Take a step back in time and discover Santa Barbara’s unique and rich history in the Presidio Neighborhood. Located in the middle of downtown Santa Barbara, this vibrant, bustling district is where Santa Barbara officially got its start. It’s home to a variety of neighborhood shops and eateries that capture the open-air appeal of coastal California and the European ambiance for which the city is known.
Enjoy a self-guided or docent-led tour inside the Presidio walls and Casa de la Guerra, one of the first Royal Presidio army comandante homes, to gain insight into the daily lives of the city’s founders. If you skip the tours, be sure to walk through parts of the de la Guerra home and El Cuartel — the second oldest building in California — to see how the early settlers lived and worked with their families.
Can’t get enough Santa Barbara history? Visit the Santa Barbara Historical Museumwhere original relics and art pieces are displayed in rotation every few months from the vast collection housed in the 10,000-square-foot underground vault. Every trip to the museum guarantees a fresh perspective on Santa Barbara’s history. For an active history lesson, try a self-guided Red Tile Walking Tour via podcast any day of the week.
Wander through the catacomb-like hallways of Paseo de la Guerra, one of the oldest outdoor shopping arcades in California, for an afternoon of wine tasting. Half a dozen different tasting rooms make up the wineries of the Presidio Neighborhood and they await your expert palate and opinion.
Au Bon Climat was essential in putting Santa Barbara Pinot Noir on the map worldwide. Founder and wine icon Jim Clendenen created an international reputation for stellar Burgundian-styled Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourcing fruit from local, highly…
Explore an 18th-century historic symbol of Santa Barbara—and the many cultures that intersected here—at the site of the last Spanish fortress in California. Operated by the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) for…
Voted Best Winery and Best Tasting Room by the readers of both the Santa Barbara Independent and the Santa Barbara News-Press! We are a family owned and operated winery and vineyard with a love for the land and a commitment to…
At Jamie Slone Wines our mission is to provide guests an outstanding Santa Barbara wine experience! Recent accolades include: Winner: Favorite Winery & Favorite Tasting Room 2019 Santa Barbara News-Press Readers' Choice Awards. BEST…
The Lobero Theatre has been the heart and rhythm of Santa Barbara for the last 150 years. Originally founded as Jose Lobero’s Opera House in 1873, the Lobero is the oldest continuously operating theatre in California and the fourth oldest…
Take a fascinating journey from the past to the present at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. Located on lovely grounds in the heart of downtown’s El Pueblo Viejo District, the Museum is one of the oldest cultural institutions in the city…
Our beautifully designed space will inspire renewal. Featuring a coastal modern design, Float is light & airy, modern but comfortable, simple yet luxurious Santa Barbara spa. Come in for a quick fix or stay for the day and enjoy all the…
Welcome to the old way of California cooking and hospitality. Quality meats, poultry, fish and vegetables cooked over California oak. What's Old is New Again: La Paloma Reopens after 37 Years Welcome back in time, back in Santa…
Sands Boutique offers a wide range of stylish, swim and resort-inspired clothing options for both men and women that captures the spirit of the American Riviera. Located in downtown Santa Barbara on Canon Perdido, down a short corridor between…
Tucked away within the maze of the historic and beautiful El Paseo, Silver Wines offers hand & foot crafted Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chenin Blanc, and Cab Franc. Old world styled with older vintages available to taste and…