This is one in a series of stories exploring things to do in communities across Santa Barbara County. It’s a starting point for locals who want to explore, people hosting family and friends, and visitors to the area.  

Welcome to the Good Land. 

Whether enjoying the holidays at home or hosting out-of-town visitors, this guide can help keep everyone entertained. 

Monarch Butterfly Grove

For an activity that is uniquely Goleta, visit the Butterfly Grove at 7727 Hollister Ave. 

The grove offers an opportunity to hike through trails at the Ellwood Mesa, and if you’re lucky, you might see a monarch butterfly spending the winter in the grove.  

The butterflies can be spotted in the grove from October until mid-March.

Recently biologists have attached tiny trackers onto some of the butterflies in the grove. 

Download the app, Project Monarch Science, to try to pick up on any while visiting, Pokémon Go style.

Entering the grove is free, including parking. The parking area is at the Ellwood Mesa Open Space & Sperling Preserve, across from Ellwood Elementary School.

Ice in Paradise

There’s one place you can always find sweater weather.

Ice skating at Ice in Paradise at 6985 Santa Felicia Drive is open to the public with $15 admission and $5 for skate rentals. 

The weekly schedules can be found here. Or, join the Friday Night Ice Jam where each Friday of the month it has a different theme. Themes can be found here.

Lake Los Carneros 

Lake Los Carneros offers scenic views and a paved walkway for people to walk, bike, fish or run. 

People driving on Highway 101 might never know there is a lake tucked away right next to it. 

UC Santa Barbara student Mariana Swete was one of those people until her friend Olivia Peo brought her out for a morning walk. 

“I think it is so beautiful and is a nice length — no hills, just a peaceful walk, so I will just bring my coffee out,” Peo said during a recent visit. 

Swete agreed with her friend, and said she couldn’t believe she didn’t know the lake was out there.  

The lake and trails are located adjacent to Rancho La Patera and Stow House, and can be accessed from North La Patera Lane, Los Carneros Road or Covington Lane.

Weekend Activities

South Coast Railroad Museum

After taking a mind-clearing walk, hop into the South Coast Railroad Museum at 300 N. Los Carneros Road to learn about how the railroad once impacted the local area.

The museum is open only on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. 

Visitors can even ride a miniature train, the Goleta Short Line, for a half-mile ride.

The last ticket for the train of the day is sold at 3:45 p.m. Tickets are $5.

Rancho La Patera and Stow House 

Keep learning about the city’s history at the Rancho La Patera and Stow House at 304 N. Los Carneros Road.

On Sundays, there are barn animals, outdoor activities and free tractor rides from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tours of the Stow House are only open during the weekends at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. 

People can explore the gardens, preserved buildings and enjoy the overall peaceful ambience of the grounds. 

Walk Around Old Town

Make a day out of exploring Old Town Goleta, the area of Hollister Avenue between Highway 217 and Fairview Avenue.

Grab a cup of coffee or a meal from the many local restaurants, and then pop into local favorites such as Paperback Alley and Alpha Thrift.

Or, to keep enjoying Goleta’s history, stop for a meal at the first Habit Burger & Grill location.

What are your favorite local attractions or hidden gems? Let us know at news@noozhawk.com.