For one day only, the “Landmarks of Adelaide Drive” walking tour provides rare interior access to the historic homes.
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:
- 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.
- 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 pays 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,” said 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.
