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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Sand Castle Inn
Los Angeles Deluxe Suites - 2 Bedrooms & 2 Bathrooms
ERTH INN by AGA Los Angeles

Browse tours and tickets to explore Goleta Beach

Tours & day trips

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History & culture

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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Reviews of Goleta Beach

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
149
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
123
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
21
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Not crowded. Easy to "social distance" on this beach. Grateful we were in a city where they let people peacefully sit on the beach.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Goleta Beach

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
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
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. For those looking to explore, there are biking trails and opportunities to stroll downtown. Additionally, wine tours in the nearby region provide a delightful way to experience local flavors. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Goleta Beach has something for everyone.

Shopping

For shopping near Goleta Beach, check out Camino Real Marketplace, just 3 miles away, offering a variety of local shops. If you're up for a drive, Paseo Nuevo Mall, located 7 miles away, boasts entertainment and a vibrant city atmosphere, along with Rafael Gonzalez House for unique finds.

Recreation

Sandpiper Golf Club offers a scenic golfing experience just 5 miles from Goleta Beach, surrounded by stunning ocean views and lush landscapes. Glen Annie Golf Club, located 3 miles away, provides a challenging course amidst beautiful natural settings. For relaxation, Kiwanis Meadows, 4 miles away, is perfect for unwinding in nature.

Adventure

At Lost Valley Trail, hike through scenic landscapes just a mile from Goleta Beach, immersing yourself in nature's beauty. For a longer adventure, explore the Cabrillo Bikeway, 7 miles away, or the Cabrillo Bike Path, 10 miles away, both offering stunning views and outdoor excitement.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Arlington Theater, just 7 miles from Goleta Beach, offering cultural events and romance. For a fun night, visit Zodo's - Bowling and Beyond, only 2 miles away, where adventure awaits. Don’t miss the cozy atmosphere at Cold Spring Tavern, also 7 miles away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Goleta Beach

Goleta Beach offers a blend of attractions for beach lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. Visitors can enjoy the sandy shores of Goleta Beach and nearby Gaviota Beach, as well as the scenic Goleta Beach Park. With options for family-friendly activities and a taste of local history, this area is perfect for relaxation and exploration. Don't miss the opportunity to discover other nearby beaches for a complete coastal experience.

  • University of California, Santa Barbara: This historic university is known for its stunning coastal views and vibrant campus culture. Explore beautiful gardens, impressive architecture, and art installations while soaking in the academic atmosphere.
  • Upper State Street: Experience the bustling energy of this commercial hub, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's a great spot to enjoy local cuisine and engage with the community, offering a taste of city life.
  • Isla Vista Beach: Relax on this picturesque beach, just a short distance away. Known for its laid-back vibe, it's perfect for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and enjoying beautiful sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Goleta Beach

To save money on your trip to Goleta Beach, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January to February and November, and aim for a Tuesday stay, as Saturdays are pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by filtering for eco-certified hotels and combining your hotel, flights, and activities for better deals. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and cash rewards for future bookings, allowing you to enjoy free nights and additional savings on your travels.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Goleta Beach are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Goleta Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Goleta Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to customize your travel search by setting your budget, choosing your desired location, and much more. You can easily arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to filter your search by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the “Eco-certified” filter, you’ll discover sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels ready for booking.
  • 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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia