Goleta Beach Activities

Resting in the ocean current shadow of the Channel Islands and facing south, Goleta Beach enjoys quiet surf and gentle breezes most of the year. Visitors to Goleta Beach Park usually come prepared to spend the day, picnicking at one of the many picnic sites along the beach or enjoying a snack or meal at the beachfront snack bar or restaurant.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.

Games at Goleta Beach

Children have fun on the playground while older visitors often gather at the horseshoe pits or volleyball courts for an afternoon of friendly competition. For kite flyers or other activities that send objects skyward, keep to the area of beach east of the pier.

Surfing at Goleta Beach

The surf right at Goleta Beach is rarely of much interest to local surfers. Most head out to Campus Point, a south facing point on the UCSB campus. When the swell is correct, right breaking waves can give surfers a full minute ride. Most of the surfers there are college students.

Fishing from the Goleta Beach Pier

Goleta Beach Pier is ranked as one of the top fishing piers along the California coast. The 1,450-foot-long pier juts out into the Santa Barbara Channel from Goleta Beach near the mouth of Atascadero Creek. More than 30 species of fish have been caught around the pier which is encrusted with mussels and is often surrounded by kelp beds. An underwater pipeline runs parallel to the pier along its west side, creating more habitat for fish.

Halibut fishermen head out to the far end of the pier while others scatter along its length, hoping to land jacksmelt, perch, bonito, corbina, rockfish, barracuda, and even salmon.

Restrooms are located nearby on shore. There are also fish cleaning stations and a launch sling for small boats. The pier is open 24 hours a day and has lights.

Boat Launch

The Goleta Pier boat launch is available for public use on weekends and holidays. The park's resident ranger must be in attendance to facilitate the launch. Boat owners are allowed to drive out on the pier under the ranger's guidance to launch their boats. Boats may not exceed 8000 pounds or 22 feet in length. To make arrangements call (805) 967-1300 between the hours of 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Launch Fee: $20.00 ($10.00 for seniors).

Hendry's Junior Lifeguards

Santa Barbara County Parks offers a Junior Lifeguard program at Hendry's and Goleta beaches. The program is a fun and educational training program for 8 to 17 year-olds. Instruction is provided by the Santa Barbara County Lifeguards. In 2024, a pair of 2-week sessions are offered in July. Sessions run from 9:15 AM to 1:45 PM. Anyone new to the Hendry's program must pass an ocean tryout. Check the website for updates for 2024.

Participants will learn about ocean rescues, how to use paddleboards, first aid and CPR. Activities include swimming, surfing, beach games, water sports, and more.
Hendry's Junior Lifeguards

UC Santa Barbara's Beach 'n Surf Camp - 2024

UC Santa Barbara provides a Beach 'n Surf Camp (formerly Surf & Kayak Camp) for ages 9 to 15 at UCSB's Campus Point during summer months. The camp will include kayak instruction, surfing instruction, beach activities and environmental education. Other activities on the beach are volleyball, tidepooling, environmental educations, and sand castle building. Due to the inherent risk involved with ocean activities, this camp is best suited to responsible children with strong swimming skills.

Registration is done online or in person at the Recreation Customer Service Center (CSC).

Check the website for week-long session dates for summmer 2024.

Read details about the camp: UC Santa Barbara Beach 'n Surf Camp