GOLETA

At one time, Goleta was the largest of the unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County. Goleta was once considered the “little sister” to the famous next-door neighbor, Santa Barbara. In the year 2000, Goleta won the battle and came into its own as a city. Although it was originally difficult living in the shadow of its more prosperous, and glamorous neighbor, the city grew and blossomed into a sought out destination.

Today, Goleta is a popular tourist destination in its own right. Thousands of visitors come to Goleta to enjoy the beaches, bike trails, boutique hotels, and numerous delicious restaurants.

Occupying a coastal plain, about 3 miles wide, the city is situated between the Pacific Ocean, and the Santa Ynez Mountain range, with a temperate, mild climate year round. Agriculture and Oil industries, as well as Engineering and Technology firms, are part of the “then and now” of Goleta. The changing economic landscape of the Goleta Valley now includes Tourism.

Hotels, like the Bacara Ritz-Carlton, restaurants, festivals, and coastal activities have helped turn the area into a deeply desired destination. the city is well known as a family-oriented community, affectionately known as The Goodland. You might also want to stay at the Goodland Hotel. It's a boutique hotel with great restaurants and bars onsite. Have a cocktail by the pool or enjoy nibbling on delicious appetizers by the firepits.

Some cities are known for their crops...Santa Maria is known for Strawberries, Carpinteria for Avocados. Goleta is best known for its lemons. And one way to celebrate this fruit is at the Annual Lemon Festival. The festival has expanded to include the Goleta Fall Classic Car, Motorcycle and Street Rod Show, and the Girls Inc. 5K Run. Lemons have been growing in the Goleta Valley since the 1890's. And it remains one of the icons of the region. Goleta is one of those rare places that call out to visitors and relocators alike. With such close proximity to The University of Santa Barbara, as well as the City of Santa Barbara, the economic and recreational dynamism of the city is the envy of the region today.

You can expect great weather, a beautiful environment, and a deep cultural history of diverse wildlife. Bird watchers and whale watchers flock to the area. Too many things to mention make Goleta a must for those lucky enough to visit, live, work, and playing in this gorgeous region.

Make Goleta a destination on your next Central California Coastal tour!