El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park [CA]
This is the site of the oldest building in Santa Barbara and the second oldest in California. Visitors can step back and view this historic site surrounded by modern buildings. El Cuartel, the oldest existing building in Santa Barbara, is all that remains of the last of four Royal Presidios (Spanish military outposts) built in Alta California. The presidio in Santa Barbara was built in 1782. It served as the military and government headquarters for the lands between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo until 1846. Two original buildings have been restored and five others reconstructed. Handmade adobe blocks were used to reconstruct the Padres' Quarters and Presidio Chapel.
The park offers exhibits and tours.