Living near UCSB can feel like paradise. The energy of Isla Vista is electric, where you’ll notice surfers heading to the Sands and students packing the parks in their free time. If you’re living at or considering The Cove in Goleta, you’re right in the heart of it all. This guide breaks down the top things to do in Santa Barbara just steps from your door, then branches out to unforgettable adventures, eats, and photo-worthy spots across Santa Barbara. Whether you’re planning a quick outing between classes or looking to show visiting parents around, this is your go-to guide to Santa Barbara for 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Living at The Cove puts you steps away from Isla Vista’s unique beaches, parks, and student life.
- Explore beyond IV: Santa Barbara offers iconic landmarks, beautiful nature, downtown fun, and cultural sites easily accessible for a day trip.
- Find activities perfect for both students on a budget and visiting parents looking for memorable experiences.
- Embrace the coastal California lifestyle with beach days, hikes, bike rides, and exploring local eateries.
- This guide helps you discover the best of both Isla Vista and Santa Barbara from your home base at The Cove.
Your Backyard: Exploring Isla Vista Near The Cove
When you live at The Cove, the best things to do in Isla Vista are practically in your backyard. From the beach to the bluffs, this student neighborhood packs plenty of ways to recharge, explore, and soak up the coastal energy.
Hit the Isla Vista Beaches
Living in Isla Vista means the beach is never far, and each stretch of sand has its own scene. Sands Beach draws the most action, with soft sand, consistent surf, and a backdrop of bluffs that catch the light at sunset. This is where students come to spike a ball, paddle out, or watch the waves roll in after class. A short walk across the UCSB campus brings you to Campus Point Beach, a more protected spot that’s perfect for beginners learning to surf or swim. You can even rent boards and wetsuits from the Rec Center and head straight into the water. For something quieter, Depressions Beach near Manzanita Village offers a more laid-back escape with cliffside trails and ocean views. To see more of what’s nearby, check out the Local Isla Vista Parks and Beaches listed by the Isla Vista Recreation & Park District.
Parks and Green Spaces in IV
When you need a break from the beach or a change of pace from campus, Isla Vista has no shortage of local parks where you can recharge. Anisq’Oyo’ Park is the hub for student events, drum circles, and spontaneous hangouts on the lawn. Just down the road, Camino Pescadero Park has picnic tables, bluffside benches, and an outdoor shower that makes it a post-surf favorite.
Sea Lookout Park lives up to its name with wide open space, volleyball nets, and wooden platforms perfect for catching a winter sunset or spotting dolphins off the coastline. For a scenic walk, the UCSB Lagoon Trail wraps around the water’s edge and offers a quiet escape just steps from class. From laid-back picnics to panoramic views of the city, these parks offer a slower side of Isla Vista that’s still just minutes from the action.
IV Eats and Local Vibes
You don’t need to leave Isla Vista to find a solid restaurant or late-night bite. The streets around campus are packed with casual spots where students grab pizza slices, massive burritos, breakfast wraps, and everything in between. Most of the food options are affordable and open late to match the rhythm of student life.
But just as great as the food is the atmosphere. Nearly every spot is within walking distance, and it all centers around a compact commercial loop that feels built for students. The commercial loop pulses with music, skateboards, and the scent of fresh tortillas in the air.
Santa Barbara Adventures: Beyond the IV Bubble
Once you’ve checked off the best things to do in Isla Vista, take a weekend to explore Santa Barbara and all it has to offer. From downtown Santa Barbara to the Funk Zone, the Santa Barbara Harbor to Butterfly Beach, you’re never far from a change of scenery.
Downtown Santa Barbara & State Street
The downtown area blends Spanish-style architecture with a relaxed, coastal vibe. As you move through State Street, you’ll pass tucked-away boutiques and open-air cafés that make the area feel easy to explore. Just a few blocks away, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse offers a rooftop view where you can spot the shoreline and rooftops stretching toward the mountains. The nearby Funk Zone brings a different energy, with art-covered walls and tasting rooms that often double as live music venues. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to revisit, especially when family or friends are in town. Explore the Urban Wine Trail to find hidden gems along the way.
Waterfront Fun: Stearns Wharf & Beaches
Just off State Street, Stearns Wharf gives students a scenic spot to take a breather. The scene is complete with ocean breezes, fishing spots, and delicious eats like chowder bread bowls. It’s the oldest working wooden wharf in California, and the Sea Center at the end offers hands-on marine exhibits that are surprisingly fun between classes.
A few minutes away, East Beach is where students go for laid-back beach days, casual volleyball games, and bike rides along the bike path. West Beach feels more active, with quick access to paddleboard rentals and boat rides around the Santa Barbara Harbor. Sundays bring out local vendors for the Arts and Crafts Show, where students browse handmade goods and catch street performers along the waterfront. For those wanting easy access to it all, Student Living at The Cove Santa Barbara makes it easy to stay close without missing a beat.
Nature Escapes and Scenic Views
Sometimes the best way to reset is by stepping into nature. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden offers a calm retreat with native plant trails, quiet arroyos, and shaded redwood groves.
If you’re craving a view, the hike up to Inspiration Point is well worth it. The trail winds through the foothills and opens up to sweeping scenes of the Santa Ynez Mountains and coastline. Closer to campus, Goleta Beach Park makes for a laid-back afternoon. You’ll find open grass, a fishing pier, and plenty of space to kick back with friends. For more info before heading out, the Goleta Beach Park Details page has everything you need.
Culture and History Fix
If you’re craving a deeper look at Santa Barbara’s roots, start with the Old Mission Santa Barbara, often called the “Queen of the California missions.” Built in 1786, this iconic site blends history, architecture, and scenic charm all in one stop.
A short walk away, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History invites you to explore everything from Chumash heritage to local marine life. It’s a great way to connect with the natural and cultural story of the area of Santa Barbara. You can also catch a performance at a local theater and soak up the city’s creative energy. Santa Barbara has one of the most layered and inspiring cultural scenes along the coast.
Making Memories: Activities for Visiting Parents
Spending a weekend in Santa Barbara with your parents offers the perfect chance to enjoy the area’s natural beauty. From peaceful gardens to coastal drives, you’ll find thoughtful ways to reconnect and make the most of your visit to Santa Barbara.
Scenic Drives and Coastal Beauty
A peaceful drive along the Pacific Coast Highway reveals some of the most breathtaking ocean views near Santa Barbara. Head toward Montecito for a slower pace and a more refined coastal feel. Butterfly Beach in Montecito is a local favorite for sunset, thanks to its west-facing shore and glowing skies. The quiet stretch of sand, lined with palms and calm surf, creates a relaxing end to any day. On the way back, you can pass hillside neighborhoods with views of the mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Wine Tasting Experiences
If you’re planning a longer weekend in Santa Barbara, set aside time to explore the region’s wine scene. Start close to downtown with tasting rooms in Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail, especially in the Funk Zone, where converted warehouses pour local favorites. For a more immersive adventure, consider heading to the Santa Ynez Valley, where the vineyards stretch across rolling hills. If you’re feeling active, the Vineyard to Table E-Bike Tour lets you cycle through scenic roads and stop for wine, olive oil, and a picnic along the way. Each experience brings a different lens to Santa Barbara wine culture, whether you’re sipping in town or deep in the valley.
Relaxing Activities
Spend your time in Santa Barbara doing what this coastal city does best, as it invites you to unwind with intention. Begin with a soothing visit to a spa, where ocean-inspired treatments help melt away stress and reset your mood. Then head into downtown Santa Barbara for a slow afternoon of coastal dining and local wine. Continue your day with a stroll along the waterfront, where sailboats drift in and out of the harbor and the sea breeze keeps time.
FAQs: Your Santa Barbara & Isla Vista Questions Answered
If you’ve never explored Santa Barba or Isla Vista, you may still have some lingering questions. Here’s the most commonly asked question we get from students at UCSB:
Is Santa Barbara worth visiting for a day?
Yes, even a short trip to Santa Barbara lets you soak in local icons like State Street, Stearns Wharf, or the Old Mission Santa Barbara, and you can fit in a relaxing beach break too, which makes it perfect for a quick taste of the coastal California lifestyle.
What is Santa Barbara best known for?
Santa Barbara blends beachfront beauty with rich architectural charm, all framed by the dramatic rise of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Its red-tile roofs, historic courthouse, and breezy downtown give it the kind of laid-back elegance that inspired the nickname “The American Riviera.”
Is Isla Vista a college town?
Definitely, Isla Vista borders UCSB and runs on student energy. From study sessions on Del Playa lawns to IV’s late-night burrito spots, it’s shaped by the campus culture at every turn.
What is Deltopia in Isla Vista?
Deltopia is an unsanctioned event along Del Playa Drive that happens each spring near UCSB. It’s known for massive student gatherings and always draws heavy law enforcement presence due to its scale.
What are some free things to do near UCSB?
Explore Sands Beach or Campus Point for a chill beach day, hike up to Inspiration Point for views of the Pacific Ocean, or take a relaxing stroll on Stearns Wharf. You can also window shop or people-watch along State Street.
Your Santa Barbara Adventure Starts at The Cove
From beach days in Isla Vista to hikes through the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden or afternoons exploring the Urban Wine Trail, The Cove keeps you close to everything that makes UCSB student housing feel like more than just a place to sleep. With a location that bridges campus life and the best things to do in Santa Barbara, it’s easy to enjoy both the laid-back student scene and the broader charm of the coast. The Cove’s modern floor plans and private spaces give you room to recharge between classes and weekends, exploring the Santa Ynez Valley or soaking up ocean views. Find Your Perfect Space at The Cove and make your time in Santa Barbara count. For availability or questions, contact The Cove Today.