University of California Tours

Photo by Tara Barry


Browse tours and tickets to explore University of California

Tours & day trips

See all 74 activities

History & culture

See all 27 activities

Water activities

See all 13 activities

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 5 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 4 activities

Reviews of University of California

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
355
5 - Excellent 61%
4 - Good
177
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
45
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
6
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Sizzling Curry is a nice curry house there, great food.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Near wine tasting rooms in the Funk Zone - art and design

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

UCSB has a very beautiful beach just next to it.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Don't go the weekend before Halloween.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

We did not visit UC Santa Barbara.

4/5 - Good

Susanna

We found a fabulous bike trail that was flat and very safe!

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near University of California

Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara / Goleta

Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara / Goleta

3 out of 5
6878 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA
Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara / Goleta
Courtyard Santa Barbara Goleta

Courtyard Santa Barbara Goleta

3 out of 5
401 Storke Rd, Goleta, CA
Courtyard Santa Barbara Goleta
Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta

Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta

3 out of 5
6350 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA
Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta
Motel 6 Goleta, CA - Santa Barbara

Motel 6 Goleta, CA - Santa Barbara

2 out of 5
5897 Calle Real, Goleta, CA
Motel 6 Goleta, CA - Santa Barbara
Best Western Plus South Coast Inn

Best Western Plus South Coast Inn

2.5 out of 5
5620 Calle Real, Goleta, CA
Best Western Plus South Coast Inn
The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
5650 Calle Real, Goleta, CA
The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta

Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta

2.5 out of 5
5665 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA
Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta
The Steward, Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

The Steward, Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

4 out of 5
5490 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA
The Steward, Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

5 out of 5
8301 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near University of California, Santa Barbara

While visiting the University of California, Santa Barbara, you can enjoy beautiful sunsets, birdwatching, and biking. Don't miss out on a round of golf at a nearby course, take a campus tour to explore the stunning grounds, and join a Saturday yoga class for relaxation. These activities offer a perfect blend of nature, exercise, and local culture, making your visit memorable.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is Camino Real Marketplace, a public market only 1.6km from UC Santa Barbara, offering a vibrant city atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, check out Paseo Nuevo Mall and Rafael Gonzalez House, both located 14.5km away, featuring entertainment and unique local finds.

Recreation

Sandpiper Golf Club offers a stunning coastal golf experience with outdoor vibes just 4.8km from UCSB, perfect for relaxation and sport. Glen Annie Golf Club, located 3.2km away, provides a similar ambiance, while Kiwanis Meadows, 8.0km from campus, is ideal for wellness and rejuvenation amidst nature.

Adventure

Lost Valley Trail, located 3.2km from UC Santa Barbara, offers a scenic hiking experience through lush landscapes. For biking enthusiasts, the Cabrillo Bikeway, 14.5km away, provides a picturesque outdoor route. Jesusita Trail, situated 11.3km from campus, delivers adventure and stunning views along its hiking paths.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife at Granada Theatre, just 12.9km away, showcasing romance and culture. For family fun, visit Zodo's - Bowling and Beyond, only 3.2km from campus. Wind down at Cold Spring Tavern, 11.3km away, where you can enjoy drinks in a romantic atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near University of California, Santa Barbara

Whether you’re seeking a sunny beach day, exploring charming streets, or visiting local churches, the University of California, Santa Barbara, and its surroundings offer something for everyone. Enjoy outdoor family experiences and discover the unique attractions in Santa Barbara, all conveniently located near the university. Make the most of your visit with a variety of activities that highlight the beauty and culture of this vibrant area.

  • Goleta Beach: Just 1.6km from UCSB, Goleta Beach offers a relaxing escape with picturesque views, sandy shores, and vibrant beach vibes. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or picnicking while soaking in the California sunshine.
  • Upper State Street: Located 9.7km away, Upper State Street is the bustling heart of Goleta, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Experience the lively city vibes as you explore local boutiques or enjoy diverse culinary delights.
  • Mission Santa Barbara: About 12.9km from UCSB, this historic church showcases stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage. Known as the Queen of the Missions, it offers a glimpse into California's early history and beautiful gardens to wander through.

Best time to go to University of California, Santa Barbara

The best time to visit University of California, Santa Barbara is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
February55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
March56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyModerately HighAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighAverage
May63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July72.1°F (22.3°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August72.9°F (22.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September71.6°F (22.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October66.7°F (19.3°C)No RainSunnyModerately LowAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainSunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainSunnyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for University of California, Santa Barbara

To save money on your trip to the University of California, Santa Barbara, consider visiting between January to February or November when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find great hotel rates and package deals that combine your stay with flights and activities for additional savings. For getting around, utilize public transportation options or explore the area on foot to minimize travel costs. Look for eco-friendly hotel options if you're interested in sustainable stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around University of California, Santa Barbara are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around University of California, Santa Barbara is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around University of California, Santa Barbara is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you customize your travel experience by selecting your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can easily organize your results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, checking the Eco-certified option will display sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the University of California, Santa Barbara with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia