TO GOLETAWelcome

THE GOOD LAND ABOUNDS WITH BEACHES, CITRUS, HOPS AND GLORIOUSLY WIDE OPEN SPACES.

Goleta beckons travelers in search of quality, quintessentially Californian experiences and an easy-going vibe. Home to the stunning oceanfront University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) campus, numerous innovative technology companies and a population of 32,000 full-time residents, “The Good Land” is beloved for its scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline, organic farms and A-list golf courses. Visitors can tap into the impressive concentration of craft beer producers, savor the robust restaurant scene and check into easy-on-the wallet hotels—or splurge on an award-winning luxury resort.

Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean along the Pacific Coast Highway, Goleta is surrounded by wide open spaces with the Channel Islands National Park offshore and Santa Barbara Wine Country a short drive away. Goleta also serves as the gateway to the Santa Barbara South Coast for air passengers flying into the Santa Barbara Airport.

Step Back In Time

The Chumash were Goleta’s original inhabitants who thrived on the area’s natural abundance for thousands of years. In the early 19th and 20th centuries, the Goleta Valley became a prominent lemon growing area and agricultural center. In the 1920s, aviation pioneers made use of the Goleta Slough for take-offs and landings, setting the stage for the area’s future as an ideal airport location, which came to fruition for military use in the 1940s.

The aerospace industry took off after the war and other technology companies also set up shop. Simultaneously, residential construction boomed and in 1954, UCSB relocated to the former Marine Corps. base—the foundational elements Goleta is known for today were firmly planted.

A City On The Rise

One of the youngest cities in California, Goleta was officially incorporated in 2002. Goleta has long been a center of creativity and innovation, between the university, high tech companies and entrepreneurial start-ups rooted locally. Over the past two decades, Goleta’s hospitality scene has evolved significantly, enabling the city to become a sought-after destination in its own right.

In 2000, the area’s first luxury resort opened on a particularly majestic stretch of Goleta’s northern coast. That property is now operating under the banner of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. More recently, an influx of new hotels further diversified the lodging inventory, including stylish boutique hotels and major global chains.

Whether visitors are coming to do business, visit students at UCSB or vacation in the region, everything you need will be right at your fingertips.

Collegiate Cred

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is considered one of the country’s most beautiful college campuses thanks to its prime oceanfront location and the compact Isla Vista neighborhood where many students live. The academics are equally A-grade. Campus life spills out into Goleta and the university enriches the local economy in addition to providing incredible cultural opportunities and spectator sports experiences.

High Tech Hub

Beyond the brilliant minds at UCSB, this unassuming city by the sea is stocked with some serious brain power. Large, successful aerospace, medical and information technology and manufacturing enterprises have a major presence in Goleta, including global brands such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Redwire, Northrup Grumman and Teledyne FLIR.

From the surf breaks and golf greens to the orchards and historic landmarks, Goleta serves up good vibes and quality times 365 days a year.