Carpinteria State Beach
Carpinteria, California
| GPS: |
34°23'30.8"N 119°31'13.1"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | California |
Restrooms Picnic Tables
Camp, Hike, and Swim
Twelve miles south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria State Beach offers a mile of beach for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring and camping. The Spanish named the area Carpinteria because of the Chumash tribe, who lived in the area, had a large seagoing canoe-building enterprise, or "carpentry shop" there. The tribe had chosen the location because of naturally occurring surface tar which was used to seal the boats. Seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May, as well as an occasional gray whale. Tidepools contain starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi and sea urchin.
Carpinteria Beach is a clean beach with fantastic staff. Lifeguards patrol the beach year-round and are staffed from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Camping at this beach is a peaceful getaway where you are within walking distance to town so there is no need to drive. It's close enough to shopping places in case you need anything. There are group sites, family sites, and RV sites with full hookups. The campground is in excellent proximity to the beach and the hiking trail. You'll wake up to the waves crashing right by your "backdoor"! Explore the tar pits, tidepools, and the bluffs as well as learn about the local history at the nearby visitors center. Carpinteria Beach has breathtaking sunsets and isn't typically crowded due to the number of campsites available.
NOTE: It's best to reserve a camping spot ahead of time because they go fast and you're not likely to get one at the last minute.
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
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- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Carpinteria, California
- Head northeast on Linden Ave toward Carpinteria Ave (30 ft)
- Turn right at the 1st cross street onto Carpinteria Ave (0.2 mi)
- Turn right onto Palm Ave (0.4 mi)
- Palm Ave turns right and becomes Sandy Land Rd (200 ft)
- Turn left onto Palm Ave (0.1 mi)
- Turn right onto 4th StDestination will be on the right(259 ft)
The park is off U.S. 101, twelve miles south of Santa Barbara. Exit at Casitas Pass Road, travel West on Casitas Pass Road to Carpinteria Avenue, make a right at the signal; then turn left on Palm. The beach is at the end of Palm Avenue.
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