Goleta Beach: For specifics, write Goleta Chamber of Commerce, P. O. Box 781 Goleta, 93116. (800-646-5382). Just north of Santa Barbara, this vacation paradise offers five public golf courses, the magnificent Goleta Beach Park, the Santa Barbara Orchid Estate, biking and hiking trails and several museums. Nearby Lake Cachuma offers boating, fishing and camping. Two California State Parks, located on the beach are just minutes away. The annual Lemon Festival in October presents a great opportunity for a family outing.
Goleta Depot Railroad Museum: 300 N. Los Carneros Rd., Goleta (805/964-3540). Constructed by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1901, the Victorian-style Goleta Depot today houses a museum featuring a model railroad display and exhibits on regional railroad history, Wed.-Sun., 1-4 p.m.
Santa Barbara Zoo: 500 Ninos Dr., Santa Barbara (805/962-5339) www.sbzoo.org Located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean and East Beach, the zoo is home to more than 500 animals. The newest exhibit, “Cats of Africa” the 5,600 square foot exhibit displays lions and highly endangered black footed cats in a typical African environment. Open daily.
Solvang: Off U. S. 101, 45 miles north of Santa Barbara and three miles east of Buellton. A page from Hans Christian Andersen, complete with all the sights, sounds and delicious aromas of a Danish village. Tour the town by Honen, authentic Danish carriage pulled by Belgian draft horses.
Stow House: 304 Los Carneros Rd., Goleta. (805/964-4407). Restored Victorian country home built in 1872 features period furniture. Other museums on the grounds include a Maritime Display housing five cannons found on Goleta Beach, a tack room, working blacksmith shop, farm artifacts and a carriage house.