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Goleta is a coastal city of about 32,000 people just west of Santa Barbara, set between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific. Long an agricultural valley known for its lemon and avocado orchards, it grew rapidly after World War II and incorporated as a city in 2002. The University of California, Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Airport sit on its doorstep.
Goleta has a relaxed, outdoorsy character. Every winter thousands of monarch butterflies cluster in the eucalyptus trees of the Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove on Ellwood Mesa, one of the largest overwintering sites in California. Goleta Beach County Park and its long pier, Haskell's Beach and the bluff-top trails offer surfing, fishing and sunset walks.
Inland, Lake Los Carneros park combines a quiet lake and trails with the historic Stow House and the South Coast Railroad Museum in the old Goleta depot. Old Town Goleta along Hollister Avenue has casual taquerias and breweries, and Santa Barbara's waterfront and the wild Gaviota Coast are both a short drive away.
A eucalyptus grove on Ellwood Mesa where thousands of monarch butterflies cluster each winter, usually from November to February. Volunteer docents with spotting scopes are often on hand on weekends. Come on a sunny late morning, when the butterflies warm up and fly, and walk on to the bluffs above the beach.
A peaceful preserve around a small lake with walking trails, a wooden footbridge and good birdwatching for herons, egrets and ducks. It sits next to the Stow House and the railroad museum, so you can combine all three in one visit. The loop is easy and suitable for families.
A popular beach park with sand, lawns, picnic tables, barbecue grills, a playground and a beachside restaurant, next to the slough near the airport. The water is usually calm for swimming and paddling. Parking is free but fills on summer weekends, so arrive before noon.
A sandy beach below the Bacara Resort at the western edge of Goleta, with public access, a small free parking lot and tide pools at low tide. Surfers ride the point break in winter, and walkers can stroll east toward the Ellwood bluffs. Check the tide chart before you go.
A wide, natural beach at Coal Oil Point Reserve, reached by bluff paths from Isla Vista and Ellwood Mesa. Part of the dunes is roped off to protect nesting western snowy plovers, so keep dogs leashed and stay out of fenced areas. It is a favorite spot for sunset walks and surfing.
A wooden pier of about 1,450 feet at Goleta Beach County Park, used by anglers, kayakers and walkers watching for dolphins and pelicans. No fishing license is needed on the pier. There is a boat hoist for small craft, and sunset views up the coast are excellent.
A Carpenter Gothic farmhouse built in 1872 by Sherman Stow on Rancho La Patera, once a leading lemon ranch. The Goleta Valley Historical Society offers tours of its period rooms, and the grounds include a blacksmith shop and farm equipment. Tours usually run on weekend afternoons.
A museum in the 1901 Southern Pacific depot that was moved to Lake Los Carneros park, with railroad artifacts, a large model railroad and a miniature train ride for kids. It is small and family friendly. Open limited days, usually Wednesday to Sunday afternoons, so check before visiting.
The original commercial strip of Goleta along Hollister Avenue, with family-run Mexican restaurants, bakeries, breweries and local shops. It is unpretentious and good value compared with downtown Santa Barbara. Look out for the murals and the weekly farmers market nearby.
A public 18-hole golf course laid out along the bluffs west of Goleta, with several holes overlooking the Pacific and the Channel Islands on clear days. It is one of the most scenic public courses on the Central Coast. Book tee times in advance, and expect afternoon wind.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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Photo: Glenn Beltz, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Glenn Beltz, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
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Photo: Glenn Beltz, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Glenn Beltz, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
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Photo: Glenn Beltz, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Glenn Beltz, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: USFWS Pacific Southwest Region, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: Channel City Camera Club, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
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Photo: Glenn Beltz from Goleta, CA, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Antandrus at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0