Things to do in Goleta

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Goleta
Goleta
Goleta
Photo by Carl Bolstad
Photo by Carl Bolstad
Photo by Lisa Travelfeet
Photo by Lisa Travelfeet
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Most popular activities in Goleta

Tours & day trips

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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 ￥29,874 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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3-Winery Tour Includes Lunch from Santa Ynez/Solvang/Buellton

3-Winery Tour Includes Lunch from Santa Ynez/Solvang/Buellton

Activity duration is 5 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥13,705 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Private Harbor Cruise on Electric Boat in Santa Barbara

Private Harbor Cruise on Electric Boat in Santa Barbara

Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥29,104 per traveler*
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Water activities

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Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥13,705 per adult
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Holiday & seasonal tours

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Solvang: Ghost Hunting and Dark History Tour

Solvang: Ghost Hunting and Dark History Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥8,469 per adult
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What to do in Goleta

Discover the most popular places to visit in Goleta

#EndlessSummer

University of California, Santa Barbara

4.5/5(586 reviews)

Enjoy the collegiate 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 biking trails.

University of California, Santa Barbara
El Capitan State Beach

El Capitan State Beach

4.5/5(148 reviews)

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

El Capitan State Beach
A great beach to bring your kids, you can walk for miles! Very calm, quiet, and clean, this beach features camping, BBQ pits, biking trails, and beautiful sunsets. Many times while camping here, my kids have carried their sleeping bags down to the beach and slept there, waking up to an amazing sunrise. :)

Refugio State Beach

4.5/5(21 reviews)

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

Refugio State Beach
There wasn't much "falling" going on, more like a trickle.. but it was still pretty. Also, it's a earthcache

Nojoqui Falls Park

4.5/5(17 reviews)

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

Nojoqui Falls Park
You can walk for miles and not see another person! This is an old pier that has largely been abandoned after a storm took out part of it. #Festival

Gaviota Beach

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

Gaviota Beach
Couldn’t resist this rock formation that looks like an eye. Had my wife complete the Iris.

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 check out its top-notch restaurants.

Gaviota State Park

Isla Vista Beach

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

Isla Vista Beach

Sandpiper Golf Club

4.5/5(12 reviews)

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

Sandpiper Golf Club

UC SB Events Center

Catch an event at UC SB Events Center during your trip to Goleta.

UC SB Events Center

Popular day trips from Goleta

Photo by Hector N.

Buellton

Photo by Lisa Petrarca

Lompoc

Solvang

Solvang

Santa Ynez Valley showing mountains and tranquil scenes

Santa Ynez

United States of America which includes farmland

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 travelers 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 vacation, 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 neighborhood located about 3 kilometers from downtown.
What are some activities to do in Goleta with kids?
Whether you're traveling 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 Center or Cold Spring Tavern.
Are there free things to do in Goleta?
From enjoying parks to strolling around hip neighborhoods, 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.