Rancho Buena Vista Adobe
Visit the 163-year old Rancho Buena Vista Adobe for a fun and educational experience! Tours available Thursday through Friday, 10 am - 2:15 pm, and Saturday at 10:00 am only. The 45-minute tour includes a short video presentation. Cost is $3 for Vista residents or seniors, $4 for non-residents, $1 for students, and 50¢ for children. The La Tiendita Gift Shop is a fun stop for one-of-a-kind purchases, (760) 941-7639. And don't miss the art gallery.
The Rancho Buena Vista Adobe is located at 640 Alta Vista Drive, (760) 639-6164. | Get personalized directions
Directions to the Adobe
The Adobe is located across the street from the Vista Civic Center. Parking is available at the Civic Center, Wildwood Park next to Fire Station No. 6, and along Alta Vista Drive.
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Rancho Buena Vista Adobe Summer Camp
The history of early Vista and the region comes alive for our campers as they experience the ways of life and traditions of our early residents. Campers will make crafts, play old fashioned games, and make baked goods in our kitchen. Each day will be jammed-packed wiht plenty of fun! Campers must be at least 7 years old and no older than 11 years- NO EXCEPTIONS!
Session Dates:
Session 1: July 8th-12th | Session 2: July 22nd-26th | Session 3: August 5th-9th
Fees:
Vista Resident $62/ session & Non-Resident $74/ session
Spirits of the adobe: the paranormal experience
Vista's historic Rancho Buena Vista Adobe has been inhabited by numerous residents since it was built in the mid-1800s. Some say those early residents have never left. The San Diego Paranormal Research Society (SDPRS) offers the unique experience of joining them in actual paranormal investigations at the Adobe during the month of October. These interactive ghostly journeys include a walking tour of the Adobe that includes the history of the historic site and the paranormal happenings that occur there. The SDPRS will focus on their paranormal investigation techniques offering tour guests the opportunity to participate in a live EVP session, dowsing rod session and an ITC session via the spirit box.
Look closely at the picture, in the boxes... Do you see a figure walking away?
New experiences are coming this Spring! Starting April 2013. Click on links below to register!
June 21st at 7:00pm: Discounts offered to Friends of the Adobe and Paranormal Society members*
June 21st at 10:00pm: Discounts offered to Friends of the Adobe and Paranormal Society members*
August 16th at 7:00pm: Discounts offered to Friends of the Adobe and Paranormal Society members*
August 16th at 10:00pm: Discounts offered to Friends of the Adobe and Paranormal Society members*
*For discount code please contact Kim Crawford at (760) 726-1340 ext. 1571 or kcrawford@cityofvista.com
This is one thing you definitely don't want to miss out on!
Upcoming special events
December 7, 2013: Holiday Home Tour
This event is co-sponsored by the Vista Community Clinic. It is a self-guided tour of homes throughout Vista that are decorated by professional designers in the holiday spirit. One of the locations highlighted will be the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. Various community organizations and volunteers sponsor a room in the historical house and decorate it with time appropriate holiday appeal. The proceeds for this event benefit the Kare for Kids Fund which provides medical services to families with children that do not qualify for state assistance but do not have their own insurance. Tickets will be available through VisTix, Vista Community Clinic and the La Tiendita Gift Shop towards the end of the year. Ticket prices have not been set yet.
Special Programs
Rancho Available for Private Parties
2010 North County Times Reader's Choice Award Winner - Best Wedding Venues
Make your party or wedding an historic event. The Rancho is romantic, photogenic, legendary Old California. Call (760) 726-1340, ext. 1575 for more information. View our Wedding & Rental packet.
Scout Programs
Badge programs are offered for Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts. Call to make reservations for this three-hour program. Cost: $10.00 per Scout. Other Scout or Indian Guide programs available. Call (760) 726-1340, ext. 1521 for more information.
Learn more about our Scout program
Adobe Days School Field Trips
Take your class back in time to early California. This two-hour program consists of two 40-minute "hands-on" activities and a tour of the historic Adobe house. Adobe Days is offered Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Reservations are required. The cost is $12 per student. Classes must have a minimum of 10 students. Call (760) 726-1340, ext. 1521 to schedule your trip! See our Teacher Resource Guide.
Other Adobe Amenities
Visitors Center & La Tiendita Gift Shop
The center includes the La Tiendita Gift Shop for your one-of-a-kind purchases. Unique gift ideas at affordable prices. All purchases benefit the Adobe. Call (760) 941-7639. Visit the La Tiendita Gift Shop for all of your holiday shopping! Shopping hours are Thursday-Saturday, 10am-3pm.
Adobe Gallery
The Rancho Buena Vista Adobe Gallery features local and nationally known artists. Gallery hours coincide with the Rancho's regular hours and is included in the cost of admission.
Roses at the Adobe
Learn about the history and the variety of roses at the Adobe.
Get Involved
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are always welcome at the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe as tour guides, gift store clerks and special event organizers. If you love people and history, you will make a wonderful docent. On-going training is given to volunteers. Docent applications are accepted in the Adobe Gallery or call (760) 941-7639.
Become a Friend of the Rancho
Support the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe by joining the "Friends." Membership cost is $25 for individuals, $50 for a family and $500 for corporate. Life memberships are $200. Send your memberships to 200 Civic Center Drive, Vista, CA, 92084. Check is payable to "Rancho Buena Vista Adobe."