About UC Santa Barbara
Founded in 1909 and part of the prestigious University of California system, UCSB is a world-class research and teaching institution recognized globally for its contributions to science, engineering, and the arts. The university operates on a quarter system — Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer — which creates multiple waves of family and visitor activity throughout the year.
UCSB's campus sits at the meeting point of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, approximately 10 miles north of downtown Santa Barbara via a scenic coastal stretch of Highway 101. The campus is home to more than 26,000 students, and its Commencement ceremonies each spring draw tens of thousands of family members and guests to the Santa Barbara area.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far are your hotels from the UCSB campus?
Our hotels are approximately 10–15 miles from UCSB's campus in Isla Vista/Goleta, via a scenic coastal drive on Highway 101. The drive takes approximately 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. We're also convenient to UCSB's many affiliated facilities in downtown Santa Barbara.
- Do you offer a shuttle from your hotels to the UCSB campus?
Our hotels do not offer a dedicated shuttle to UCSB, but the campus is easily accessible by car, rideshare, or Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) bus. We're happy to provide local transportation guidance at check-in.
- What is the best hotel for families with multiple guests attending UCSB graduation?
For larger graduation parties, Best Western Plus Santa Barbara offers the most flexible configurations — including 1- and 2-bedroom suites and townhouses that can accommodate extended families comfortably. For couples or smaller groups, Brisas del Mar offers the most memorable boutique experience for celebrating a milestone.
- Are extended stays available for UCSB parents who visit frequently?
Yes — the Inn by the Harbor and Best Western Plus Santa Barbara both offer suites with kitchen facilities, making them ideal for parents who visit multiple times per year or stay for extended periods. Contact us to discuss extended stay rates.
- What is there to do in Santa Barbara between campus visits?
Santa Barbara offers exceptional experiences near our hotels: West Beach and the harbor, Stearns Wharf, the Funk Zone (wine, art, dining), State Street's shops and restaurants, whale watching, sailing, and Santa Ynez wine country 40 minutes away. We're also adjacent to hiking trails and bike paths along the Santa Barbara coast.