Best of Goleta, CA
Home of UCSB
About Goleta
Goleta is a city in southern Santa Barbara County that incorporated in 2002 after long serving as the county's largest unincorporated populated area. The municipality has a population of 32,690 according to the 2020 census. It is known for being close to the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara.
📣 What's going on in Goleta
Nothing new in Goleta this week — be the first to post something!
South Coast Railroad Museum
Located in El Encanto Heights, the South Coast Railroad Museum preserves the historic Goleta Depot from 1901. The site features a miniature railroad, a Southern Pacific bay-window caboose, and a model train layout depicting Goleta and Santa Barbara in the early 1940s.
The miniature railroad operates on a 7+1⁄2 inch gauge track.
View details →The best of Goleta
Best Hotels in Goleta
8 places · Where to stay, from budget-friendly to boutique.
-
Extended Stay America
Extended Stay America is a hotel situated in the Las Positas neighborhood.
-
Hilton Garden Inn
The Hilton Garden Inn is a hotel located in the El Encanto Heights neighborhood.
-
The Steward Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
The Steward Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel located in the Las Positas neighborhood offers contemporary accommodations and amenities for travelers.
Best Restaurants in Goleta
81 places · Where to eat, from neighborhood staples to standout kitchens.
-
Ca'Dario Cucina Italiana
Ca'Dario Cucina Italiana offers classic Italian dishes in El Encanto Heights.
-
Cajun Kitchen Cafe
Cajun Kitchen Cafe offers a variety of breakfast and brunch dishes in the 65 Block, featuring cajun flavors.
-
Cajun Kitchen Cafe
Cajun Kitchen Cafe offers authentic cajun dishes in El Encanto Heights.
-
China King
China King serves Chinese cuisine in the 65 Block. It offers a variety of traditional dishes.
-
Creekside Restaurant & Bar
Creekside Restaurant & Bar is located in Las Positas.
-
Del Pueblo Cafe
Del Pueblo Cafe serves Mexican cuisine in the Las Positas neighborhood.
-
Del Valle Grill
Del Valle Grill is a Mexican restaurant located in the 65 Block.
-
Dutch Garden
Dutch Garden is a German restaurant located in the Las Positas neighborhood.
Best Cafés & Coffee in Goleta
34 places · Coffee shops, roasters and casual spots to linger.
-
Bagel Café
Bagel Café serves a variety of bagels, coffee, breakfast, and brunch dishes in the 65 Block neighborhood.
-
Cody's Cafe
Cody's Cafe serves breakfast and brunch dishes in an American style within the Las Positas neighborhood.
-
Cristino's Bakery
Cristino's Bakery is a Mexican‑style café offering breakfast items and sandwiches in the 65 Block.
-
Crush Cakes Cafe
Crush Cakes Cafe is a café located in the Las Positas neighborhood, offering dessert, breakfast, brunch, and coffee shop options.
-
Dune Coffee Roasters
Dune Coffee Roasters is a café located in El Encanto Heights that specializes in coffee shop offerings.
-
Dune Coffee Roasters
Dune Coffee Roasters is a café located in the 65 Block, offering coffee shop services.
-
Hochaya Tea House
Hochaya Tea House is a café that serves bubble tea in the El Encanto Heights neighborhood.
Best Bars & Nightlife in Goleta
9 places · Cocktail bars, pubs and where the night goes.
-
Draughtsmen Aleworks
Draughtsmen Aleworks is a bar situated in El Encanto Heights.
-
M. Special Brewing Company
M. Special Brewing Company is a local bar located in the neighborhood of El Encanto Heights.
-
Roundin Third Sports Bar
Roundin Third Sports Bar is located in the El Encanto Heights neighborhood.
-
Z's Taphouse
Z's Taphouse is located in the 65 Block and offers a relaxed bar setting for locals and visitors alike.
Best Things to Do in Goleta
12 places · Museums, landmarks and the experiences worth your time.
-
South Coast Railroad Museum
Located in El Encanto Heights, the South Coast Railroad Museum preserves the historic Goleta Depot from 1901. The site features a miniature railroad, a Southern Pacific bay-window caboose, and a model train layout depicting Goleta and Santa Barbara in the early 1940s.
-
Stow House
Stow House is a U.S. historical landmark located in El Encanto Heights. The former headquarters of Rancho La Patera now serves as the headquarters for the Goleta Historical Society, preserving and interpreting Goleta Valley history.
-
Art, Design & Architecture Museum
The Art, Design & Architecture Museum is an attraction within the University of California, Santa Barbara campus. It showcases a collection of art and design pieces in the 65 Block area.
-
Ranchyard and History Education Center
The Ranchyard and History Education Center is an attraction located in El Encanto Heights.
-
The Animals of the Stow House Ranch Yard
The Animals of the Stow House Ranch Yard is an attraction located in El Encanto Heights.
-
The Cheadle Center Overlook
The Cheadle Center Overlook is an attraction located in the 68 Block neighborhood.
Best Shops in Goleta
5 places · Independent boutiques, bookstores and places to browse.
-
Santa Barbara Gift Baskets
Santa Barbara Gift Baskets is a shop located in the 65 Block neighborhood.
Best Parks & Outdoors in Goleta
4 places · Green space, gardens and room to breathe.
-
Tucker's Grove County Park
Tucker's Grove County Park is located at 4800 Cathedral Oaks Road.
-
San Antonio Canyon Park
San Antonio Canyon Park is a park located in the San Antonio neighborhood.
Nearby cities to explore
More guides within driving distance of Goleta.
- Isla Vista, CA 51 places
- Santa Barbara, CA 374 places
- Montecito, CA 176 places
- Carpinteria, CA 50 places
- Solvang, CA 17 places
- Buellton, CA 65 places
- Mira Monte, CA 82 places
- Ventura, CA 233 places