Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Goleta - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in Goleta

Goleta, California

Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove

A popular winter vacation destination for migrating monarch butterflies.

Goleta, California

Barnsdall-Rio Grande Gas Station

This little gem of Spanish Colonial architecture has been abandoned since the 1950s.

Goleta, California

Monument to the Bombardment of Ellwood

The first attack on the continental U.S. during WWII occurred off the coast of a quiet California golf course.

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Isla Vista, California

AlloSphere

360-degree virtual reality chamber physically immerses scientists into their data.

1 mile from Goleta

Santa Barbara, California

Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park

Colorful Native American paintings are hidden within this small cavern.

5 miles from Goleta

Santa Barbara, California

Cold Spring Tavern

Hidden in the Santa Ynez Mountains off Highway 154, this tiny restaurant once served as a stagecoach stop.

5 miles from Goleta

Santa Barbara, California

Whale House

This stunning sea creature-shaped home blends into the landscape like a fantasy villa.

6 miles from Goleta

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Atlas Obscura Trips

City of Secrets: Underground in Los Angeles

On this an insider’s journey into the City of Angeles, we'll discover the murals and art of the famous Arts district with a resident artist, clink glasses at an underground speakeasy, and hike through hidden ruins with a suspicious past, all in pursuit of the less angelic side of the City of Angels.

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cconway7 wants to go to Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove

cconway7 wants to go to Barnsdall-Rio Grande Gas Station

cconway7 wants to go to Monument to the Bombardment of Ellwood

jlcmaine20th wants to go to Monument to the Bombardment of Ellwood

benswoongucr wants to go to Barnsdall-Rio Grande Gas Station