Goleta

Goleta (go-lee-ta) is a city a few miles west of Santa Barbara and part of the contiguous urban area of Santa Barbara, within Santa Barbara County, California. This article also covers the unincorporated community of Isla Vista, which is home to the University of California at Santa Barbara.

Get in
Goleta lies just off Highway 101, north of Santa Barbara.

Rail is an option to reach Goleta, as Amtrak serves the city via its Pacific Surfliner service that runs between San Diego and San Luis Obispo via Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.



Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is in Goleta, off Highway 217.

Buses run frequently between Santa Barbara, Goleta and the UCSB campus.

See
There are lots of little parks scattered along Del Playa.



Do
Popular activities include music festivals (usually located in the park), or concerts on campus. Performances are given on and off campus given by the local improv troupe, or by comedians such as Jon Stewart. Visiting the beach and riding beach cruisers are also options to consider.



Drink
Many restaurants serve beer. Many local partake in what is known as "the loop", which is going to all the places in Isla Vista that serve beer, and having a beer. By going to all beer-serving establishments, a loop is made. Del Playa Dr. ("D.P.") is the street closest to the ocean. Here is where the majority of the house parties are. On most nights there will be "Keg Parties", and students walking around.

Go next

 * Santa Barbara - 8 miles east of Goleta, the "American Riviera" is a historic mission city that is an incredibly popular getaway destination. Its wide beaches, highly rated wineries, luxurious resorts, art galleries, and a large variety of excellent dining choices, enable the town of just 90,000 residents to enjoy the sort of cultural and social amenities which are usually found only in much larger cities.
 * Lompoc - 48 miles north of Goleta, Lompoc is nicknamed the "City of Arts and Flowers", with more than half the world's flower seeds grown in the fields around the town. The city celebrates its association with flowers every June during the Lompoc Valley Flower festival. The area is also home to Vandenberg Air Force Base, America's west coast spaceport, where rocket launches can sometimes be seen.
 * Buellton - 35 miles to the northwest, Buellton is home to several Santa Ynez Valley wineries. Visitors will also find the ostrich & emu farm interesting, with the opportunity to get up close and personal with the giant birds.