Entry No. 41 — the Santa Barbara file — filed under: ruins

Benjamin Foxen Adobe Ruins

Built in 1837 by English sea captain Benjamin Foxen, this historic adobe home once served as the heart of the 8,874-acre Rancho Tinaquaic. Today, only melted adobe pillars, charred foundations, a rusty windmill, and a graffiti-covered wooden shack remain on the site. The ruins are located within the private Old Adobe Vineyard and are designated as Santa Barbara County Historical Landmark No. 7.

The move: Take a scenic drive along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, stopping to safely view and photograph the historic adobe ruins and rusty windmill from the roadside before heading to a nearby winery for a tasting.

📍 Before you go The ruins are located on private property within the active Old Adobe Vineyard (owned by Lucas & Lewellen) and are fenced off, but they can be easily viewed and photographed from Foxen Canyon Road.

• 📍 Santa Maria
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Foxen Canyon Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: independent.com · llwine.com

last checked: 2026-07-20