Located on the coast of California, just north of Santa Barbara, Goleta is approximately 330 miles south of San Francisco and 90 miles north of Los Angeles. The climate is mild and sunny all year, with an average daytime temperature between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (16 and 21 degrees Celsius). Goleta attire is generally California casual, and transportation and sightseeing services are abundant.

One-Day Itinerary

Experiencing everything the Goleta Valley has to offer in one day is no easy task. The valley — a coastal plain, to be geographically correct — lies comfortably between the soaring Santa Ynez Mountains to the north and the sparkling blue waters of the Santa Barbara Channel to the south.

The area’s temperate climate and fertile soil supported native Chumash tribes for thousands of years. Spanish explorers, missionaries and Mexican ranchers were also drawn to the valley, whose name, Goleta, is Spanish for schooner — a reference to the small ships that harbored safely in the Goleta Slough.

Large ranches once blanketed the valley, growing lima beans, walnuts, lemons and avocados. Today, Goleta proudly maintains that rich agricultural heritage while enjoying the fruits of a world-class research university, a wealth of open space and breathtaking coastal views, and top-notch recreational facilities and opportunities. Not to mention some of the best shopping around!

Start your morning right with a homemade pastry and freshly brewed coffee at Anna’s Bakery in the Camino Real Marketplace. Enjoy the morning sun from the patio and check out the surrounding shops as you may decide to return later in the day for some retail therapy. If you’re here on a Sunday, wander through the stalls of the Farmers Market, which showcases some of the Central Coast’s finest organic produce and flowers. (The market is also in Goleta on Thursdays in the Calle Real Shopping Center.)

After breakfast, head west down Hollister Avenue, Goleta’s primary thoroughfare, to the Santa Barbara Shores & Sperling Preserve Park. Look for the new parking lot across from Ellwood School. Choose a path through the native coastal brush land and head for the bluff top. As the broad vista unfolds before you, take in endless views west to the picturesque Gaviota coast, east to the Devereaux Slough and Coal Oil Point, south across the Channel to the Channel Islands, and to the north of mountains and foothills. The scenic trails across the mesa are easy to navigate and suitable for hikers of most abilities.

Head down the bluff trail to Ellwood Beach, a favorite of local sunbathers, swimmers and surfers, or circle back through the groves of eucalyptus and watch for the thousands of orange and black Monarch butterflies that have colonized these trees as a stop along their famed annual migration route.

Step back in time and polish up on local history at the Goleta Valley Historical Society’s Stow House and the neighboring South Coast Railroad Museum, both situated on the grounds of what was once the 1,000-plus-acre Rancho LaPatera. Learn about the ranch’s significant contributions to the lemon industry at the turn of the 20th century and the Stow family’s involvement in California politics. Truly a treasure in the valley, charming Stow House is notable for its unique Gothic Revival architecture. The Railroad Museum is housed in Southern Pacific’s 1901 Goleta depot and features the “Goleta Short Line” miniature train.  If you have time, take a walk around Lake Los Carneros and enjoy the wildlife.

Nestled in the foothills above Goleta is Glen Annie Golf Course. From Stow House, head west along Cathedral Oaks Road to this gem of a golf facility with beautiful views of the mountains, valley and ocean. Loosen up and practice your swing at the driving range or simply relax and soak in the sun and the views with a cold drink on the clubhouse patio.

Nothing beats a sunset stroll at Goleta Beach County Park, an expansive arc of glistening white sand, rolling surf and towering palm trees. Sit and relax with your feet virtually in the sand at the Beachside Bar/Café and marvel at the brilliant colors as the sun sets on another perfect day in the Goleta Valley.

This article was written by Tom Blabey for the 2009 Goleta Magazine.