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Question: Why is Goleta a great place for a family holiday?
Answer: Goleta is a fun place for a family holiday, offering wide open beaches and hidden gems like souvenir stores and restaurants, ensuring something for everyone to enjoy.
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Question: What unique activity can visitors do in Goleta?
Answer: Visitors can see migrating Monarch butterflies at the Goleta Butterfly Grove or the Coronado Butterfly Preserve.
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Question: What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Goleta?
Answer: Visitors can spend the day outdoors at Goleta Beach.
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Question: What unique tour is available in Goleta?
Answer: Visitors can go on a brewery tour with Rock Star Trolley.
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1. Goleta Beach
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Comprising a park, slough, and wetlands, Goleta Beach is a manmade beach that was established in 1945. No matter what time of the year you visit, you’ll be met with gentle breezes and a quiet surf, making it a laid-back place to enjoy your day with family and friends. Bring along a picnic basket as there are several designated picnic areas on the beachfront or enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many bars and restaurants that line the place. Though surfing is not extremely popular on the waters here, you may catch a short wave. Other activities that are available include bodyboarding, water polo, kayaking, swimming, and beach volleyball. There’re also several horseshoe pits, a playground for younger visitors, and a pier to relax on.
5986 Sandspit Rd, Goleta, CA 93117, Phone: 805-568-2461
2. Goleta Butterfly Grove
© Courtesy of Bill Perry - Fotolia.com
Goleta Butterfly Grove, which can be found in the Ellwood Main Monarch Aggregation, is a popular attraction with both locals and visitors. The best time to visit is from November through February, when you can witness the amazing migration of Monarch butterflies to the grove. Visitors can spend the day there just exploring the large outdoor space, getting up close with the butterflies, and viewing several different species of birds. Adjacent to the grove, you will find the Ellwood Mesa, which is a 137-acre open space full of trails, a beach, and several amenities to assist you.
7559 Palos Verdes Dr, Goleta, CA 93117, Phone: 805-961-7571
3. Circle Bar B Guest Ranch & Stables
© Circle Bar B Guest Ranch & Stables
The Circle Bar B Guest Ranch & Stables has been owned and operated by the Brown family for four generations. Circle Bar B was established in 1939 as a way of sharing the area’s pristine beauty with people so that visitors can enjoy it as much as they do. The ranch now spans nearly 1,100 acres and has so much for you to see and experience; you can spend your time there walking the coastal mountain paradise, looking out for local flora and fauna, going horseback riding, or relaxing in the beautiful guest ranch. You can enjoy some delicious food and outstanding service as you make some unforgettable memories while in Goleta.
1800 Refugio Rd, Goleta, CA 93117, Phone: 805-968-1113
4. Coronado Butterfly Preserve
© Coronado Butterfly Preserve
The Coronado Butterfly Preserve
spans 9.3 acres and houses an array of woodlands, meadows, and eucalyptus groves. You will see and experience so much in this urban community treasure, from several species of wildlife and birds to one of the largest Monarch butterfly groves in the state. It’s a popular place to explore as you come across several native trees and plants during your adventure. Spend your time walking by the serene Devereux Creek, hiking through the innumerable trails, or having a picnic in the designated outdoor gathering areas. The trails line to several other sites such as Devereux Slough, Ellwood Shores coastal bluffs, and Goleta Monarch Grove.
495 Coronado Dr, Goleta, CA 93117, Phone: 805-966-4520
5. Rancho La Patera & Stow House
© Rancho La Patera & Stow House
Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the Rancho La Patera & Stow House is a historical landmark that was formerly the headquarters of Rancho La Patera. It is now home to the Goleta Historical Society, who invite visitors from all over to come explore and experience the amazing structure and surrounding grounds. You can go on a guided tour of the Stow House, learn interesting facts at the Visitor Interpretive Center, and get up close with the hands-on exhibits that are on display in the History Education Center. You’ll be able to see family photographs, period furniture, and hear stories about Sherman and Ida Stow and their family.
304 N Los Carneros Rd, Goleta, CA 93117, Phone: 805-681-7216
6. South Coast Railroad Museum
© South Coast Railroad Museum
Focusing on the history, technology, and adventure of railroading, the South Coast Railroad Museum is housed in the Goleta Depot, which is a Southern Pacific Railroad train station that was established in 1901. The depot is listed on the California Registry of Historical Resources and the National Register of Historic Places; within the museum you’ll be able to see several photographs and artifacts about the depot, the railroad industry, and the many people behind it. Kids will enjoy learning about the railroad’s contributions to local history and its impact on rural communities across the United States. Additional features also include seeing model train sets, a Southern Pacific caboose, and going on a miniature train ride.
300 N Los Carneros Rd, Goleta, CA 93117, Phone: 805-964-3540
7. Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve
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The Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve is one of the best current examples of a coastal-strand environment in Southern California. You’ll be able to explore a largely undisturbed stretch of coastal dunes, shoreline, and estuarine habitats. In the heart of the reserve, you’ll be able to explore Devereux Slough, which is a flooded tidal lagoon that forms seasonally before drying out to form hypersaline ponds and salt flats. It’s a wonderful place to visit for those who want to observe the area’s flora and fauna; ornithology aficionados should definitely come with a pair of binoculars as there are thousands of migratory birds that visit the reserve.
8. Draughtsmen Aleworks
© Draughtsmen Aleworks
Draughtsmen Aleworks is a micro craft brewery and taproom in Goleta that is just ten minutes from downtown Santa Barbara. They specialize in small batch beers made with familiar IPAs and ales, as well as the occasional experimental brew. All their beers are approachable and have distinct taste that makes it a popular choice with the people of the community as well as visitors of the area. Great beers of theirs that you should try include the Perseverance light lager, Buxom Blonde blonde ale, and Nama Biru Japanese rice lager. Head on over to their tap room, which is often visited by food cart of all sorts and hosts events like trivia night and performances by local musicians.
53 Santa Felicia Dr, Goleta, CA 93117, Phone: 805-387-2577
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Pleasant weather and blooming wildflowers. |
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara – A luxury oceanfront resort with stunning views. |
Visit the Goleta Butterfly Grove – See thousands of monarch butterflies in their natural habitat. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm and great for beach activities. |
Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta – A comfortable stay with easy access to the beach. |
Relax at Goleta Beach Park – Enjoy picnicking, kayaking, and fishing off the pier. |
Fall (September-November) – Mild temperatures and fewer crowds. |
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta – A modern hotel near UC Santa Barbara. |
Explore the Ellwood Mesa Open Space – A scenic coastal bluff with hiking and biking trails. |
Winter (December-February) – Cool but mild, great for a peaceful retreat. |
Kimpton Goodland Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel with a laid-back California vibe. |
Visit the South Coast Railroad Museum – Learn about historic trains in a charming setting. |
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