El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park
Discover California's Spanish past at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, explore original adobe buildings, heritage gardens, and exhibits detailing the region's diverse cultural history.
Step back in time at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, the site of the last Spanish fortress built in California. Founded in 1782, the Presidio served as a military, governmental, and social center. Today, the park offers a glimpse into the past with original and reconstructed adobe buildings, including El Cuartel, the second-oldest building in California. Explore exhibits detailing the lives of Spanish soldiers, Chumash Indians, and later, Chinese and Japanese immigrants who shaped the region's cultural landscape. Wander through heritage gardens, view archaeological sites, and experience the vibrant history of Santa Barbara in this meticulously preserved landmark. The park is a short walk from downtown Santa Barbara's attractions, making it an easily accessible and enriching experience.
A brief summary to El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park
- 123 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Downtown, California, 93101, US
- +1805-965-0093
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during a special event or historical reenactment for a more immersive experience.
- Explore the nearby Casa de la Guerra and Santa Barbara Historical Museum to deepen your understanding of the area's history.
- Take advantage of the self-guided tour booklet to learn about the key features and stories within the park.
- Check out the on-site restaurants for a bite to eat in a historic setting.
Getting There
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Walking
El Presidio is located in downtown Santa Barbara and is easily accessible on foot from most hotels and attractions in the area. From State Street, walk east on Canon Perdido Street. The park entrance is located at 123 E Canon Perdido Street, between Anacapa and Garden Streets. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes from the main downtown area.
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Public Transport
Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) buses serve the downtown area. Several bus lines stop near the Presidio. From the Transit Center, take Line 11 and get off at State & Pueblo which is a short walk to the park. A single ride fare is $1-2.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Santa Barbara. A ride from the Santa Barbara Amtrak station or Stearns Wharf to El Presidio de Santa Bárbara will typically cost between $9 and $11, depending on traffic and demand.
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Driving
If driving, approach El Presidio de Santa Bárbara from Highway 101. Exit at Carrillo Street and head east. Turn right onto Anacapa Street, then right onto Canon Perdido Street. The park will be on your left. Hourly parking is available in the adjacent parking lot at 115 E. Canon Perdido Street. Parking costs vary, but expect to pay around $3 per hour, and can be paid through the paybyphone.com app.
Discover more about El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Santa Barbara Old Japantown Plaque
0.1 km
Explore Santa Barbara's rich cultural tapestry at the Old Japantown Plaque, honoring the legacy of the Japanese community that once thrived in this historic city.
The Orena Adobe
0.2 km
Discover the Orena Adobe in Santa Barbara: a historic landmark showcasing Spanish Colonial heritage and the blending of cultures in California's captivating past.
Santa Barbara Masonic Temple, Lodge 192 F&AM
0.2 km
Explore the Santa Barbara Masonic Temple, a historic landmark rich in fraternal heritage and community spirit in the heart of California's coastal charm.
Casa Covarrubias
0.3 km
Step back in time at Casa Covarrubias, a beautifully preserved 1817 adobe offering a glimpse into Santa Barbara's rich history and the lives of its prominent early families.
El Paseo "Street in Spain"
0.3 km
Discover the charm and history of El Paseo Street in Santa Barbara, Spain, where vibrant culture meets stunning architecture for an unforgettable experience.
Paseo de la Guerra
0.3 km
Explore the historic Paseo de la Guerra in Santa Barbara, a landmark that embodies the rich cultural heritage of California's coastal history.
De La Guerra Plaza
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Santa Barbara at De la Guerra Plaza, a historic public square surrounded by iconic architecture, where community and culture come alive.
Rafael González House
0.3 km
Explore the historical charm of Rafael González House, a stunning example of Spanish-Moorish architecture in Santa Barbara's Laguna neighborhood.
Janssens-Orella-Birk Building
0.4 km
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Santa Barbara County Landmarks
0.5 km
Discover Santa Barbara County's historic landmarks, where rich heritage meets stunning architecture and beautiful landscapes.
Santa Barbara Historic Lndmrk
0.5 km
Discover the architectural beauty and historical significance of the Santa Barbara Historic Landmark, a treasured symbol of the city’s rich heritage.
Residential building
0.7 km
Discover the architectural beauty of a unique residential building in Santa Barbara, a perfect blend of culture and charm.
Faith Mission
0.8 km
Discover the historical essence of Santa Barbara at Faith Mission, a captivating landmark that reflects California's rich heritage and architectural beauty.
Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours
0.9 km
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Andalucia Building
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Unmissable attractions to see
Lobero Theatre
0.2 km
Experience the magic of performing arts at California's oldest continuously operating theater, a historic landmark in the heart of Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara Historical Museum
0.2 km
Explore the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, where rich history, art, and culture come together, showcasing the stories of a vibrant coastal city.
Jamie Slone Wines
0.2 km
Experience the finest wines and a charming ambiance at Jamie Slone Wines in downtown Santa Barbara, a perfect destination for wine lovers and event seekers.
Casa de la Guerra
0.3 km
Discover the rich history of Santa Barbara at Casa de la Guerra, a beautifully preserved museum showcasing California's cultural heritage.
Hill Carrillo Adobe
0.3 km
Explore Hill Carrillo Adobe, a historic gem in Santa Barbara reflecting California's rich architectural heritage and cultural history.
Santa Barbara Fox
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Experience the charm of Santa Barbara Fox, a historic theater blending art, culture, and entertainment in the heart of California's coastal gem.
Superior Court Of California County Of Santa Barbara
0.4 km
Explore the historical Superior Court of California in Santa Barbara, a stunning architectural gem showcasing the region's rich heritage.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens
0.4 km
Discover the stunning gardens of Santa Barbara County Courthouse, a historical landmark blending nature and culture in California's beautiful coastal city.
Scavenger Hunt Walking Tours - Santa Barbara
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant culture and history of Santa Barbara through interactive scavenger hunt walking tours that engage the whole family.
Santa Barbara Public Library
0.4 km
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Santa Barbara Museum Of Art
0.5 km
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Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Museum & Library
0.5 km
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The Granada Theatre
0.6 km
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Vera Cruz - House with murals
0.6 km
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Arlington Theatre
0.7 km
Discover the enchanting Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara, where performing arts, cocktails, and cinematic magic come to life.
Essential places to dine
Intermezzo by Wine Cask
0.2 km
Experience exquisite fine dining at Intermezzo by Wine Cask in Santa Barbara – where seasonal flavors meet exceptional service.
Chase Restaurant and Lounge
0.3 km
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The Blue Owl
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Roy
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California Pasta
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Jill's Place Restaurant
0.4 km
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Petit Valentien
0.4 km
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State & Fig
0.4 km
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Finch & Fork
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Mizza
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Eureka!
0.5 km
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Cajun Kitchen
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Experience authentic Southern cuisine at Cajun Kitchen in Santa Barbara - where hearty breakfasts meet vibrant flavors.
Sama Sama Kitchen
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Benchmark Eatery
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The Palace Grill
0.6 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Sands Boutique
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Marshalls
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Experience unbeatable deals on fashion and essentials at Marshalls Santa Barbara, where every visit is a treasure hunt for unique finds.
Lovebird Boutique & Jewelry Bar
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Salt Boutique
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Explore the elegance of Salt Boutique, Santa Barbara's premier destination for women's fashion and unique local styles.
Barefoot Boutique
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Creations Boutique
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Evangelina Boutique
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The Yes Store
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URBAN FLEA MARKET
0.4 km
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Paseo Nuevo
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The Grapeseed Company @ Seaside Makers Collective
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Seaside Makers - Santa Barbara
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Zitzilin Imports
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Moon River
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Antique Alley
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Pickle Room
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Press Room
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Dargan's
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The Bobcat Room
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Odessa Lounge
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Elsies Tavern
0.6 km
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The Good Lion
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Old Kings Road
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Sportsman Lounge
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Experience the vibrant atmosphere and friendly vibes at Sportsman Lounge, a top bar destination in the heart of Santa Barbara.
Dusk Bar
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Santa Barbara at Dusk Bar, where creative cocktails and a relaxing atmosphere await every visitor.
O'Malleys Bar
0.6 km
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Mel's Lounge
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and affordable drinks at Mel's Lounge, a popular dive bar in Santa Barbara, CA.
Unbearable Skee Lodge
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Unbearable Skee Lodge, where craft beer meets fun arcade games in Santa Barbara's lively bar scene.
Santa Barbara Wine Therapy
0.7 km
Experience the ultimate wine journey at Santa Barbara Wine Therapy, a charming bar offering exquisite local and international wines paired with delectable bites.
Whiskey Richards
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Whiskey Richards, Santa Barbara's beloved bar with live music, pool tables, and a welcoming atmosphere.
