The Ranch is a place to gather and celebrate the life, the land and the love of the "Good Land." Visit our family friendly, peaceful refuge in the heart of Goleta. Explore the gardens and preserved buildings, and truly enjoy the ambiance of Rancho La Patera.
Get Involved
Find out more about how you can help us preserve this special piece of history! view
Venue
A beautiful place to make history. The gardens of the Ranch are the perfect setting for your next event or wedding. view
Events
Check out our calendar and find out what we are doing to make this a historic gathering place for our community to cherish. view
Shop
Our Museum Store features local Goleta gifts, historical books, Goodland memorabilia, and old-fashioned toys. view
"Goleta Valley Historical Society had a modest beginning – a dream to collect and promote our unique history.” This is the mission of the Society, which in 1967 assumed stewardship of one of our community’s most significant and treasured landmarks – the headquarters of historic Rancho La Patera and home of the pioneering Stow family. Rancho La Patera has become the focal point of Goleta Valley’s rich and ethnically diverse history for the thousands of visitors that tour annually. This landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers a rare opportunity to experience what life was like here during the early twentieth century.