You want to go to a place that beckons with adventure and discovery. A place that offers epic days full of enjoyment that end with feet kicked up as the sun sinks low. A place that is on the coast and down to earth, with wide-open beaches and hidden gems. Welcome to Goleta Vacations — where you GO for fun!
This attractive beach community has been called “the jewel in the crown” of the Santa Barbara coast. It is renowned for its typically sunny weather, while the fog that shrouds its well-to-do neighbor is rarely in evidence. The town happens to be the geographic location of both the University of California campus and the airport that serves the nearby city. Seals are rare on Southern California beaches, but you’ll find them here.
The 9 acre Coronado Butterfly Preserve and the Ellwood Main Monarch Grove, for which it serves as a gateway, are among the best locales to see the beauteous orange and black insects. Massive numbers of monarchs fly up to 3,000 miles to roost in the coastal eucalyptus trees; birds and wildlife also thrive here. The best viewing is between December and February.
Enjoy the many wonderful beaches of Goleta, (you’ll find a list here), then come visit Goleta. Our Goleta Vacations guide has all your answers to start planning your beach vacation. Just keep reading!
Goleta Weather – When to Visit
The busiest month for tourism in Goleta is June thru August. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. The warmest time of year is generally late August to early September where highs are regularly around 78.2°F with temperatures rarely dropping below 58.1°F at night.
Best Goleta Beaches
Goleta Beach
Known for its long fishing pier and sunbathing beaches, these 29 acres are often a destination for bicyclists on the area’s paved trail system. Between the lively restaurant and BBQ picnic areas are volleyball, horseshoes and children’s playgrounds. The park features: BBQ Grills, Beach Access, Benches or Picnic Tables, Bike Trails, Bird Watching, Boating, Fishing, Group Picnic Areas, Horseshoes, Playground, Restaurant or Snacks, Restrooms, Swimming, art in the park, and seasonal lifeguards.
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Refugio State Beach
Refugio State Beach is a south-facing sandy beach in a cove that is backed by palm trees and has lifeguards in the summer months. At low tide there are tide pools to explore at both ends of the cove.
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El Capitan State Beach
El Capitan State Beach has a large campground and a day-use parking area near the beach. At low tide you can explore both sides on foot. At high tide there isn’t much beach exposed. Surfers ride the waves on the east side of the point. Tide pools can be explored at the end of the point at low tide.
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Haskell’s Beach
Haskell’s Beach is right below the huge Bacara Resort and Spa west of Goleta and Santa Barbara. It’s a fantastic beach and one that visitors to the Santa Barbara area should add to their “to do” lists. Follow the wide easy-graded path to a small park area with grass and picnic tables. There is also a beach house with restrooms, showers and a shaded area.
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Ellwood Beach
Near Ellwood beach is a Monarch butterfly wintering ground. Thousands of Monarch butterflies come here during the winter and hang out in a large grove of eucalyptus trees. The best time to see the butterflies is during December and January. The monarch butterfly preserve is something you won’t want to miss!
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Best Goleta Restaurants
Goodland Kitchen & Market Under $10
This gem of a restaurant is located in the heart of old town Goleta. Breakfast and lunch are served Monday through Saturday. Everything is made in-house with the freshest ingredients in limited quantities. In fact, it’s not uncommon for some of their sandwiches and salads to sell out. Warm baked good are also available, like melty chocolate chip cookies and homemade poptarts. Their lemonade is legendary and the fresh-brewed coffee is delicious. Goodland also operates as a commercial kitchen, allowing community cooks to produce small-batch treats. Telephone: 805-845-4300 Web: Goodland Kitchen & Market.
Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch Under $10
The Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch serves up Mexican-style mesquite BBQ chicken and tri-tip. Try one or both with a side of tortillas, rice and chips. Try their burritos, they’re delicious. And don’t miss the salsa bar, it’s stocked with fresh salsas, pickled onion and jalapenos that will bring out the smoky flavors in your order. Sides of fresh guacamole can be ordered, too. Telephone: 805-692-9200 Web: Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch.
The Natural Café $11 – 30
This is a local favorite for vegetarian and vegan options. This restaurants serves up delicious chicken and fish entrees. Popular dishes include their fresh fish tacos, savory meatless burgers and signature Caesar salad generously topped with avocado. They offer beer, regional wine, natural sodas and delicious custom blended smoothies and shakes. Telephone: 805-685-2039 Web: The Natural Café.
Beachside Bar Cafe $11 – 30
Beachside Bar Café in Goleta offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean as well as a fun atmosphere with great food. Whether you are visiting Santa Barbara for the first time or you are a longtime local, Beachside offers a unique dining experience that will keep you coming back for years to come. Telephone: 805-964-7881 Web: Beachside Bar Cafe
Sushi Teri $11 – 30
The fish is fresh and the daily specials are fresher. Sushi Teri has a variety of sushi rolls, grilled fish and teriyaki plates on their menu. Try their chirashi bowl or sushi sampler if you want to sample different varieties. Sushi Teri also has ramen and udon noodle dishes. There is green tea (iced or hot) and your choice of sakes. Telephone: 805-964-9909 Web: Sushi Teri.
Best Goleta Bars
The Imperial
Mixing some of the Santa Barbara Area’s finest cocktails in the heart of beautiful Old Town Goleta. There’s a good selection of whiskeys here, as well as a specialty cocktail menu that includes such favorites as cucumber margaritas and marmalade sours. Telephone: 805-967-300 Web: The Imperial.
The Good Bar
An intimate, laidback lounge designed to invite you in and let the good times roll with a billiards table, backgammon boards and a coastal cool soundtrack. This is where spirits including premium whiskey, tequila and mezcal are mixed with local ingredients like lavender and mint to create notoriously delicious cocktails. There are also local craft beers and wines from vineyards just a cork’s throw away Telephone: 805-964-1288 Web: The Good Bar.
M. Special Brewing Company
Try some of the area’s best brews at M. Special Brewing Company. This brewery and bar serves up fresh drafts of their own beer crafted on site. Offering up lager, Saison, IPA and more… the menu changes with what’s available. This is a great place to pull up a seat at their long wooden bar and catch the game on TV. Telephone: 805-968-6500 Web: M. Special Brewing Company.
Break Time Sports Bar
Goleta’s best dive bar. Enjoy a relaxing bar (or cocktail), play a round of darts and maybe catch the game on TV. There are also pool and pinball tables, as well as the occasional live band. A true local’s favorite for years. Telephone: 805-692-9911 Web: Break Time Sports Bar.
Mercury Lounge
This is a hidden gem in an unassuming strip mall. The Mercury is something of a haven, a dark velvet calm of a wine and beer bar complete with low couches, a single pool table, vintage glassware and a cozy rear patio. With dozens of beers to choose from and a wine list that leans local, it’s a connoisseur’s type of place – perfect for intimate conversations or dark solo musings. Telephone: 805-967-0907 Web: Mercury Lounge.
Best Goleta Area Hotels
