El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park

Patricia Amezcua

Dirty, badly taken care, to the point that we regret waiting our time and money going there. This is an archeological and historical site that should be administered better. The city wants the money but is not taking care of this place.

Luke Bowen

A lot of interesting info throughout the Presidio and it's good to see what life was like back then.

Sam Bawahab

Awesome historical sites to explore with family. Unique piece of California history. Only four Spanish presidios where built in California. Knowing all those who have walked it thru the ages is amazing. Paths, heirlooms and exhibits are well marked with great story boards. You can spends a couple hours reading California history, Spanish Colonial days to the impact of WWII Japanese resident. The exhibit Japanese American community pre WW2, covers forty years of life in Santa Barbara’s Nihonmachi, or Japan Town. Unique historic photographs donated by local families. Parking is tough to find. You find coffee shops and restaurants across the Presidio. Great place to stroll with family.

Sullivan Israel

The Presidio is a must see in Santa Barbara! It is a unique piece of California history, as only 4 presidios were ever built by the Spanish in the entire state. While this one is mostly a reconstruction, there actually is an original 2-room piece from 1782, and the reconstructed parts were done using traditional methods, so they provide great insight into the Spanish period of California. You really get a sense of how rough and simple life was back then, evidenced by the hand-built furniture and blankets. The chapel, with its Native-style wall paintings, is also impressive. Many of the rooms are free to enter and you can wander around at your own pace. The best part is how cool these mud-walled rooms are during the hot summer months!