Isla Vista, Coastal student district in Santa Barbara County, United States
Isla Vista sits on a cliff above the Pacific and stretches along a narrow strip between ocean and campus. The low-rise housing and narrow lanes follow a rectangular street grid running parallel to the coast.
The Chumash lived here for centuries and called the place Anisq'oyo before European settlers arrived. In the 1920s the land was subdivided and planned as a resort, until students began moving in during the 1950s.
The name comes from Spanish and means island view, though no islands sit directly offshore. Residents rely on bicycles and walking for most trips, making this one of the most bike-dense neighborhoods in California.
Several bus routes link the district to Goleta and Santa Barbara, with trips taking about 20 to 30 minutes. Those traveling on foot or by bike will find flat paths and wide bicycle lanes along the main roads.
The cliffs along the coast lose several centimeters each year to erosion, forcing owners and authorities to monitor conditions constantly. Some buildings at the edge have already been moved back or demolished to prevent collapse.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
