Isla Vista Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Isla Vista
Popular places to visit
Isla Vista Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Isla Vista Beach during your trip to Goleta?
University of California, Santa Barbara
Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of California, Santa Barbara during your travels in Goleta. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or seek out the cycling trails.
El Capitan State Beach
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at El Capitan State Beach during your travels in Goleta? While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Gaviota Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Gaviota Beach during your trip to Goleta?
Sandpiper Golf Club
Play a round of golf in Goleta at Sandpiper Golf Club, and enjoy other activities such as cycling. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.
Refugio State Beach
If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Refugio State Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Goleta. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Activities
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Our pick of the best Isla Vista Hotel Deals
Hotel Santa Barbara
Great location, newly remodeled, excellent food in the area.
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
clean, friendly staff, parking can get filled up at night but there are 2 sides to choose from
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Sandpiper Lodge
Room was clean and staff friendly.
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Bed sheets had significant sized, yellow-tinted, dried stains. The replacement sheets provided by staff also had various stains as well. Bathtub/shower floor was visibly brown in most areas. It provokes the thought of what else is not cleaned appropriately, or at all, in the room.
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Chumash Casino Resort
Room was comfy, bathroom very nice. Tvs are old not smart tv. Food options are basic. Not much of a resort, nothing to do except the casino. Small lobby area. Pool is 21+, so not family friendly.
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
They took a $150 deposit from me, but they never gave it back and didn’t explain why. We drank one bottle of wine in the room, so okay, maybe that’s $40, but the other $110 just disappeared. Other than that, the hotel was okay.
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Isla Vista
Gaviota
If you're spending some time in Gaviota, Gaviota Beach and Gaviota State Park are top sights worth seeing.
