Welcome to Goleta
With a nickname like, “The Good Land,” it’s no wonder that this small town is the ultimate destination for low-key relaxation and thrilling adventures.
Just west of Santa Barbara and pressed against the golden splendor of the SoCal coast, the city of Goleta is widely regarded as a hideaway refuge set apart from the hustle of tourism. Its quiet, historical streets and agricultural past combine to create a pastoral charm and friendly warmth. And yet, despite this, Goleta residents have the best attractions of the area right at their fingertips, minutes away from their serene homes.
Though Goleta was founded in 1875, the city wasn’t incorporated until 2002 and served for decades as the county’s longest unincorporated populated area. The town is best-known as the home site for The University of California Santa Barbara and as a fertile farming region for citrus and avocados.
Homes in Goleta come in a variety of styles and sizes, from quaint, single-family ranches tucked away on quiet cul-de-sacs to expansive, Tuscan, and Mediterranean hillside estates whose multimillion-dollar price tags are more than worth it for the staggering views. Some of the most expensive homes come equipped with desirable amenities such as sparkling private pools and sprawling acreages and have the advantage of residing in private, gated communities.
What to Love
- Adjacent to the Santa Barbara Airport and home to UC Santa Barbara
- Lesser-known than its larger counterparts but still close enough to access their attractions
- Regal estates perched among the foothills for phenomenal views
Local Lifestyle
The open space and welcoming personality of Goleta might not have given the small-town the same fame as the neighboring Santa Barbara, but area locals know that this hidden gem is a beacon of natural beauty and rich history. Whether it's touring the scenic campus of UC Santa Barbara, hiking the nearby state parks, or taking a day of quiet relaxation on the beach, the residents of Goleta are able to enjoy a diverse range of entertainment.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Goleta might not be the paragon of extensive dining and retail that Santa Barbara is, but like Santa Barbara, Goleta often proves that local is king. The array of independent shops and family-owned restaurants is evenly spread throughout the town. For example, skaters can find the best gear for their needs at the effortlessly cool Powell Peralta skate shop.
The culinary scene of Goleta is varied, with exceptional establishments such as Jane at the Marketplace treating visitors to binge-worthy cuisine. The hip ambiance and bistro fare of Jane’s make it worthy of repeat trips, and its large menu is ideal for those embracing a healthful lifestyle.
For family-style breakfast and Mexican comfort foods, there’s hardly a better place than Goodland Dining. Prefer a more hands-on experience when choosing a meal? Free Birds is the go-to for customizing burritos, bowls, and everything in-between. At Zodo's Bowling and Beyond, visitors can dine on classic pub fare while hitting the lanes or playing at the arcade.
Things to Do
Much of Goleta’s appeal is centered on its abundance of two things: nature, and community spirit. As such, the town is loaded with ways to enjoy both, including institutions like the Goleta Butterfly Grove. Here, the preservation of butterflies and a dedication to environmental conservation culminate in this special spot, where each year thousands of monarchs migrate for the winter.
Other outdoor excursions are available in locations such as the Ellwood Mesa Sperling Preserve, a vast spread of more than 230-acres that brags coastline, a historic monument marker, trails, and beaches. Even winter is possible in the warm atmosphere of Goleta, thanks to the local Ice In Paradise rink that has public skating hours as well as courses and lessons.
The town’s other alluring feature is embodied by occasions such as the annual Lemon Festival, held each year at Girsh Park. The event draws in visitors from all over the county and includes everything from classic car shows and pie-eating contests to live music performances and dozens of vendors.
Schools
Goleta is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
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UC Santa Barbara, a highly revered public university ranked #5 best in the country
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Laguna Blanca School, K-12, highly rated private school ranked in the top 100 best of the state