Location: Carpinteria
Top Things to do in Carpinteria
Top 9 Nature & Parks in Carpinteria, California (CA)
Just 12 miles southeast of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria (called “Carp” by locals) is a charming, coastal community with a pedestrian-friendly main street (Linden Avenue), mom-and-pop shops, gourmet cafés and antique stores. The pavement leads to Carpinteria’s sparkling beaches, including Carpinteria State Beach, dubbed “the world’s safest beach.” Beyond the shoreline, Carpinteria’s foothills and verdant mountains are peppered with flower nurseries, polo fields, avocado orchards and horse ranches.
Restaurants in Carpinteria
1. Seaside Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By patriciasB965SA - Sunnyvale, United States
Seaside Fardens is a nursery and botanical garden with a variety of sections landscaped to display various regional planting’s ie. grasses, desert, native CA, Asian influenced etc. it is fun to stroll along the paths and become inspired to improve your own garden. The knowledgeable staff is helpful and accommodating with suggestion for plants you can purchase. There is a plentiful selection of beautiful succulents and great ideas for trying your hand at creating your own arrangements. There are lots of planters and garden kitsch you can easily spend a couple of hours on your visit. I wish I had a place like this close to home.
2. Canzelle Alpacas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Nestled in the foothills of Carpinteria overlooking the ocean, Canzelle Alpacas is home to a herd of over 50 award-winning alpacas, llamas, sheep, chickens, horses, dogs and Archie the Water Buffalo! Come take a tour of these exotic animals!
Reviewed By kelleyo456
Canzelle Alpacas is an hour of fun! We arrived at 2:00 PM on a Wednesday and were the only people scheduled to meet the alpacas at that time. First, we entered a small, fenced-off field where there were about 15 female (many pregnant) alpacas being guarded by 2 neutered male llamas. With the guide/ranch manager (Humberto) we were able to pet, hug and learn a lot about alpacas. It was very informative, and Humberto was extremely knowledgeable and easy to talk to. Like, for example, the llamas are with the alpacas to act as guards against predators during the day. We learned so much from Humberto, and he was so attentive to us, we acknowledged him with a gratuity. He seemed surprised to receive one, but was super appreciative. (Gratuity is not suggested by the business, but we felt one was deserved!) Next, we made our way to another area of the ranch where younger alpacas were being kept, as well as other females. The male alpacas are kept in a separate area, as well as separated from each other, and we didn't pet them. Here we learned more about the characteristics of some of the champion alpacas that have been shown and won awards across the country. Who knew that there were alpaca competitions!?! Third, we met the newest resident, a water buffalo that had been rescued. He was very gentle and allowed us to pet him. Last, we made our way to an upstairs room where some of the competition awards and ribbons are displayed, as well as several products made from the alpaca hair are on display for sale. Overall, it was a super fun afternoon. At the end of the "tour" we ended up meeting and chatting with the owner of the ranch for quite a bit. She was friendly and very down to earth.
3. Carpinteria State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 424 reviews
Reviewed By healthyme
Terrific family beach for kids, teens and elders... Make reservations ASAP for a pull in campsite. Lots of tent spaces for bike and car travelers. Very interesting next door playground around theme of Chumash indians. HUGE lawn area for local events, kite flying and letting kids run wild. Sandy beach with tide pools on rocks at low tide. Not many shells but some great stones for collector’s pockets. Easy walk to town. Burgers at 50 Year old The Spot location a must, A truly happy place.
4. Tomol Interpretive Play Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By HalesLife - Carpinteria, United States
My grandchildren have grown up playing at the Tomol Interpretive Play Area. It's directly across the street from The Spot burger shack and great for little kids. They have soft padding on the ground to protect from falls. The equipment consists of a roller slide, triple steeper slides, a Chumash canoe, and jungle gym "huts." There is a path to run around, which includes a "rainbow bridge" and climbing rocks. Seal and whale climbing structures are also there for the kids to enjoy. There's a little grassy area to sit on and several benches for parents to use. Trains come by often and it's fun to wave at the engineer. In my opinion, the area is not appropriate for children over eight or nine. It's definitely designed for the toddler to six-year-old set.
5. Carpinteria Harbor Seal Preserve and Rookery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By 520debbic - Anaheim, United States
Beautiful walk to look down spot on the rookery. Many seals, moms and pups and young ones playing in water. Easy walk to black and Tar Pits area with many bird.
6. Rincon Bike Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By 473rayv
About 1 mi. south of the dedicated bike lane along Highway 101 where the bike lane joins Pacific Coast Highway (1) there is Ventura County Fire Station 25 where you'll find a clean restroom accessible from the outside; bike pump and tool station, and fresh drinking water fountain and several tables. This is an excellent stop between Carpinteria and Ventura and the smart way to avoid the porta-potty toilets. There are other restrooms open to cyclists at both Hobson and Faria Beach county campgrounds, and both have great snack bars where you can order hot meals, beverages and other nutrition drinks.
7. Carpenteria Bluffs Nature Preserve
8. Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Dmfw
This is a small reserve which can be a bit muddy. Great for a short walk to see birds. We visited on a lovely day in December and saw many different birds including a snow goose and the yellow capped heron. There was plenty of water as the tide was in so the ducks and scooters were plentiful, as were herons and egrets.
9. Tar Pits Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By RicOlsen - Orange, United States
I was out for a morning run and got here by accident. It was so beautiful I had to stop my run and just enjoy the view. Tons of birds. The trail can be a bit sketchy due to erosion so stay on the well marked path. Watch your step as the tar pits and the residue can be anywhere.
