What to do in Goleta, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

C95MX5 Preserved railroad station in Goleta, California
C95MX5 Preserved railroad station in Goleta, California
NA, USA, California, Santa Barbara, Goleta; Sandpiper Golf Course
#goldenhour #socal #california
An hour long boat ride away from Oxnard harbor, Anacapa Island is the second smallest island in the Channel Islands National Park. It has spectacular sunset and sunrise views and has dark blue clear water to kayak, snorkel or scuba dive. Has historical importance of Chumash tribe believing that human life originated on these islands. A must go for a nice overnight camping, be sure to carry water and eatables with you. There are absolutely no stores of any kind on the mile long island.

Goleta Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Goleta has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Goleta is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Goleta to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Goleta Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Goleta.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Goleta attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Goleta

Tours & day trips

See all 89 activities
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 241 reviews
Price is CA $38 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 33 activities
Self Guided Walking Tour of Solvang: Discover the Danish Charm

Self Guided Walking Tour of Solvang: Discover the Danish Charm

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $14 per adult
Self Guided Walking Tour of Solvang: Discover the Danish CharmOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 22 activities
Santa Barbara: Zipline Tour with 4x4 Humvee Ride

Santa Barbara: Zipline Tour with 4x4 Humvee Ride

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 8 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $199 per adult
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Water activities

See all 10 activities
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 CA $81 per adult
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What to do in Goleta

Discover the most popular places to visit in Goleta

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 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
Isla Vista beach scene California

Isla Vista Beach

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

Isla Vista 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 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 group of Birds play on the ocean surf - Blue skies on a summer day

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
Short walk from parking, very scenic little spot.

Nojoqui Falls Park

Explore the great outdoors at Nojoqui Falls Park, a lovely green space in Goleta. Check out the casinos and wineries in this walkable 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

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

UC SB Events Center

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

UC SB Events Center

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Goleta

Flower fields along W. Ocean Ave. towards Surf Beach.

Lompoc

Picturesque town of Solvang, California

Solvang

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

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 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 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 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.

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