Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
No
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Goleta Beach Park is a large and pretty beach just east of the local branch of the University of California in Santa Barbara. A long pier extends far out into the ocean and has great views of the Channel Islands. There is a lot to do here, including riding here on your bike thanks, to the paved pathways that lead back to the school and its nearby neighborhoods.

Overnight and day use sites, BBQ grills, volleyball, horseshoes, children's playgrounds, and a diner make for a place that has everything you'll need nearby. You can even rent paddle boards and kayaks from a vendor on site. The beach is not known for its surf, however, and you'll need to head somewhere else for ridable waves. The 1,500-foot pier is a great place to fish, a common pastime here. To the northeast, the Atascadero Creek Wetlands feature abundant bird wildlife for birdwatchers. Visit the county website for reservations and further information.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Beautiful beach. Nice sand. Large pier.

Cons

Can get crowded. No surf.

Pets allowed

Allowed with Restrictions

Features

Flushing toilets
Picnic tables
Whale watching
Big vistas
Bird watching
Showers
Volleyball
Fishing

Location

Nearby Adventures

Santa Barbara + Sierra Madre/San Rafael Mountains, California
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Santa Barbara + Sierra Madre/San Rafael Mountains, California
Santa Barbara + Sierra Madre/San Rafael Mountains, California
Santa Barbara, California

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