Old Town Travel Guide
Goleta
Popular places to visit
University of California, Santa Barbara
Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of California, Santa Barbara during your travels in Goleta. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or seek out the cycling trails.
Isla Vista Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Isla Vista Beach during your trip to Goleta? Stroll along the beaches or discover the area's sunsets.
Gaviota Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Gaviota Beach during your trip to Goleta?
El Capitan State Beach
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at El Capitan State Beach during your travels in Goleta? While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Sandpiper Golf Club
Play a round of golf in Goleta at Sandpiper Golf Club, and enjoy other activities such as cycling. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.
Refugio State Beach
If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Refugio State Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Goleta. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Things to do
Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Top hotels in Old Town
Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara / Goleta
"This is a great hotel for the price range. They have microwaves and refrigerators in the rooms which is crucial for many travelers. The rooms are modern, new and clean. Our only complaint is the lack of water pressure in the shower, but after staying in many hotels this seems to be a common problem. ..."
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta
"Friendly staff, good breakfast and great amenities"
Reviewed on 13 May 2026
Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta
"The hotel was nice and clean, friendly staff and good parking (I didn't have their breakfast). My only complaint was that I was woken up by 2 very loud younger children from the room next door at 6:30 in the morning and it was loud until the family left around 8:00 am."
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Hotel Santa Barbara
"LOVE this hotel and cannot wait to come back and stay again. The whole place felt like a serene spa with the cleanliness and aromatics radiating throughout the property and each floor. The little details such as the hydration station to refill water bottles and the pump hand soap instead of bar soap ..."
Reviewed on 22 May 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
"Very nice"
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
"Thank you See you later Gracias"
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Old Town
Fairview
If you're spending some time in Fairview, Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens and Zodo's - Bowling and Beyond are top sights worth seeing.
Isla Vista
You'll enjoy the beaches and live music in Isla Vista. You might want to make time for a stop at UC SB Events Center or Isla Vista Beach.
Winchester
While there might not be top attractions in Winchester, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Goleta Butterfly Grove and Glen Annie Golf Club.
Ellwood
If you're spending some time in Ellwood, Sandpiper Golf Club and Goleta Butterfly Grove are top sights worth seeing.
Gaviota
If you're spending some time in Gaviota, Gaviota Beach and Gaviota State Park are top sights worth seeing.
