Things to do in Goleta

Activities, attractions and tours

Panoramic View of More Mesa Shores, Santa Barbara County
Sandpiper golf course at sunset in Santa Barbara
Father and son taking fishing rods from car boot, Goleta, California, United States, North America
Devereux Beach in Goleta California
Ellwood Beach Park in Goleta California on a Sunny Day
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Most popular experiences in Goleta

Tours & day trips

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Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.2 out of 10 with 18 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$298 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Santa Ynez Wine Shuttle

Santa Ynez Wine Shuttle

Activity duration is 7 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 15 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$1,088 per adult
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History & culture

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Los Angeles Day Trip to Santa Barbara via Oxnard-Amtrak Coast Starlight

Los Angeles Day Trip to Santa Barbara via Oxnard-Amtrak Coast Starlight

Activity duration is 10 hours and 55 minutes
6.6 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$1,472 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Epic Zipline Tour near Santa Barbara

Epic Zipline Tour near Santa Barbara

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$1,214 per adult
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Water activities

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Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbour (2 Hours)

Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbour (2 Hours)

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 45 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$462 per adult
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What to do in Goleta

Popular places to visit

Santa Barbara, United States - Febriary 16, 2018: Panorama Skyline of University California Santa Barbara seen from across Goleta Bay off Goleta Pier. Blue water and sky. Henley Gate on the right.

University of California, Santa Barbara

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of California, Santa Barbara during your travels in Goleta. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or seek out the cycling trails.

University of California, Santa Barbara
Isla Vista beach scene California

Isla Vista Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Isla Vista Beach during your trip to Goleta? Stroll along the beaches or discover the area's sunsets.

Isla Vista Beach
Gaviota Beach

Gaviota Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Gaviota Beach during your trip to Goleta?

Gaviota Beach
El Capitan State Beach, Shutterstock ID 735550597, Purchase Order: SP-1891 Wave 0, Client/Licensee: Hotels.com

El Capitan State Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at El Capitan State Beach during your travels in Goleta? While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

El Capitan State Beach
Sandpiper golf course at sunset in Santa Barbara

Sandpiper Golf Club

Play a round of golf in Goleta at Sandpiper Golf Club, and enjoy other activities such as cycling. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

Sandpiper Golf Club
A group of Birds play on the ocean surf - Blue skies on a summer day

Refugio State Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Refugio State Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Goleta. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Refugio State Beach
Nojoqui Falls Park

Nojoqui Falls Park

Explore the great outdoors at Nojoqui Falls Park, a lovely green space in Goleta. Visit the casinos and top-notch restaurants in this quaint area.

Nojoqui Falls Park
Gaviota State Park

Gaviota State Park

You can take time to visit Gaviota State Park during your travels to Goleta. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Gaviota State Park

UC SB Events Center

Catch an event at UC SB Events Center during your trip to Goleta. Take in the live music and sunsets in the area.

UC SB Events Center

Areas of Goleta

roca, naturaleza, olas, la costa, azul, vista del mar, costa, olas, gemas, viajando, oleaje, verano, pedregoso, isla, el perello, tarragona

Isla Vista

You'll enjoy the beaches and live music in Isla Vista. You might want to make time for a stop at UC SB Events Center or Isla Vista Beach.

Isla Vista
Railroad tracks over bridge at Gaviota Beach on the central coast of California United States

Gaviota

If you're spending some time in Gaviota, Gaviota Beach and Gaviota State Park are top sights worth seeing.

Gaviota
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Old Town

When in Old Town, you can plan a visit to UC SB Events Center and Goleta Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Old Town
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Ellwood

If you're spending some time in Ellwood, Sandpiper Golf Club and Goleta Butterfly Grove are top sights worth seeing.

Ellwood
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Fairview

If you're spending some time in Fairview, Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens and Zodo's - Bowling and Beyond are top sights worth seeing.

Fairview
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Winchester

While there might not be top attractions in Winchester, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Goleta Butterfly Grove and Glen Annie Golf Club.

Winchester
La Purisima Conception mission CA

Lompoc

Patchwork Of Vineyards Is Seen In Early Summer, Trees, Farm Buildings And Rolling Hillsides In The Background, Santa Ynez Valley; Los Olivos, California, United States Of America

Santa Ynez

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

Frequently asked questions

Is Goleta worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Goleta is explore Stearns Wharf. Tick this major attraction off your to-do list, then experience more of this area's markets and family-friendly attractions.
How do I spend a day in Goleta?
Once you've visited leading attractions like Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Natural History Museum, spend some time discovering Goleta's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Goleta?
The top tourist attraction in Goleta is Stearns Wharf, so make sure to put it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Goleta?
Three days in Goleta is enough to visit the city's key attractions. Many travellers stay for two days on average. Hendrys Beach, Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park and More Mesa Beach are among the most popular sights. Want to see more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Santa Barbara.
Is Goleta a walkable city?
If discovering on foot sounds like your kind of holiday, Goleta is an ideal destination. Find major sights, including More Mesa Beach, within walking distance of downtown. You can also enjoy a stroll through Isla Vista, a vibrant neighbourhood located about 3 kilometres from downtown.
What are some activities to do in Goleta with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a fun-filled itinerary takes your trip to the next level. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Goleta with kids.

What to do in Goleta for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Goleta, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at UC SB Events Centre or Cold Spring Tavern.
Are there free things to do in Goleta?
From enjoying parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Goleta. If you're in need of ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Hendrys Beach is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.