El Presidio Real de Santa Bárbara was the last of the four military forts established by the Spanish along the California coast, founded in 1782. It marked the start of the European settlement that grew into Santa Barbara. Most of the original presidio was lost over the centuries; today the state historic park has reconstructed the Chapel, the Padre's Quarters, and parts of the El Cuartel — the second-oldest building in California.
The visitor centre tells the story of the Spanish, Mexican, and early American periods. It is small, well-curated, and a useful first stop to make sense of the De la Guerra adobes and Spanish street names that follow. A few dollars admission; closed Mondays.