A Walking Tour of Adelaide Drive: A Neighborhood above It All

Buy Tickets

Discover the architecture of vintage and contemporary homes of historic Adelaide Drive on our fall tour! Enjoy spectacular ocean and hillside vistas as our docents lead you on the half-mile walking tour, stopping at various key points and two open homes with stories of this premier neighborhood.

In the early 20th century, wealthy pioneer families built their coastal homes on Adelaide Drive. Today, five of these residences are still standing as designated landmarks. Current Adelaide residents include artist Don Bachardy, architect Frank Gehry, animator/cartoonist Matt Groening and author Mona Simpson.

Open to guests for viewing, the home at 130 Adelaide Drive was once the residence of Roy Jones, son of Santa Monica co-founder Senator John Percival Jones. Built in 1907, this Colonial Revival home was designed by architect Robert Farquhar, who is recognized for UCLA’s Clark Library, the California Club in downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica landmarks, including the the house at 401 Ocean Avenue.

The other home open to guests is the Norman Cottage at 518 Adelaide Drive. This 1925 French Norman Revival style home reflects the popularity of French architecture in America after World War I. The current owners bought the home in 1966 and did little remodeling until the 1994 earthquake caused damage. The house remains largely as it was nearly a century ago when, according to the current owners, silent screen star Anita Stewart called it home.

Adelaide Drive retains much of the elegance of its early days, thanks to the efforts of property owners and preservationists who value its historic nature. However, nearby high-rise condominiums on Ocean Avenue remind us that, although change is inevitable, a balanced effort to preserve our historic heritage is also important.

Tickets: Advanced purchase is recommended online: $30 members / $40 general public. Accompanied children under 12 years of age are free. Tickets purchased on the day of the tour are $35 members / $45 general public. Check-in and registration will be at the 4th Street median between San Vicente Boulevard and Adelaide Drive.

Tour length: The route covers a half-mile and we recommend 90 minutes to complete the tour. Please note that check-in will close at 4 pm.

Suggested attire: Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended.

Parking: Limited street parking is available on Adelaide Drive, 4th Street, Georgina Avenue and San Vicente Boulevard. We also suggest alternative transportation, including the Big Blue Bus (Route 9, 4th Street & San Vicente Boulevard stop) and biking.

 

We Thank Our Sponsor

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Brokerage
1608 Montana Ave., Santa Monica
www.santamonicalistings.com
www.homestack.com/a/katebransfield