Directions
- Take a nice stroll along the bluffs beginning by Goleta Beach and going through all of Isla Vista. You can make the trek as long or short as you like, but it's an adventure either way!
- Free!
Take the Local Bike Paths all Throughout Town
- You choose to take the UCSB bike paths through Goleta, cruise all the way downtown and catch all the local attractions, or take the windy trails up in the mountains overlooking Santa Barbara. Perfect idea for those sunny days and you're left with nothing to do.
- Free!
Butterfly Preserve
- Catch the local, seasonal-attraction at the butterfly preserve, while enjoying a quick and easy stroll. December through January seem to be the best months to go enjoy this site!
- Free!
Go to Any of the Local Beaches
- Santa Barbara has nearly perfect weather almost all year-round, so why not go out and enjoy it! Roll around in the sand, BBQ or bring a picnic lunch, or just spend the day soaking up the sun's rays. On those perfect days, make sure you get there earlier enough to be able to find some parking!
- Free!
Visit the UCSB Lagoon
- Run or walk around it, take in the scenery, or you can even take a dip in it (if you dare)!
- Free!
Lake Los Carneros
- This is a peaceful place to go enjoy the surrounding animals & nature or to just take a leisurely walk on the trail, if you have some spare time in your day.
- Free!
Take a Boat Ride in the SB Harbor
- Just in the local harbor we have available to us year-round whale watching trips, sunset cruises, daytime harbor cruises, et cetera. The options are limitless!
- $4 - $45 (some student discounts are offered)
Walk the UCSB Labyrinth
- Said to be a stress reliever, take some time away from the books and studying an de-stress by trying to make your way through UCSB's own labyrinth. It's located on the bluff trail between Campus Point and Manzanita Village.
- Free!
See a Movie at the West Wind Drive-In Theater
- Instead of going to the movie theatre like you typically do, throw some pillows and blankets in the back of your car and head over to the drive-in theater to catch a double-feature movie that's way cheaper than going to the theaters. It's definitely a fun experience, and you can save a few bucks while also being able to see two movies, instead of just one.
- 907 South Kellogg, Goleta, CA 93117
- Depending on the time of year, show times differ (right around the time the sun goes down)
- Adult ticket: $6.95; Special Tuesday Price: $4.95
Stargazing in the Local Mountains
- Depending on your preferences, West or East Camino Cielo tend to be perfect for viewing the stars, and it's also an awesome view of the city at night. It's a far enough distance from the city lights that the night sky has a countless number of stars - you'll be blown away!
- Just a short drive up Highway 154/San Marcos Pass Road: follow the signs to go either to West/East Camino Cielo and choose a turnout to park your car at
- Free!
Hike One of the Multiple Trails in SB
- Depending on what challenge you are looking for or your particular preference, Santa Barbara offers a wide variety of hikes and trails to choose from. It doesn't matter if you want to spend only half an hour hiking or a couple hours, there's something to choose for everyone; and, the views are breath-taking!
- Free!
UCSB Undie Run
- This is definitely a must-do before you graduate! Not only is it a thrill to run around in your underwear, but it's for a good cause! Meet at Davidson Library, take off your clothes, and run through campus and Isla Vista with all your other friends and classmates.
Watch the Sunset/Sunrise at any of the Local Beaches
- We're practically situated right on the beach anyways, so there's really no excuse to not get out there and experience its beauty! Wake up early or catch a peek when the sun's going down, either way you won't regret it!
Camp at Lake Cachuma
- Just a short drive away, one can experience the beautiful lake that's right up in the mountains. You can fish there, camp and enjoy a night out in the wild, or just spend the day there for a picnic or whatnot - take your pick!
- Drive up Highway 154/San Marcos Pass and you will see signs for Lake Cachuma
- (805) 686-5055
- Starting at $20 plus parking fees
BBQ at Goleta Beach
- Instead of eating out on a beautiful day, head over to Goleta Beach and snatch one of the BBQ areas to grill some hot dogs or hamburgers. The small areas are free, but tend to get crowded really quickly on those perfect summer days. But, if you're planning on having a bigger group, you can reserve a party area with a fee. Either way, you get to eat and enjoy the day at the beach!
- Reservation #: (805)568-2465
- Hours: 8AM - sunset
Farmers Market
- Instead of just heading over to the nearest grocery store, Farmers Market is available just about every day of the week with the freshest produce items, flowers, and goodies from local farmers. On Sundays, Farmers Market is just down the street in the Camino Real Marketplace.
Ride the Surreys Downtown
- We're used to the bicycle culture here at UCSB, but have you ridden a surrey? Grab a couple friends and rent a surrey for a fun adventure on the bike paths downtown to experience something other than riding your regular ol' cruiser every day. They're not the fastest bikes, but it's definitely a fun experience!
- (805) 966-2282
- Prices vary depending on bike & length of time
Ride the Santa Barbara Trolley
- Experience Santa Barbara like a tourist and learn things you most likely wouldn't if you were to just tour the sites yourself. It's a fully narrated tour that operates daily on the hour, so hop on and enjoy the ride!
- The tour starts on Cabrillo Blvd. next to Stearn's Warf
- (805) 965-1075
- $19/adults; discounted prices online
Ride the Land Shark
- Have you ever been in a vehicle that can just cruise on into the water and instantly become a boat, too? The Land Shark is a definite must-do in Santa Barbara, and is a great idea for birthday parties! Like the trolley, it's a 90-minute tour of Santa Barbara, that takes place on land and in the ocean!
- Tours run 7 days/week, depending on the weather
- (805) 683-7600
- $25/adults
Local Festivals that SB Offers
- There's always something going on in Santa Barbara or close by, ranging from our Fiesta celebrations in the summer, wine festivals, and the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo.
- Most admissions to these festivals are free
Sunday Art Walk Along the Beach
- Santa Barbara's art walk takes place year-round and runs along Cabrillo Boulevard by the pier. It takes place every Sunday and some Saturdays, and ends at 4PM.
- Free!
Beach Volleyball at East Beach
- At this particular beach, there are tons of volleyball courts & there's always people to play a pick-up game with. This is the perfect activity for the one who wants to spend an active day at the beach. And, it's close to the downtown sites, too!
- Right across from the zoo on Cabrillo Blvd.
- Free!
Douglas Family Preserve/Wilcox Property
- This is the place for a peaceful walk with an absolutely wonderful view (especially at sunset), and it's the perfect place to take your dog, too! Just make sure to clean up after your animals!
- Overlooks Hendry's Beach - entrances at the end of Linda Road & Medcliff Road
- Free!
View SB from the Top of the Courthouse
- This is an absolutely beautiful building and offers an even more breath-taking view of Santa Barbara from the top! It's an exquisite building with breaktaking gardens surrounding the property, and a stunning view!
- 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Free!
Mission Rose Garden
- There are numerous beautiful roses and a large grassy area that is perfect for a picnic or just lounging around on a sunny day.
- Located right across the street from the Santa Barbara Mission (corner of Los Olivos & Laguna Streets)
- Free!
