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Goleta, California: Where Japan Attacked a Golf Course

A Japanese submarine surfaced offshore and shelled California in 1942. Twenty-five years later, a plaque was unveiled on a rock to mark the spot -- which is now a golf course.

Sandpiper Golf Club

Address:
7925 Hollister Ave., Goleta, CA
Directions:
Sandpiper Golf Club. US Hwy 101 exit 110, on the west side of the freeway. Park in the clubhouse lot; you'll see the large rock with the bronze marker at the end of the path that leads directly to the greens.
Admission:
Free
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Visitor Tips and News About Where Japan Attacked a Golf Course

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Attack plaque.

Where Japan Attacked a Golf Course

Site of the 1942 bombing of the Goleta coast by the Japanese. This is the historic marker at the Sandpiper Golf Course. Exit the 101 freeway at exit 110, the Golf course is right there on the west side of the freeway. Park in the clubhouse parking lot and you can see the large rock with the bronze marker at the end of the path that leads directly to the greens. It's a pretty location and easy to find. Most people have not heard of this historic event; stop by and surprise someone riding with you.

[Deb Miller Marschke, 09/18/2017]

Attack plaque.

Where Japan Attacked California 2

A prettier location, quicker and easier to find than the beach-side "Japanese Attack" sign, is this one -- just off a 101 Freeway exit ramp, on the greens of a beautiful golf course overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Look for a bronze plaque on a large rock next to the golf shop. The plaque reads, "Near this site, at 7:70 P.M., February 23, 1942, the California coast at Ellwood received the first naval bombardment of the United States mainland since the War of 1812."

You can enjoy a nice lunch and/or drink (maybe some sake) on the golf club restaurant's patio overlooking the Pacific, looking back toward Japan. After you relax here you can drive a short way along Hollister Avenue to search for the "Japanese Attack" sign at the beach.

[Wayne and Karen Brown, 03/24/2013]

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In the region:
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