boutique

Paseo Nuevo

Zitzilin Imports

URBAN FLEA MARKET

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Odessa Lounge

The Pickle Room