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UCSB is often listed as one of the top public universities in the United States. The campus is regarded as one of the more beautiful campuses among the UC system (perhaps due to its location). Head to the top floor of the campus library for one of the best views of the whole campus. Much of the campus, especially the areas near the beach, is undeveloped open space, and includes a man-made lagoon. From downtown Santa Barbara, take the highway and go past the airport exit. Admission is free to the campus, but parking costs, and parking restrictions are heavily enforced.
Every winter between mid-November and mid-February monarch butterflies gather in huge numbers in a grove adjacent to the Sperling Preserve. Docents are available on weekends from 11AM-2PM. Free parking is available at the Ellwood Mesa Open Space on Hollister Ave, and the grove is located at the end of a one-half mile long trail.