"Fun in the Sun, Carpinteria State Beach" Carpinteria State Beach by KimberlyAnn

Carpinteria State Beach Travel Guide: 11 reviews and 24 photos

Carpinteria State Park (rhymes with Maria) is located in the popular resort community of Carpinteria, California. With a beautiful setting nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the ocean, Carpinteria is a center for commercial flower and avacado growing as well as tourism. Located 12 miles southeast of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria has sandy beaches, and the Channel Islands, which lie off the coast create a natural reef breakwater that prevents riptides. This State Beach also has very nice tide pools and one of the state’s largest camping facilities. The wildlife in the state beach is made up of small mammals, lizards, tree frogs, birds, and tiny sea creatures. Also keep your eyes open for harbors seals swimming along the beach area. The climate here tends to be warm in the summer, but it can be cool in the fall and winter, so layered clothing may be needed during these cooler seasons.

Carpinteria, the Town

Downtown Carpinteia

We loved this small California town with it’s beautiful mountain backdrop, and wonderful restaurants. The state park is located right in the downtown area, and the streets are well laied out with bicycle lanes, making it easy to ride around town and to the post office.

Habor Seal Fountain

The town is very clean, and the people seem to take pride in their community. I especially liked this Harbor Seal fountain in the downtown area.

Pros and Cons

Cons:Off Shore Oil Platforms mar the pristine view of the Channel Islands.

Last visit to Carpinteria State Beach: Feb 2007
Intro Updated Jul 29, 2011
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (11)

Trader Joe's In Santa Barbara, CA - Carpinteria State Beach

My Favorite Chain Food Market Shopping (1)

This is not your ordinary large grocery store. Smaller in size, there are a lot of organic foods, and unique items as... more travel advice

Palm Trees In Carpinteria Down Town Area - Carpinteria State Beach

Weekly Farmer's Market Local Customs (1)

Carpenteria has a farmers market once a week in the down town district, a short walk or bicycle ride from the state... more travel advice

Carpinteria Beach - Carpinteria State Beach

Don’t Step in the Tar! Warnings and Dangers (1)

The Spanish named the area Carpinteria because the Chumash Indian people who use to live in the area built their large... more travel advice

Giannfranco's Trattoria - Carpinteria State Beach

Eat Italian Restaurants (2)

Do you like cozy restaurants, and a pool of oil with herbs, spices, and sun-dried tomatoes to dip your bread in? Then... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Camping in Carpinteria State Park
Been to Carpinteria State Beach?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (4)

Reply
- Report abuse
Tugboatguy May 23, 2008 at 10:16 AM

Anne, You are spot-on with your gr8 tips-Carpinteria is a favorite spot for winter camping & has the safest ocean beach in all of California. Oil sands are a mixed blessing-what with the current price of oil. When are you & Gary returning 4 vacation? Doug
Reply
- Report abuse
cnango Mar 22, 2008 at 5:48 PM

Giannfranco’s sounds Yummy! The sea life & bird pics were amazing & your tips very informative. Thanks for sharing ! Nancy : )
Reply
- Report abuse
nickandchris Dec 22, 2007 at 10:44 AM

Brilliant!!! Don't fancy "moose" as a sweet (mousse.)!!!!! You make our motorhome look tiny......
Reply
- Report abuse
deecat Nov 13, 2007 at 4:51 PM

What an excellent job you have done on these Carpinteria St. Beach pages. Wonderful restaurant tips...that Italian one sounds outstanding. The seals, the birds, the beach...all so terrific.