Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Carpinteria, California
Many years ago, the Spanish called this state beach Carpinteria, because the native Chumash tribe, which once lived in the area, had a large canoe-building "carpentry shop" here because of the naturally-occurring tar which they used to seal their canoes. Located just 12 miles south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria State Beach offers a charming mile of beach that's great for swimming, surf fishing, camping, and much more.
If you're a nature fan, keep your eyes peeled for seals, sea lions, and the occasional gray whale which may be spotted during the winter months. Kids and adults visiting in the summer will enjoy exploring tidepools filled with starfish, crabs, snails, anemones, octopi, and sea urchins, while everyone will love the awesome views of ocean sunsets.
Carpinteria State Beach also includes a visitors center, restroom facilities, campsites, RV hookups, and more. If you have the choice, plan your visit for late summer or fall, to make sure you get the best conditions for viewing the scenery. There's an Amtrak train stop here making it convenient to reach by public transportation, and many downtown shops in nearby Carpinteria, so you can enjoy the best of all worlds during your beach getaway!