Goleta Beach Tours

Photo by Peter Han


Feel the breeze in your hair, the water washing over your feet and the salt in the air at Goleta Beach. Hang around and watch the sun set to top off an amazing day out.

This stretch of coastline doesn't cost a thing to visit, which is terrific news if you're traveling on a budget. Goleta Beach is located in Santa Barbara. Once you've seen this place, Upper State Street, Santa Barbara Orchid Estate and Sandpiper Golf Club are close by and also worth exploring.

Plan a trip to see Goleta Beach

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Glendale Hotel
Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
SIRTAJ - Beverly Hills

Browse tours and tickets to explore Goleta Beach

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Adventure & outdoor

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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Best Lodging Options Near Goleta Beach

The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
5650 Calle Real, Goleta, CA
The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Best Western Plus South Coast Inn

Best Western Plus South Coast Inn

2.5 out of 5
5620 Calle Real, Goleta, CA
Best Western Plus South Coast Inn
Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta

Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta

2.5 out of 5
5665 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA
Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta
Motel 6 Goleta, CA - Santa Barbara

Motel 6 Goleta, CA - Santa Barbara

2 out of 5
5897 Calle Real, Goleta, CA
Motel 6 Goleta, CA - Santa Barbara
The Steward, Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

The Steward, Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

4 out of 5
5490 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA
The Steward, Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta

Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta

3 out of 5
6350 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA
Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
4770 Calle Real, Hwy 101 and Turnpike Road, Santa Barbara, CA
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Attached Unit, a few minute walk from the Beach

Attached Unit, a few minute walk from the Beach

Santa Barbara
Attached Unit, a few minute walk from the Beach
Luxury Beach Mediterranean Villa, Pool/Spa, 6 Bed / 6 Bath, Private Beach Access

Luxury Beach Mediterranean Villa, Pool/Spa, 6 Bed / 6 Bath, Private Beach Access

Santa Barbara
Luxury Beach Mediterranean Villa, Pool/Spa, 6 Bed / 6 Bath, Private Beach Access
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Goleta Beach

Goleta Beach offers a variety of activities for visitors, including stunning sunsets, fishing, and birdwatching. Enjoy beach time on dog-friendly and secluded stretches of sand, perfect for a relaxing getaway. Additionally, explore local shopping options in Goleta for a complete beach experience.

Food and drinks

At Goleta Beach, indulge in fresh seafood and local wines. Sunstone Vineyards & Winery, Gainey Vineyard, and Kalyra Winery offer delightful tastings 19-20 miles away, perfect for a romantic outing. Explore the vibrant dining scene for the best local flavors and refreshing drinks.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is La Cumbre Plaza, just 5 miles from Goleta Beach, offering a variety of family-friendly stores. If you're up for a drive, visit the Santa Barbara Public Market, located 7 miles away, for a unique selection of local goods and refreshments.

Recreation

At Sandpiper Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by stunning coastal views and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere. Elings Park offers tranquil walking paths and serene picnic spots for relaxation. Experience luxury at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, where you can indulge in refined leisure activities.

Adventure

Explore the Lost Valley Trail, located 1 mile from Goleta Beach, offering stunning scenery and a sense of adventure. For more challenging hikes, try the Jesusita Trail, 6 miles away, or the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail, 8 miles away, both featuring breathtaking views and outdoor excitement.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Goleta Beach offers a delightful mix of entertainment. Enjoy a romantic evening at the Arlington Theater, just 7 miles away, or unleash your competitive spirit at Zodo's - Bowling and Beyond, 2 miles from the beach. For a cozy drink, Cold Spring Tavern awaits, also 7 miles away.

Find the best attractions near Goleta Beach

Goleta Beach offers a delightful mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and stunning coastal views. Popular attractions include Ellwood Beach and Arroyo Burro Beach, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Explore the charming city of Goleta and enjoy local favorites like Goleta Beach Fix. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Goleta Beach has something for everyone to enjoy.

  • University of California, Santa Barbara: Explore the beautiful campus of UC Santa Barbara, known for its stunning coastal views and vibrant cultural atmosphere. Stroll through the gardens and visit the art museum to immerse yourself in the local arts scene.
  • Santa Barbara Harbor: Experience adventure at Santa Barbara Harbor, where you can enjoy kayaking, sailing, or simply relaxing on the beach. The harbor offers picturesque views and a lively atmosphere, perfect for water enthusiasts.
  • Upper State Street: Discover the urban charm of Upper State Street, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. This bustling area is ideal for a leisurely stroll, dining, or shopping, showcasing the local city vibe.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Goleta Beach

To save money during your visit to Goleta Beach, take advantage of the free entry to the beach and nearby attractions like the University of California, Santa Barbara. The best time to visit for lower prices is between November and January. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Consider combining hotel, flight, and activity bookings for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and help you earn cash for future stays. Don't forget to compare prices for the best hotel deals in Santa Barbara!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Goleta Beach are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Goleta Beach about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Goleta Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.