University of California-Santa Barbara

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with University of California-Santa Barbara's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Explore UCSB Campus
morning
:

Start your day with a stroll around the stunning UCSB campus. Visit the beautiful lagoon and soak in the views of the ocean.

afternoon
:

Grab lunch at the UCSB dining hall or a local café. Afterward, explore the library and the art galleries on campus.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant. End your day with a sunset walk along the beach.

day 2
Beach Day at Goleta
morning
:

Head to Goleta Beach for a relaxing morning by the ocean. Take a dip or enjoy a beach volleyball game.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a beachside cafe. Spend the afternoon sunbathing or kayaking in the nearby waters.

evening
:

Watch the sun set over the horizon. Share a beach bonfire dinner with friends, complete with s'mores.

day 3
Arts & Culture Tour
morning
:

Visit the UCSB Art Museum for a dose of creativity. Spend time appreciating contemporary artworks.

afternoon
:

Lunch at a local artsy café, followed by a visit to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Explore the exhibits and learn about various art forms.

evening
:

Attend a live performance at the UCSB Theatre. Conclude with dinner at a nearby restaurant.

day 4
Nature Hike
morning
:

Begin with a hike at the nearby Los Padres National Forest. Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.

afternoon
:

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the scenic overlooks. Explore more trails in the afternoon.

evening
:

Return to UCSB and relax. Have a cookout with friends while sharing stories from the hike.

day 5
Study Day
morning
:

Dedicate your morning to focused study sessions at the library. Use the quiet atmosphere to get productive.

afternoon
:

Take a break for lunch with classmates and discuss study topics. Use the afternoon for group projects or additional research.

evening
:

Wrap up your study day with a casual dinner. Celebrate completing assignments with a movie night.

day 6
Sports Day
morning
:

Get active with a morning workout on campus. Join a sports club or play games with friends.

afternoon
:

Grab lunch at the student union. Attend a UCSB sports event in the afternoon to cheer on the Gauchos.

evening
:

Have dinner at home or at a local diner. Reflect on the day's activities and celebrate your favorite teams.

day 7
Local Festivals
morning
:

Check out any local festivals happening in Santa Barbara. Experience the vibrant culture right around campus.

afternoon
:

Enjoy local food trucks for lunch and browse artisan booths. Engage with local artists and musicians.

evening
:

Attend live music or entertainment shows at the festival. End the night with fireworks or a community dance.

day 8
Surf Day
morning
:

Catch some waves at a local surf school for beginner lessons. Embrace the thrill of surfing.

afternoon
:

Break for lunch at a beach shack. Spend the afternoon perfecting your surf skills or relaxing on the sand.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Wind down with a beach bonfire under the stars.

day 9
Butterfly Beach Experience
morning
:

Visit Butterfly Beach for a scenic morning. Enjoy a peaceful start while watching the ocean waves.

afternoon
:

Pack a picnic and relax on the beach or go for a swim. Take a walk along the shore and search for unique shells.

evening
:

Head to a nearby restaurant for dinner. Catch the magical sunset before heading back to campus.

day 10
Wellness Retreat
morning
:

Kick off the day with yoga on the beach, focusing on mindfulness. Enjoy the serenity of the ocean waves.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a healthy lunch with fresh fruits and smoothies. Take time for meditation or journaling in a quiet spot.

evening
:

Participate in a group wellness session or workshop. Conclude the retreat with a wholesome dinner and reflection.

Discover University of California-Santa Barbara

Read more in our University of California-Santa Barbara 2024 Travel Guide.

University of California-Santa Barbara Travel Guide