The official UCSB senior bucket list
Do all these things before you leave
The Isla Vista community has it all. From the breathtaking ocean view to its friendly culture, UCSB students proudly call it home. With graduation being right around the corner, you need to make sure you have seen the best of Isla Vista and have been apart of its best traditions before you leave this beautiful place.
Here are just a few of Isla Vista’s places you must see and traditions you must participate in before you leave..
Surf and sunset watch at Sands Beach
If you have not already went surfing or went for a walk on Sands Beach, it is the first place you need to go. It is the farthest point in Isla Vista and is the best spot for surfers to catch those gnarly waves, for photographers to take a glimpse of the beauty around, and for students and residents of Isla Vista to take time out their day to admire their surroundings. To get to this location- you go all of the way down Del Playa and follow the winding pathways to find a cliff overlooking the wide ocean, vast mountains, and wildlife around.
Besides being the ideal surfing location and spot to lay in the sun, Sands Beach is also famous for its sunsets. Photos by the talented Hope Curran below capture a glimpse of the beach at dusk:
Take your dog for a walk through “Dogshit Park”
The next stop you need to take is one with your pet at “Dogshit Park.”This is a place where the community comes together near 67 block of Del Playa to participate in activities together while getting to meet new people. Whether it be morning yoga, volleyball, beach-themed games, or taking your dog for a shit, “Dogshit Park” is the place to go to greet your fellow Gauchos on any day of the week.
Go for a peaceful getaway to the “Peace Labyrinth of Isla Vista”
The peace labyrinth is located up in the pathways passed the lagoon and up the hill overlooking Campus Point and Isla Vista Beach. The rock formation is a unique spot that not many people know about that can serve as a place to regain spiritual strength or a peace of mind through your times of stress. It is ideal for going by yourself for alone time or with others as a weekend retreat.
Stop by Jesus Burgers on a Friday night and grab a burger
Jesus Burgers is located at 6686 Del Playa and serves FREE burgers in Isla Vista every Friday night at 10 pm. It is a generous way to give back to the homeless in Isla Vista and also serve our community. Jesus Burgers not only serves delicious burgers, they are amazing people that are there to spread the love and meet new people. So if you are walking by on DP don’t forget to stop by and get some food and talk with these kind-hearted people.
Grab a slice of pizza at Giovanni’s
Giovanni’s Pizza is located on Pardall Road on campus and is claimed to have the best pizza in Isla Vista. The slices are fairly priced and are enormous, as you can see in the picture below. Besides the delectable pizza Gio’s has to offer, the atmosphere is lively and is favorable amongst residents: from the live bands to their weekly “Happy Hour,” Gio’s is the place to go for the best pizza and entertainment.
Order a latte at Caje- world famous coffee
If you have not ordered a coffee from Caje, located next to Woodstocks, you are missing out on what is said to be even better than Starbucks. From lattes to espressos, smoothies, bagels and more, Caje is the number one place for students to study, eat and drink coffee, and catch up with friends. The atmosphere is charming with indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy the scenery of IV. Why be stuck inside the library when you can sit outside and study while enjoying your fresh brewed coffee?
Lastly, play a game of Snappa with your closest friends
Snappa is the trademark beer game of Isla Vista and is the community favorite. Whether it be played during the weekend or before your noon class, it is the perfect way to forget about school and make college mistakes with others. Before you graduate, play oceanside with some of your closest friends and make it unforgettable.