Sands Beach offers visitors miles of pristine coastline with tide pools and habitat for wintering and breeding western snowy plovers. The beach is popular for long walks, surfing, watching sunsets, and exploring natural marine life, though natural tar can be present.

What to Expect:

🌊 Tide pools and surf spots

🐦 Snowy plover bird refuge

🌅 Stunning sunset views

🚶 Long beach and bluff walks

Important Information:

– Hours: 6 AM to 8 PM daily

– Pets allowed in designated areas

– On-site parking available

– Natural tar common on shore

Camino Corto Open Space provides a natural retreat in Isla Vista with open fields and paths suited for walking and quiet recreation. Visitors can enjoy tranquil outdoor time in this undeveloped park area, with no formal facilities or permits needed.

What to Expect:

🌿 Open natural terrain perfect for strolling

🐕 Dog-friendly off-leash areas

🌄 Scenic views reflecting coastal California's natural beauty

🚫 No formal picnic or restroom facilities

Important Information:

– No entry fees or permits required

– Open year-round, daylight hours recommended

– Pets allowed, leash rules vary

Greek Park offers a compact outdoor space in Isla Vista where visitors can enjoy basketball and volleyball courts and play in the sand. Its open layout and proximity to residential areas make it ideal for families and active visitors looking to spend time outdoors.

What to Expect:

🏀 Basketball court

🏐 Two volleyball courts with sand

🏞 Open green spaces

👨‍👩‍👦 Family-friendly amenities

Important Information:

– Wheelchair accessible entrance

– Suitable for children

– No formal reservations or permits required

Dublin's Sports Grill offers a classic sports bar vibe with multiple TVs for game viewing, a solid selection of beers and cocktails, and pool tables for entertainment. The casual atmosphere and friendly bartenders make it a local favorite, with no reservations required and free street parking available.

What's Included:

🍺 Great beer and cocktail selection

🎱 Pool tables and bar games

🍽️ Food available at bar and happy hour specials

🚗 Free street parking

Important Information:

Age Policy: 21+; Government ID required

Reservations: Not accepted

Payment: Credit and debit cards accepted

Starbucks offers a familiar coffeehouse experience with a wide range of signature roasts, teas, and quick bites suitable for busy college students and casual diners alike.

Visitors enjoy indoor and outdoor seating, drive-through service, and free WiFi, making it a versatile spot for both study sessions and quick breaks.

What to Expect:

☕ Classic brewed coffees and espresso drinks

🥐 Quick breakfast and snack options

📶 Reliable free WiFi for working or studying

🚗 Drive-through and takeout availability

Important Information:

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating

Pet Policy: Dogs allowed outside

Payments: Accepts credit, debit, and mobile NFC payments

Reservations: Not accepted; usually a wait during peak hours

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially at midday and around UCSB campus events.

Hana Kitchen serves flavorful Asian fusion dishes and an extensive tea selection in a casual, trendy counter-serve setting with outdoor seating.

Popular for fast service, lunch and dinner options, and accommodating vegan and vegetarian diets, it’s a favorite for college students and families alike.

What to Expect:

🍜 Asian fusion comfort food

🧋 Bubble tea and great tea selections

🌿 Vegan and vegetarian options

☀️ Outdoor dining in a casual atmosphere

Important Information:

Payment: Credit/debit cards and NFC mobile payments accepted; no cash option

Parking: Usually somewhat difficult to find street parking

Reservations: Not accepted; expect wait during busy hours

Expect fast service but prepare for a bustling vibe; popular bowls and boba drinks are crowd favorites.

I.V. Deli Mart is a beloved deli and market known for its hearty sandwiches, burgers, and diverse sides, serving Isla Vista with an unpretentious vibe.

Guests enjoy large portions, vegan and house-made options, speedy takeout, and late-night convenience with friendly service and a wide drink selection.

What to Expect:

🥪 Hefty sandwiches like the "Fat Gaucho"

🍟 Varied fries including buffalo and teriyaki chicken

🌱 Plant-based and vegan-friendly subs

🕗 Extended late-night hours with convenient pickup and delivery

Important Information:

Parking: Limited but free on-street and lot parking available

Payments: Credit cards, debit cards, NFC mobile payments, and SNAP/EBT accepted

Service: Takeout, delivery, and in-store pickup

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking

Known for college-friendly vibes and great after-hours options, it’s a local staple to enjoy filling meals or quick bites.

AI CHA offers a casual boba tea experience in Isla Vista, focusing on Taiwanese-style milk teas, fruit teas, and comfort beverages. Despite some service and consistency issues reported, the shop boasts a dedicated local clientele and convenient ordering kiosks.

What to Expect:

🧋 Variety of milk teas, fruit teas, and specialty boba drinks

🍡 Unique offerings like mochi taro boba

🏠 Casual, locally popular atmosphere

⚡ Self-order kiosks with quick service

Important Information:

Currently temporarily closed

Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating

Offers dine-in, takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup

Credit and debit cards accepted; no table reservations

Naan Stop offers a cozy, no-frills Indian dining experience focused on freshly baked naan and classic Indian staples paired with delightful milk teas.

Counter service keeps things quick, and the owner’s friendliness adds a warm, welcoming touch. Perfect for lunch or dinner with vegetarian options clearly labeled.

What to Expect:

🍽 Freshly baked garlic and spicy naan varieties

🥘 Traditional Indian curries including chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, and paneer tikka masala

🍹 Popular milk tea and mango lassi drinks

🌿 Big vegetarian menu with lots of options

Important Information:

Booking Requirements: None; no reservations accepted

Service Options: Dine-in, takeout, delivery, outdoor seating available

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and seating

Parking: Free parking lot and street parking, though spots can be somewhat difficult to find

This local favorite in Isla Vista attracts college students, families, and groups with its friendly atmosphere and generous portions.

Texas Tacos IV serves up affordable and tasty breakfast tacos in a friendly setting within Isla Vista Market. Patrons appreciate the welcoming staff and consistent quality, despite the restaurant currently being temporarily closed.

What to Expect:

🌮 Breakfast tacos and other morning delights

💰 Affordable pricing for daily meals

😊 Friendly and welcoming staff

Important Information:

Currently temporarily closed; check status before visiting

Casual dining atmosphere

Located inside Isla Vista Market

Antojitos La Paloma offers fast, casual Mexican dining known for its authentic antojitos, fresh aguas frescas, and inventive fruit-based treats. With a friendly atmosphere and attentive service, guests enjoy a variety of small plates and desserts, perfect for lunch or dinner.

What to Expect:

🌮 Authentic Mexican snacks and desserts

🍹 Fresh fruit aguas frescas and mangonadas

🍴 Casual dining with quick service

👩‍🍳 Friendly and accommodating staff

Important Information:

Payment by credit and debit cards accepted

Free street parking available

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Takeout and dine-in options

The spot is popular with locals and perfect for solo dining or casual group meals.

Zocalo serves authentic Mexican cuisine with a focus on dishes like quesabirria and horchata lattes in a cozy, casual setting. Guests enjoy fast, friendly service, outdoor seating, and a family-friendly atmosphere with convenient dining options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery.

What to Expect:

Authentic Mexican fare including quesabirria tacos and bagels

Signature horchata latte and homemade espresso flan

Counter service with fast, attentive staff

Outdoor seating and wheelchair accessible facilities

Important Information:

Accepts credit/debit cards and mobile payments

Free street parking and accessible parking available

Reservations optional, walk-ins welcomed

Casual dress code

Woodstock's Pizza Isla Vista offers a lively dining experience with fast service, handcrafted pizzas, local beers on tap, and a vibrant college vibe. Guests enjoy outdoor seating, live music, and a welcoming pub atmosphere with options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.

What to Expect:

🍕 Handmade dough pizzas with varied toppings

🍗 Popular chicken wings with unique sauces

🍺 Extensive local beer selection and happy hours

🎶 Live bands and vibrant college crowd

Important Information:

Outdoor seating available with fireplace warmth

Dine-in, takeout, delivery, curbside pickup offered

Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and restrooms

Reservations accepted via OpenTable and website

Great spot for casual meals, solo dining, and group hangouts.

Momma's Soul Food Fusion offers vibrant soul food with a fast, friendly service and lively atmosphere highlighted by live music and a fireplace.

Guests enjoy a variety of organic, vegetarian, and late-night delights, with options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery. Reservations are accepted to ensure a smooth experience.

What to Expect:

🍽️ Soul food classics and fusion dishes

🎶 Live music events and cozy fireplace seating

🌿 Organic and vegetarian options

🚗 Delivery, takeout, and curbside pickup available

Important Information:

Identifies as Black, women, LGBTQ+, and disabled-owned

Accepts credit/debit cards and NFC payments

Family-friendly and LGBTQ+ welcoming atmosphere

Deja Vu cafe offers classic American fare with a lively late-night vibe, perfect for college crowds and solo diners. Guests enjoy quick service, generous portions, and standout items like the Gaucho Burger and chicken tenders in a casual, trendy atmosphere.

What to Expect:

🍔 Iconic Gaucho Burger and juicy chicken tenders

⏰ Fast service, especially late nights

🌙 Open late for night owls and partygoers

🐕 Dog-friendly outdoor seating

Important Information:

Parking can be difficult, with free street parking available

Drive-thru and delivery options offered via multiple platforms

Popular with college students, families, and groups

Spudnuts Donuts Isla Vista specializes in unique potato flour donuts alongside fresh coffee, croissants, and other baked treats. The casual shop offers quick takeout service in a location near the university campus, ideal for a solo breakfast or snack.

What to Expect:

🍩 Potato flour donuts with various flavors

☕ Great coffee selections including Vietnamese iced coffee

🥐 Freshly baked croissants and bagels

🥪 Breakfast and sandwich options with quick takeout

Important Information:

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot

Payments: Accepts credit, debit, and NFC mobile payments

Popular for solo diners and casual visits; parking is limited so plan accordingly.

Super Cuca's offers a casual, fast-paced Mexican dining experience featuring wide burrito selections and ample vegetarian dishes served quickly in Isla Vista. The spot appeals especially to students with its large portions and laid-back atmosphere.

What to Expect:

🌯 Large burritos including breakfast options

🌱 Extensive vegetarian and vegan menu

💨 Fast, friendly service with a casual vibe

🍹 Refreshing aguas frescas and local specialty touches

Important Information:

Walk-ins only; no reservations accepted

Parking available with free lot and street options

Credit, debit, and NFC mobile payments accepted

Outdoor dog-friendly seating available

Su’s Bowl offers a casual dining experience featuring authentic Chinese comfort food with specialties like spicy chili oil noodles and Chinese burgers.

The friendly service, variety of dishes, and accommodating atmosphere make it a popular spot for lunch and dinner with group or solo dining options. Reservations are accepted to manage busier periods.

What to Expect:

🌶️ Spicy chili oil noodle varieties

🥢 Traditional Chinese burgers

🍜 Lamb noodle soup and diverse hearty bowls

🛵 Delivery, takeout, and dine-in service options

Important Information:

Accepts credit, debit, and mobile NFC payments

Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating

Free parking lot with ample availability

Elubia's Kitchen in Isla Vista serves authentic Guatemalan and Salvadoran dishes with 100% gluten-free offerings, including standout pupusas, vegan tacos, and tamales.

Guests enjoy casual dining with outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery options, all within a welcoming atmosphere emphasizing fresh, flavorful comfort food prepared by a Latino & women-owned kitchen.

What to Expect:

🌮 Gluten-free Central American classics

🥑 Vegan and vegetarian-friendly menu

🍽 Casual counter service with outdoor seating

📦 Takeout and delivery via major platforms

Important Information:

Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking available

Accepts credit, debit, and NFC mobile payments

Free street parking nearby

No reservation service; ordering apps supported

Yetz's Deli offers an inviting spot focused on fresh deli sandwiches, signature smoothies, and salads, with an emphasis on quality ingredients and vegetarian-friendly choices.

The casual venue provides dine-in and takeout options, wheelchair accessibility, and attentive service from a welcoming staff, including the well-loved owner Alejandro.

What to Expect:

🥪 Fresh, generous sandwiches like Turkey Melt and egg salad

🥗 Vegetarian menu with clear labeling and vegan options

🥤 Signature smoothies including the Green Machine

🤝 Friendly, community-oriented staff

Important Information:

Service: Dine-in and Takeout available

Payment: Accepts credit and debit cards

Parking: Free street parking mostly, but can be difficult

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and parking

Expect quick, quality meals in a relaxed, friendly setting ideal for lunch or quick visits.

Roger’s Tacos offers a straightforward and authentic taco experience, focusing on classic, flavorful Mexican staples in Isla Vista. This casual venue attracts locals seeking traditional tacos without frills, perfect for quick bites or casual dining.

What to Expect:

🌮 Classic tacos with fresh ingredients

🥤 Casual, no-frills atmosphere

🌟 Local favorite among Isla Vista residents

Important Information:

Counter-service style

No reservations accepted

Cash payment preferred

Ideal for those looking for quick, authentic flavors in a low-key setting.

ASIA 101 serves Asian fusion fare focusing on flavorful small plates like popcorn chicken and pho, prized for student budgets. Casual setting with dine-in, takeout, and delivery options make it a local favorite near UCSB.

What to Expect:

🍲 Flavorful Asian fusion dishes with popular popcorn chicken

🍜 Signature pho and rice bowls

🎒 Budget-friendly menu perfect for college students

🚗 Dine-in, takeout, and delivery available

Important Information:

Casual atmosphere ideal for solo dining or groups

Wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, restroom not accessible

Limited parking; street parking and paid UCSB lots nearby

Busy around lunch and dinner; ordering ahead for takeout is advised.

Maria's Tacos offers authentic Mexican fare with standout handmade tortillas and a flavorful variety of tacos, including fan favorites like steak and fish. The casual setting invites college students and locals alike to enjoy quick bites, dine-in, takeout, or delivery crafted with genuine care.

What to Expect:

🌮 Homemade tortillas and fresh taco options

🍽️ Casual and friendly atmosphere popular among college students

🚗 Delivery, takeout, and dine-in service options

💳 Accepts credit, debit, and NFC mobile payments

Important Information:

Open daily with varied hours, closing earlier Sundays

Free street parking available nearby

Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and seating

Reservations not accepted; walk-ins only

On The Side Restaurant offers a casual and cozy atmosphere with a focus on comforting dishes and speedy service.

Guests can enjoy lunch, dinner, and dessert with dine-in, takeout, and delivery options—all in a wheelchair-accessible setting.

What to Expect:

🍔 Comfort food favorites

⚡ Fast and friendly service

🍽️ Lunch, dinner, dessert offerings

♿ Fully wheelchair accessible

Important Information:

Free street parking available

Credit cards accepted

Delivery and takeout offered

Perfect for solo diners or casual meals throughout the week.

Rosarito Mexican Grill offers generous portions of Mexican comfort food with vegan and vegetarian choices. Known for friendly service and a vibrant atmosphere, it operates delivery, takeout, and dine-in, though reservations are not accepted.

What to Expect:

🌯 Large burritos and comfort food classics

🌱 Vegan and vegetarian options available

🚪 Wheelchair accessible entrance and seating

🌙 Open late-night with delivery and takeout services

Important Information:

No reservations accepted; walk-ins only

Accessible parking and seating provided

Wide range of payment options including credit, debit, and mobile payments

Perfect for casual visits, from brunch to late-night cravings.

FB Isla Vista offers a vibrant counter-service dining experience where guests build their own burritos, tacos, and salads with fresh, natural ingredients. Popular among college students, it balances fast service with a trendy casual atmosphere, featuring indoor and outdoor seating and vegetarian-friendly options.

What to Expect:

🌯 Build-your-own burritos

🌮 Tacos and fresh salads

🍹 Natural-foods focus with vegetarian options

🏫 College student-friendly casual vibe

Important Information:

Reservations: Not accepted, walk-ins only

Outdoor seating and wheelchair accessibility throughout

Credit, debit, and mobile payments accepted

Expect a lively, quick service spot perfect for lunch, dinner, and casual solo or group dining.

Teddy Rice offers a standout casual dining experience specializing in Asian fusion with dishes like savory omurice and flavorful bulgogi bowls, plus refreshing snow bowls for dessert.

The friendly owner-chef ensures quality and presentation, with dine-in, takeout, and delivery options to suit every craving.

What to Expect:

🍚 Iconic Omurice & Bulgogi Bowls

🍧 Popular Snow Bowls (Bingsu)

🍽️ Casual friendly vibe popular with locals

🚗 Takeout, delivery, and dine-in available

Important Information:

Reservations not required

Seating includes indoor and outdoor patio

Parking can be somewhat challenging

Owner-chef is personable and attentive

Ideal for a quick comforting meal or casual hangout.

Chop Chinese Food delivers authentic, bold Chinese flavors with a focus on fresh, made-from-scratch meals at wallet-friendly prices.

Guests can expect generous portions served in a casual atmosphere, supported by friendly service and dine-in, takeout, and delivery options.

What to Expect:

🥢 Hearty portions and affordable prices

🍊 Popular Orange Chicken and Chow Mein

🛵 Delivery and quick takeout available

🏠 Casual, welcoming environment for college students and locals

Important Information:

Seating: Booth seating available

Payments: Credit cards accepted

Parking: Free street parking, wheelchair accessible entrance and parking

Service: Dine-in, takeout, delivery

Perfect for affordable eats with a local vibe in Isla Vista.

IV Bagel Cafe serves authentic New York–style bagels boiled and baked fresh daily, keeping a loyal local and college crowd satisfied.

Guests enjoy quick service, a variety of cream cheese flavors, and tasty bagel sandwiches in a casual setting with street seating options.

What to Expect:

🥯 Classic boiled and baked bagels pulled fresh from the oven

🥪 Diverse cream cheese spreads and bagel sandwich options

☕ Coffee brewed alongside bagels for a full breakfast experience

🚶 Quick service ideal for takeout, delivery, or casual dining

Important Information:

Parking: Free street parking available but somewhat limited

Service: Delivery, dine-in, takeout, in-store pickup

Staff: Friendly but busy, occasional wait times during peak hours

Early morning visits ensure faster service and fresh bagels straight from the oven.

Yetz's Bagels delivers a genuine New York bagel experience in Isla Vista, serving dense, chewy bagels with a wide variety of schmears and toppings. Guests enjoy a friendly atmosphere with excellent customer service, featuring both dine-in and takeout options, plus sandwiches now available at lunch.

What to Expect:

🥯 New York-style bagels, boiled for authentic texture

🥯 Wide selection of cream cheese flavors including strawberry and lox

🥯 Fresh deli sandwiches for lunch

☕ Coffee and cold brew to complement your bagel

Important Information:

Parking: Free street parking available

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking

Service options: Delivery and in-store pickup

Payment: Credit and debit cards accepted