With its everlasting summers and picturesque landscapes,
s s e l d n E in t n e m Amuse sidio e r P e h t d o o h r o b h g i e N
Santa Barbara is one of the Central Coast’s most popular tourist towns. The combination of stunning scenery and loads of activities, shopping, and dining keeps bringing visitors back. Over the years, new hot spots have popped up in town like the artsy Funk Zone, but for more than 100 years El Presidio has been a social and cultural center of Santa Barbara. And today it remains as active as ever. The neighborhood is filled with boutique shops and popular eateries in a historic setting that tells of Santa Barbara’s roots. While there is a lot to see in the area, it is hard not to spend all day, or even a weekend, around the Presidio. The Presidio neighborhood is roughly the four-block area lining the intersection of Anacapa Street and Canon Perdido Street. El Presidio is now a State Historic Park and Landmark, but the site was first built in 1782 as one of the last four military outposts established by the Spanish. The Presidio sits kitty-corner to Casa de la Guerra, which was built between 1818 and 1828 by José de la Guerra, the fifth comandante of the Presidio. While the buildings stand as relics of the past, over the years they have served as important cultural centers for the town, including the celebration of Old Spanish Days (better known locally as california101guide.com
simply “Fiesta”). Both sites are popular spaces for weddings, private soirées, and public events. There are museums at both the Presidio and Casa de la Guerra, and visitors can walk through the old adobes lined with historic objects like cannons from its military past. The Presidio also houses a viewing tower, heritage garden, and a small chapel with a vibrant interior. sen
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For a deeper dive into the region’s past, the Santa Barbara Historical Museum sits in the neighborhood as well. The adobe-style building was built in 1964, but there are two historic adobes onsite, including Casa Covarrubias from 1817. Its permanent exhibits tell the story of Santa Barbara, moving through its Native American origins, Spanish entanglements, famous families, and progression of culture. During the visit you can also walk through the charming courtyard and well-landscaped grounds or see the Western artworks by Edward Borein that are currently on display in their gallery. The nearby Craftsman Prairie-style Carrillo Recreation Center is somewhat newer, dating back to 1914, but its unique cantilever dance floor was the first of its kind in the West. Today it still serves as a community center with exercise classes, club meetings, and private functions being held there year-round. Each of these buildings have their own history and contributions to the community, and all of them are worth a visit. Spring 2022
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