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Inside Santa Monica’s Most Coveted Historic Homes: Adelaide Drive Tour Opens Doors Rarely Seen by the Public

March 19, 2026

Exclusive interior access to landmark residences along Adelaide Drive on April 12

Santa Monica, CA (April 2026) — The Santa Monica Conservancy will open the doors to some of the city’s most historically significant and architecturally distinct residences during the Landmarks of Adelaide Drive Tour on Sunday, April 12, 2026, offering a rare opportunity to step inside homes that are typically inaccessible to the public.

Set along the edge of Santa Monica Canyon with sweeping views of surrounding mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Adelaide Drive has long been one of Santa Monica’s most notable residential streets. Beginning in the early 1900s, the corridor attracted civic leaders, entrepreneurs, and early developers who commissioned homes by prominent architects, shaping the city’s early identity.

This guided walking tour includes exclusive interior access to two designated landmark homes, along with exterior visits and historical insights into several other notable properties along the street.

Featured Homes

  1. Second Roy Jones House (1907) Designed by architect Robert Farquhar, this residence was home to Roy Jones, a business leader and founder of the Bank of Santa Monica, as well as the son of city co-founder John P. Jones. Farquhar is best known for the Clark Library at USC and the California Club in downtown Los Angeles.
  2. Boehm House (1925) A picturesque French Norman Revival design recognized for its inventive design and fine craftsmanship.  Recently restored and expanded, the home received a 2025 Preservation Award from the Santa Monica Conservancy.

Additional Tour Highlights

The tour also includes exterior views and stories behind several prominent properties along Adelaide Drive, including:

  • Gillis House (1906), home to a pioneering developer and owner of the Santa Monica Land & Water Company
  • Milbank House (1911), a restored Craftsman residence set prominently along the hillside
  • Frank Gehry Residence, a landmark of the future that plays homage to its historic predecessor.

 “Adelaide Drive represents a unique concentration of early residential design and civic legacy that continues to define the character of the city today,”

– Board Member Ruthann Lehrer, Santa Monica Conservancy.

Event Details

Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026

Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Tickets:  smc.givecloud.co/2026adelaide

Space is limited, and advance registration is encouraged.

About Santa Monica Conservancy

The Santa Monica Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the city’s architectural and cultural heritage through advocacy, education, and partnerships. Founded in 2002, the Conservancy offers public programs including guided tours, events, and educational initiatives that connect the community to historic places.

Media Contact:

Melina Castorillo

Communications Specialist

Santa Monica Conservancy melina@smconservancy.org

Media Assets Available Upon Request

  • Adelaide Drive streetscape with ocean views
  • Architectural details and featured residences

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