Things to do in Goleta

Activities, attractions and tours

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 experiences in Goleta

Tours & day trips

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Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 18 reviews
Price is P 1,644 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Activity duration is 1 hour
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,406 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour

Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is P 573 per adult
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Water activities

See all 10 activities
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,465 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 5 activities
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

Activity duration is 6 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is P 4,052 per adult
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What to do in Goleta

Popular places to visit

University of California, Santa Barbara

University of California, Santa Barbara

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

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
Refugio State Beach

Refugio State Beach

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
Nojoqui Falls Park

Nojoqui Falls Park

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
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 check out its top-notch restaurants.

Gaviota State Park
Gaviota Beach

Gaviota Beach

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

Gaviota Beach

Isla Vista Beach

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

Isla Vista Beach

Sandpiper Golf Club

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

Goleta Point

Explore the lovely green spaces of Goleta Point and enjoy the biking trails in Goleta. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Goleta Point
Photo by Lisa Petrarca

Lompoc

Solvang

Solvang

Santa Ynez Valley which includes mountains and tranquil scenes

Santa Ynez

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.

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