Goleta Beach County Park offers visitors a little bit of everything, including beautiful beaches, a 1,500 ft. fishing pier and miles of paved biking trails. The beach’s coastline sits next to 29 acres of grassy park space. At the park, you’ll find a variety of amenities such as BBQ grills, kids play areas, picnic tables, restrooms and more. There’s also a public boat launch at the pier.
Fishing and Boating at Goleta Pier
The 1,500-foot Goleta Pier is a popular spot for fishermen, boaters and families visiting or living in Santa Barbara. It provides plenty of fishing space, both for advanced and beginner anglers, as well as immaculate views of the Goleta Beach and the Pacific coastline. The pier also houses a kayak and boat launch that’s available to the public on weekends and specific holidays. We recommend calling (805) 967-1300 to reserve your spot at the launch.
Things to Do at Goleta Beach County Park
Watersports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are popular things to do at Goleta Beach. Paddle Sports Center offers kayak and paddleboard rentals as well as guided tours from May to October on the beach. Visitors can launch from the beach or from Goleta Pier.
For those who would rather stay on land, Goleta Beach County Park is a great spot. The area is surrounded by paved biking trails that lead beachgoers to downtown Santa Barbara which offers dining, shopping and more. There are also several hiking trails that go to Campus Point Beach and the beaches in Isla Vista.
The park also has volleyball courts, kids play areas and horseshoes, making it a perfect location for picnic-style activities and family gatherings.
Beach Wheelchairs
Goleta Beach County Park has free-of-charge beach wheelchairs provided by Santa Barbara County Parks. These wheelchairs were acquired through the California Coastal Commission’s Whale Tail Grants Program and enable all visitors to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Santa Barbara. Reservations are required. To reserve a beach wheelchair, please call (805) 967-1300 or (805) 729-7508.
How to Get to Goleta Beach County Park
To get to Goleta Beach County Park, visitors should get on Highway 217 then take the exit to Sandspit Road. There are also bike paths that lead from downtown to the park, and a city bus stops at the park, too.