El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park

This is the site of the oldest building in Santa Barbara and the second oldest in California. Visitors can step back and view this historic site surrounded by modern buildings. El Cuartel, the oldest existing building in Santa Barbara, is all that remains of the last of four Royal Presidios (Spanish military outposts) built in Alta California.

The presidio in Santa Barbara was built in 1782. It served as the military and government headquarters for the lands between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo until 1846. Two original buildings have been restored and five other reconstructed. Handmade adobe blocks were used to reconstruct the Padres' Quarters and Presidio Chapel.

Location-Directions
The park is located at 123 East Canon Perdido, between Anacapa and Santa Barbara Streets in downtown Santa Barbara.

Video Gallery: Low (30kbps) / Med (100kbps) / High (300 kbps)
Park Brochure: Click Here (PDF format)

Park Features

Activities	Facilities
Exhibits & Programs	Visitor Center
Guided Tours	Historical

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California State Parks & Beaches