Santa Barbara Sights

  1. El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park

    Built to protect the missions between Monterey and San Diego, this 18th-century former Spanish fort of the El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park was protected by adobe walls nearly 4ft thick and more than 9ft high. But its purpose wasn't solely to protect - the presidio, which recently celebrated the 225th anniversary of its founding, also served as a social and political hub, and as a stopping point for traveling Spanish military.

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  2. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

    Want the perfect place to stop and smell the redwoods? Take a soul-satisfying jaunt to the 65-acre Santa Barbara Botanic Garden , devoted to California's native flora. About 5.5 miles of trails meander through cacti, redwoods and wildflowers past the old mission dam, built by the Chumash to irrigate the mission's fields. Grab a map from the staffed info kiosk at the entrance. Leashed dogs welcome.

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