Where is Goleta, California Located in the United States? - Goleta is a city located in the Santa Barbara County in California, United States. Goleta lies between 34.4358 Degrees North latitudes and -119.8276 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Goleta, Santa Barbara, California
About Map: The map shows the location of Goleta in Santa Barbara County, in the U.S. state of California.
Goleta Map, California, USA
About Goleta Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.
About Goleta, Santa Barbara County, California
Goleta is located in Santa Barbara County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the southern part of the state in the state of the United States along the Pacific coastline in the Santa Barbara coastal region. The city was incorporated in 2002 and its name is believed to come from the Spanish word “goleta,” meaning schooner or small sailing vessel, reflecting the maritime history of the area, and it developed from agricultural land into a residential and research-oriented community.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Goleta is 32,690 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 4,000 people per square mile.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Goleta covers a total area of approximately 8.7 square miles (about 22.5 square kilometers), including about 8.7 square miles (22.5 square kilometers) of land and a minimal amount of water area.
Location and Surroundings
Goleta is situated west of Santa Barbara and east of Isla Vista, positioned along the Pacific coastline between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the ocean. The city features coastal plains, residential neighborhoods, and nearby wetlands and beaches. U.S. Route 101 runs through the area, providing a major transportation route connecting Goleta to surrounding communities along California’s Central Coast.
Top Attractions
Goleta offers beaches, parks, and natural areas that support outdoor recreation and tourism. Popular destinations include Goleta Beach Park, the Ellwood Mesa coastal open space, and nearby hiking areas in the Santa Ynez Mountains. The city is also home to the nearby University of California, Santa Barbara campus area, contributing to education and research activity in the region.
Transportation
Goleta is served by U.S. Route 101, offering convenient highway access throughout Santa Barbara County and the Central Coast region of California. Public transportation includes regional bus services connecting the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is Santa Barbara Airport, located within the city and providing regional flight connections.
Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Goleta City Website.
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Goleta City Facts
| City | Goleta |
| State | California |
| County | Santa Barbara County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Central Coast |
| Incorporated | February 1, 2002 |
| Founded | 1860s settlement |
| Total Area | Approximately 8.0 sq mi (20.7 km2) |
| Land Area | Approximately 8.0 sq mi (20.7 km2) |
| Elevation | Approximately 98 ft (30 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approximately 32,000+ |
| Population (2020 Census) | 32,690 |
| Population Density | Approximately 4,000 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST) |
| ZIP Codes | 93116, 93117, 93118 |
| Area Code | 805 |
| Major Highways | U.S. Route 101 |
| Public Transit | Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District Bus |
| Major Attractions | Goleta Beach Park, UCSB Campus (nearby), Ellwood Mesa Coastal Trail |
| Official Website | https://www.cityofgoleta.org/ |
Distance from Goleta City, CA to Nearby Cities
- Santa Barbara, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
- Carpinteria, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Ventura, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
- Oxnard, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
- Camarillo, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
- Thousand Oaks, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
- Santa Paula, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
- Lompoc, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
- Santa Maria, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
- Buellton, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
- Solvang, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
- San Luis Obispo, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
- Atascadero, CA – 110 miles (177 km)
- Paso Robles, CA – 120 miles (193 km)
- Malibu, CA – 80 miles (129 km)
- Santa Monica, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
- Los Angeles, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
- Bakersfield, CA – 140 miles (225 km)
- San Bernardino, CA – 150 miles (241 km)
- Riverside, CA – 145 miles (233 km)
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