Ten-hut! The El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park houses the Santa Barbara Royal Presidio, one of four in the chain of military fortresses built by the Spanish in 1782 to protect the Spanish missions and settlers. Visit the historic park to walk in their shoes and experience the life and times of these early governments and communities.
For a fun night watching intercollegiate sports teams, head over to see the Santa Barbara Gauchos. The University of California has 20 sports teams with women’s basketball and men’s soccer dominating the programs. Join loyal local fans catching games at the UCSB Sports Center, Caesar Uyesaka Stadium and Harder Stadium.
Ready for an uphill drive! The Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park invites visitors to venture along a narrow winding road with spectacular views of Santa Barbara, the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands to explore a small sandstone cave outlined with rock art created by the native Chumash people.