Things to do in Goleta

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A coastal landscape with a cliff overlooking the ocean, waves crashing against the shore, and a clear sky.
A coastal town with a marina, residential buildings, and palm trees.
A golf course with a lake, trees, and the ocean in the background.
A beach with a red car and a blue bag in the trunk.
A beach with people, a building, and mountains in the background.

Things to do

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

￥5,956
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Helicopter Beach Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

￥10,814
per adult
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

￥5,799
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Santa Barbara Sunset Cruise on Yacht

Santa Barbara Sunset Cruise on Yacht

￥10,187
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Sunset Cruise on Yacht
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

￥7,053
per adult
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

￥5,486
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

￥2,412
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Santa Ynez Valley: Adventure Park Course

Santa Barbara: High Ropes Adventure Course

￥10,031
per adult
Santa Barbara: High Ropes Adventure Course
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

￥9,404
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop
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Most popular activities 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 52 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was ￥6,022 and current price is ￥5,119 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 59 activities
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.4 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥9,509 per adult
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making WorkshopOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 30 activities
Santa Barbara: Private Beach Horseback Ride

Santa Barbara: Private Beach Horseback Ride

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥47,544 per adult
Santa Barbara: Private Beach Horseback RideOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 10 activities
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.4 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥9,509 per adult
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making WorkshopOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 9 activities
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 89 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥9,350 per adult
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)Opens in new tab

What to do in Goleta

Stay near popular Goleta attractions

A coastal cityscape with buildings, a beach, and a clear blue sky.

University of California, Santa Barbara

9.0/10 (1,433 reviews)
UCSB's stunning coastal campus merges academic excellence with miles of Pacific shoreline. Stroll beneath Storke Tower, visit the Art Museum, or bike along scenic paths overlooking the university's serene lagoon.
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Where to stay in Goleta

Find the best Goleta areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Goleta
Learn more about Goleta
A rocky shoreline with waves crashing against the rocks.

Isla Vista

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

A coastal cityscape with Mediterranean architecture, palm trees, and a clear sky.

Old Town

Old Town might not have many top sights, but Goleta Beach and Isla Vista Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

A railway track running alongside a beach with mountains in the background.

Gaviota

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

Ellwood

While visiting Ellwood, you might make a stop by sights like Sandpiper Golf Club and Goleta Butterfly Grove.

A historic building with a bell tower, arches, and a fountain.

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.

Popular day trips from Goleta

A vineyard with rows of grapevines and a dirt path.

Buellton

A beach with a rocky cliff, a wooden staircase, and the ocean.

Lompoc

A traditional windmill, a red and white building, and a shop with a sign that reads "Vinhus".

Solvang

A mountainous landscape with green fields and trees in the foreground.

Santa Ynez

A coastal town with a beach, houses, and mountains in the background.

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.