A striking slice of history in the middle of downtown Santa Barbara, El Presidio de Santa Barbara is a fortified military settlement (presidio) founded by the Spaniards in 1782. Two of the fort’s original adobe buildings still stand -El Cuartel and the Cañedo Adobe. Tours start at the visitor center with exhibits on the history of the presidio and a brief orientation. From here, guests can take a self-guided tour of the reconstructed Chapel, Comandancia, and Padre’s Quarters, as well as reconstructions of rooms that once housed the Presidio’s Lieutenant; a two-story observation tower; and a beautiful heritage garden, with plants from the era such as prickly pear and grapes. Behind the north wing are the 1940s Whittaker orchards and the archaeological site of the Presidio outer defense wall.
