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
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Top hotels in Old Town
Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara / Goleta
Very polite and accommodating. Our other hotel cancelled our reservation without notice and the Hilton took us in and even brought a bed up at midnight for my daughter. Can’t say enough nice things about the staff and hotel! Thank you Hilton and staff!
Reviewed on 12 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
Good
Reviewed on 13 May 2026
Hotel Santa Barbara
Very nicely remodeled & refurbished old hotel. Great location on State Street - lots of restaurants, bars, and interesting shops. Walking distance to wharf & some historical sites. Hotel could use some sheer shades on windows. Only choice was "no shades/windows totally uncovered," or black out shades ...
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Overall a great place to stay. Location is great, property was clean, and good amenities (for our room with two queen beds: two tables with chairs, mini fridge, and safe). No microwave though, if that’s something you were looking for. Small flat screen tv with Direct TV, was a little difficult to ...
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Hotel was nice but I felt the bathroom floor was not clean. After removing my pants, I picked them up off the floor and they were covered in a white dust/ residue. Hotel staff were great, especially the lady doing breakfast. She made the whole stay worth it!
Reviewed on 14 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.
