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 the Chumash tribe, which lived in the area, had a large seagoing canoe-building enterpirse, or "carpentry" shop there. The tribe had chosen the location because of naturally-occuring 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 urchins.

For those with RVs the tow vehicle or second vehicle may have to park in another location. Camping is available in the campground but NOT permitted directly on the beach. Call ahead for a beach wheelchair. Generator hours are 10 am to 8 pm. DOGS ARE PROHIBITED ON THE BEACH!

Need a Carpinteria State Beach Campground?
Reservations for Carpineteria Beach available at:

Carpinteria State Beach Reservations

Directions:
Carpinteria State Beach and campground is located twelve miles south of Santa Barbara, off U.S. 101,to Highway 224, take Casitas Pass exit to Palm Avenue.

Carpinteria State Beach Campground
5361 6th St.
Carpinteria CA 93013

Near Carpinteria State Beach...

El Capitan State Beach
Refugio State Beach

Hotels Near Carpinteria State Beach...

Santa Barbara CA Hotels
(about 12 miles Northwest of Carpinteria State Beach)
Ventura CA Hotels
(about 16 miles South of Carpinteria State Beach)
Oxnard CA Hotels
(about 26 miles Southeast of Carpinteria State Beach)