Welcome to Goleta
Goleta lives up to its moniker as “The Good Land” in too many ways to count. Sublime beaches offer one opportunity after another to relish Southern California’s illustrious weather, with paddle-boarding, surfing, and kayaking going down as just three of locals’ favorite pastimes. Casual eateries, posh restaurants, chic bars, and hip coffee houses amplify its fun, small-town ambiance. Panoramic views of the Pacific and the Santa Ynez mountains abound, and a perpetual vibrancy gives the community a wonderful energy.
Situated a mere eight miles west of Santa Barbara, Goleta is also home to the acclaimed University of California, Santa Barbara, and the college-centric community of Isla Vista. A bounty of superb real estate options is available, from large ranch properties up to $20 million to contemporary single-family dwellings, guaranteeing you’ll find just the right piece of paradise in this lively and lovely enclave.
What to Love
- Proximity to downtown Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Montecito
- Crystallizes the California beach town experience
- Flourishing with ways to enjoy Southern California’s fabulous climate
- A swell combination of elegance and laidback
Local Lifestyle
A huge part of Goleta’s appeal is that its terrific location gives its residents effortless entry to a slew of enjoyable activities. Hiking on the bluffs is just as accessible as shopping for chic fashions, and cheering your friends and family over margaritas is as common as slipping away for a day at a bespoke winery. As a leading college town, Goleta is filled with students and the professors who instruct them. Young and affluent entrepreneurs, corporate professionals and their families, hip artists and singles, and retirees who relish Goleta’s relaxed, down-to-earth ethos live here.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
California has a legendary reputation as a state-wide culinary destination, thanks to its supreme growing conditions. This, after all, is the state that invented the slow-food movement. Goleta celebrates this fact with a panoply of kick-back cafes, world-class restaurants, electrifying bars, and awesome breweries.
M Special Brewing Company is one example from an ocean of many. Artisan beers, crafted on site, surpass expectations with concoctions that include Lazy Eye double Indian IPA, Sobada Tarde tangerine ale, and All Time Saison Farmhouse ale. Pop-up eateries, food trucks, and live music amplify its spirited vibe, ensuring that all who arrive have a fantastic time.
Cajun Kitchen Cafe is another go-to spot for Goleta locals, particularly for early-morning beachgoers craving a hearty and satisfying breakfast. Stacks of strawberry cheesecake pancakes, Belgian waffles crowned with fresh California blueberries, and classic huevos rancheros are three of the dishes on their tantalizing menu.
Join Goleta locals in line at the always-tasty Blenders In The Grass, a chill smoothie shop whose acai energy libations will give you the fuel you need for your day. Indeed, from Nikka Ramen to Backyard Bowls, Goleta boasts a bevy of places to enhance a healthy, active lifestyle.
Things to Do
Golfing, hiking, longboarding, tennis — the list of recreational activities Goleta offers is downright legion. Girsh Park is an optimal spot to take your children for some fun in the sun, while the arresting views at Lake Los Carneros Park naturally promote a calm and awe-inspiring experience in nature.
Both green and seasoned golfers will be thrilled by the number of courses throughout Goleta and Santa Barbara proper. The Glen Annie Golf Club presents breathtaking views of the foothills and a championship course, and Sandpiper Golf Club is just steps away from the Pacific Ocean.
When the sun goes down, Goleta lights up. Specifically at Zodo’s Bowling and Beyond - Bowlero, a venue for bowling, billiards games, and delicious local and craft beers. When you want to escape for the ultimate in opulence, you needn’t go far: The Ritz-Carlton Bacara redefines beachfront luxury.
Schools
Children and adults alike are near a bevy of first-rate academic institutions, including:
