The Presidio Neighborhood is a vibrant few blocks in the heart of Santa Barbara, centered around the historical site of the last of the Spanish fortresses, or presidios to be built in California. Encompassing what was also once the city’s Chinatown, the neighborhood is now home to a variety of intriguing shops, wine tasting rooms, world class restaurants, casual eateries, bars, coffee houses, and
cultural treasures. Walking the neighborhood rewards the visitor with discoveries of hidden walkways, courtyards, and amazing architectural details set against the backdrop of the American Riviera and the Santa Ynez mountains. In addition to the El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, within the boundaries of the Presidio Neighborhood are the Historical Museum of Santa Barbara, the Casa de la Guerra - one of the city’s earliest homes, the historic El Paseo complex, and the beautifully renovated Lobero Theater, California’s oldest continuously operating theater. With plentiful parking nearby, the Neighborhood encourages visitors to leave the car, explore on foot, and make a day of it!
