UC Santa Barbara - Activities

Around the Campus, Around the Town  Santa Barbara County is an extraordinarily lively, vibrant region whose diverse cities and communities host an almost unimaginable selection of annual and special events from parades, fairs, and festivals, to celebrations of the area’s many unique qualities and characteristics. In Santa Barbara County, something wonderful is always happening.

Weekend Road Trips (Included in Tuition)

We Love L.A. Days

• Most Los Angeles attractions are only 1-2 hours away, a perfect way to spend the day!
• Disneyland - The happiest place on Earth
• Six Flags Magic Mountain Unlimited rides and fun at one of the world’s best theme parks.
• Universal Studios Still the world’s largest television and movie studio. Thrill to “Jurassic Park - The Ride!”
• Hollywood Walk of Fame and Mann’s Chinese Theatre Lots of stars and footprints.
• Los Angeles Dodgers Major League Baseball Game. Enjoy 9 innings of America’s favorite pastime at Dodger Stadium.

Fun in the Sun Days - Santa Barbara Beaches and Parks

• Goleta Beach Adjacent to campus, Goleta beach has a fishing pier, picnic facilities, volleyball, playground equipment, group barbecue areas, a snack bar, and the Beachside Café, a full-service restaurant on the sand.
• Carpinteria Beach Chosen as one of the best beaches in the United States because of the scenic beauty, Carpinteria offers a great day to shop, eat and soak up the sun.  

Hearst Castle

No trip to the Central Coast would be complete without a visit to the world famous Hearst Castle. Built from 1919 to 1947, the estate that William R. Hearst referred to as “the ranch” is one of the most visited homes in America. This State Historical Monument of 130 rooms is a Mediterranean style estate with elaborate Italian renaissance gardens, and a collection of Spanish and Italian art work from the 15th-18th centuries. Experience California’s rich history by visiting the Hearst Castle.

Pismo State Beach and Hummer Tours

Pismo is known for its pier, surf fishing, watersports, and fun 4x4 Hummer tours. Experience the ride of your life through the dramatic terrain of huge sand dunes and bowls. Sections of the beach at the north end prohibit vehicular traffic and are ideal for sports, recreation, sun and fun. Students choose between Hearst Castle or Pismo Beach/Hummer tour.

More Off-Campus Excursions

• The Best of Downtown Santa Barbara The Most Beautiful Downtown in America – includes unique shopping and dining. Enjoy a variety of local culture, including galleries, performing arts, historic sites, and much more!
• The Best in Rock Concerts (Transportation provided, tickets additional) in and around the Santa Barbara area. Acts in the past included Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Allman Bros., Sting, Lauryn Hill, and Foo Fighters.
• Santa Barbara’s Waterfront  Rollerblades, Bike Riding, Museum, Shops, Restaurants, Fishing, Hiking, Beach Volleyball, and much more!
• Museums Galore Art, Natural History, and The Maritime Museum at the Harbor.
• Camarillo Factory Outlets Over 120 stores such as American Apparel, Juicy Couture, Lacoste, Saks Fifth Avenue, a food court, and many more.
• Santa Barbara Zoo Lions,Tigers and Bears, oh my!
• Rock N’ Bowl
• Ice Skating
• Old Town Trolley Trolley tour of Santa Barbara.
• Golf and Stuff Miniature golf, video games galore and more.
• French Festival & Greek Festival in this festival-full city-by-the-sea.

On Campus Activities

• Night at the Movies-First run entertainment with Multiplex theatre choices.
• Santa Cruz Video Theater The best in video entertainment nightly in our residence hall.
• Beaches, Beaches, Beaches Miles of Pacific Ocean beaches just next door and only a few blocks away.
• Tye-Dye Tuesday We provide the dyes, you provide the garments.
• Beading and Jewelry Making We’ll show you how.
• Las Vegas Night and Rock-n-Roll Big Prizes Bingo Bring your game face.
• Summer Discovery Santa Barbara rock ‘n roll dance With DJ, lights, the works.
• Lack of Talent and Talent Show You supply the poetry reading, spoken word, singing, dancing, stand-up comedy, and whatever.
• Pizza Karaoke Sing your heart out and you get a slice of pie.
• University Center (UCEN) includes a large bookstore, convenience store, a variety of dining facilities, Post Office, ATM machines, a photocopy center and several lounge areas to just sit and relax or contemplate the wonderful oceanside and mountains.
• Recreation Center Features an aquatic complex, fitness center, two multi-use gymnasia, tennis courts, racquetball and squash courts, running trails, rock climbing wall and more.
• College Night With tons of admissions info.
• Inner Zen Meditation and stress relief.
• Festival Under the Stars by the Pacific Enjoy games, prizes and henna tattoos.
• Sports Tournaments Basketball, volleyball, ping-pong, and pool.