Food and Drink
UCSB Campus
- The UCen (University Center) near Storke Tower has a number of options for quick bites, including grab-and-go sandwiches and pasta salads, a Panda Express, Jamba Juice, and Starbucks. There are also Mediterranean and American options in the food court. Be warned, it is move-in weekend, so these locations may be swamped.
- The Arbor, located near the library, has grab-and-go options and a Subway, as well as delicious espresso creations. There is also an offshoot of Woodstock’s Pizza and a German sausages cart nearby, good options for quick sustenance.
Isla Vista
- Freebirds World Burrito: This Mexican restaurant offers burritos and tacos at reasonable prices. It has multiple locations in Santa Barbara County, including one in Isla Vista. It has a menu with menu items ranging from $10 to $20.
- Hana Kitchen: This Japanese restaurant offers quick-service Japanese food. It mainly serves chicken bowls and boba, but it provides other delicious foods too. It has a menu with menu items ranging from $10 to $20.
- Rockfire Grill: This American restaurant offers burgers, sandwiches, and salads at a reasonable price. It has a menu with menu items ranging from $10 to $20.
- IV Bagel Cafe: Killer bagel sandwiches ranging from $5-$15.
- Hummus Republic: Build-your-own Mediterranean bowls and wraps, from $10-$20.
Goleta
Fast Food
- If you’re in a rush, just a five minute drive from campus you can find a Jack in the Box, McDonalds, Chipotle, and Taco Bell.
Quick Bites
- Los Agaves: This Mexican restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices. It is a quick-bites restaurant with menu items ranging from $10 to $20.
- Lilly’s Tacos: A Goleta institution, their tacos are under $5 each and are a hearty on-the-go meal.
- Pickles & Swiss: This sandwich shop offers straightforward panini, melts, wraps, salads, and beyond. It has multiple locations, including one in Santa Barbara proper, but the Goleta location is the place to be. It has a menu with menu items ranging from $10 to $20.
- South Coast Deli: This American restaurant offers sandwiches and salads at reasonable prices. It has multiple locations in Santa Barbara County, including one in Isla Vista. It has a menu with menu items ranging from $10 to $20.
- Choppa Poke: With locations in both Goleta and downtown Santa Barbara, Choppa provides hearty and healthy make-your-own poke bowls from $20.
- Sushi Teri: This Japanese restaurant offers excellent sushi options at reasonable prices. It has a menu with menu items ranging from $10 to $20.
Sit-Down Meals
- Ca’ Dario – Goleta: This Italian restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine at a reasonable price. It has a menu with menu items ranging from $20 to $30.
- CAYA Restaurant: This American restaurant offers a variety of dishes with a Mediterranean twist. It is a bit pricey, with menu items ranging from $20 to $30.
- Jane At The Marketplace: This American restaurant offers fresh and delicious food at a reasonable price. It has a menu with menu items ranging from $20 to $30.
Santa Barbara
Quick Bites
- Los Agaves: This Mexican restaurant offers great food at reasonable prices. It is a quick-bites restaurant with menu items ranging from $10 to $20.
- Third Window Brewing: Located in The Mill downtown, Third Window not only has excellent brews but also smoked chicken wings and vegan salads and sandwiches. Most importantly, their supremely delicious Wagyu smashburgers are less than $10 and made from their own Wagyu cattle raised in the Santa Ynez valley. If you eat one thing while in town, let it be this burger.
- Choppa Poke: With locations in both Goleta and downtown Santa Barbara, Choppa provides hearty and healthy make-your-own poke bowls from $20.
Sit-Down Meals
- Zaytoon: This Lebanese and Mediterranean restaurant offers perfect dinner options. It has a menu with menu items ranging from $10 to $20.
- Sama Sama: Southeast Asian fusion from local, farm-fresh ingredients, with menu items ranging from $15 to $30.
Fine Dining
- Toma Restaurant and Bar: This Italian and seafood restaurant is known for its delicious food and great dining experience. It is a bit pricey, with menu items ranging from $30 to $50.
- Bouchon: This French and European restaurant offers fine dining at a reasonable price. It has a spectacular menu with menu items ranging from $30 to $50.
- Jane: This American and International restaurant has a cute ambiance and incredible meal options. It has a menu with menu items ranging from $20 to $30.
- The Black Sheep: This French and Cafe restaurant offers wonderful 3-course menus at a great price. It is a bit pricey, with menu items ranging from $30 to $50.
- Opal Restaurant and Bar: This Italian and American restaurant offers great dinner options with friends. It has a menu with menu items ranging from $20 to $30.
- Arigato Sushi: This Japanese and Sushi restaurant offers excellent sushi options at reasonable prices. It has a menu with menu items ranging from $10 to $20.
- Barbareño: This American and Contemporary restaurant offers casual, delicious, and creative cuisine options for outdoor dining. It has a menu with menu items ranging from $20 to $30.
- The Lark: This American restaurant offers a seasonal small plates experience in a nice casual spot. It has a menu with menu items ranging from $20 to $30.
Things to Do
- Cabrillo Boulevard: runs along the beach in Santa Barbara and offers great views of the ocean and mountains. There are many bike rental companies that offer hourly or daily rentals.
- El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park: This park has exhibits on local history, including Native American life, Spanish colonialism, and Mexican rule. It’s a great place to learn about the history of Santa Barbara. The Presidio has recently revamped their interpretation to provide a more complex and nuanced approach to the various histories that exist in the region, especially in the Presidio neighborhood itself (a former Japantown and Chinatown!)
- Lotusland: a 37-acre estate with beautiful gardens that are open to the public for tours. It’s a great place to see rare plants from around the world.
- Old Mission Santa Barbara: This historic landmark is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of Santa Barbara. The mission was founded in 1786 and is an example of Spanish colonial architecture in California.
- Old Mission Santa Inés: This mission was founded in 1804 and is located in Solvang, just a short drive from Santa Barbara. This is another location to learn about Spanish colonial history in the region.
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden: This garden is home to over 1,000 species of plants native to California. It’s a great place to learn about the flora of the region and take a leisurely stroll.
- Santa Barbara Maritime Museum: This museum has exhibits on local maritime history, including shipwrecks, fishing, and surfing. It’s a great place to learn about the ocean culture of Santa Barbara.
- Santa Barbara Museum of Art: This museum has an impressive collection of American, European, and Asian art. It’s a small museum well-suited for spending an afternoon learning about different cultures and artistic styles.
- Santa Barbara Zoo: This zoo is home to over 500 animals from around the world. It’s a great place to take kids or just spend an afternoon learning about different species.
- Santa Ynez Valley: The Santa Ynez Valley is home to many wineries that offer tastings and tours. It’s a great way to spend a day exploring the beautiful countryside and sampling some delicious wines.
- State Street Promenade: State Street is the main shopping district in downtown Santa Barbara. It’s home to many shops, restaurants, and galleries, as well as historic landmarks like the Arlington Theatre.
- Stearns Wharf: This historic pier is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It offers stunning views of the ocean and mountains, as well as plenty of shops and restaurants.