Things to do & places to visit in Carpinteria, California, United States

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.

Carpinteria city in California, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 21:27.

Top things to do (28)

Top places to visit (29 attractions)

5.0 Seaside Gardens (35 reviews)
- Wow! They Have It All
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops • Gardens

The employees are great here. They invited us to take as many photos as we wanted while walking through their various garden areas. They have a Grassland area, a Wetlands area, succulents, California native plants, Asian, Australian and South African areas. Paths intertwine and it is a lovely space. They have very unusual varieties here. They have a gift shop with lovely items, plus a large plant stock area that you can browse. They have a wonderful selection of pottery and even a table where you can pot your own succulent selection. We spent about ninety minutes walking through the various displays. There are restrooms in the gift shop if you have need of them. See more..
5.0 Chocolats du Cali Bressan (34 reviews)
- Exquisite chocolates
Food Tours

We were driving from Santa Barbara to Oxnard, looking for both interesting places to see and a gift to buy along the way. We stumbled upon a listing for this small factory/store on TripAdvisor and we were sold! It's located in an industrial park, though I think we saw at least one winery tasting room in the building too. What a delightful selection of exquisite chocolates. There is a large variety and each has a unique shape, color, and/or ingredients. Took us awhile to choose what we wanted, not having tasted any of their chocolates before (except for the delicious sample we got while waiting in the short line). Together with another traveling couple, we bought boxes of 6, 12, and 15 chocolates -- the latter as a Father's Day treat for ourselves -- and some unboxed ones to eat in the car! It was a special treat to meet and chat with the owner/chocolate chef himself. See more..
5.0 Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (13 reviews)
- Great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
Friday: 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM Health Clubs • Sports Complexes

Polo games begin at 1:00 and 3:00pm each Sunday May-October. A really fun outing for the family. Entrance fee of $10 for 18 and older included a lovely magazine and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine! They even had sparkling cider for kids and non-drinkers. The announcer was great, making the game easy and fun to follow. Wear a cute hat for fun and sun protection! See more..
5.0 Canzelle Alpacas (13 reviews)
- Up close and personal
Friday: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos

NO WALK-INS! Reservations are required to visit Canzelle Alpacas. Book an amazing tour experience at Canzelle Alpacas! During the tour, you will learn about all of our animals and get to personally experience the Alpacas -- they love snuggles and kisses and are quite photogenic :) You will also be sure to enjoy our gorgeous views. We offer both Group and Private Tours, which you can learn more about and book directly on our website. Please note that you must have a tour reservation to visit the farm, as we cannot accommodate walk-ins. Pro-tip: Our tours tend to book out 1-2 weeks in advance, so make sure to plan ahead! See more..
5.0 Friends of the Library Used Bookstore (10 reviews)
- I Love This Bookstore & Visit Frequently!!
Speciality & Gift Shops

I am local Carpinterian and visit this used bookstore often to either donate oe buy used books. Used hardbacks are $2 and used paperbacks are $1. The Friends of the Library Used Bookstore frequently has book sales, so you can even purchase books at a deeper discount. Friends of the Library Used Bookstore is operated by volunteers and all proceeds benefit the public library, which is wonderful! Also this store front has ample free parking, is light and bright + very clean. Volunteers are very friendly and helpful, See more..
5.0 Robitaille's Fine Candies (8 reviews)
- Huge selection
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Is like taking a step back in time so many candies I couldn't decide and their sugar free selection is huge I will stop by when I return next time See more..
5.0 Seastrand (2 reviews)
- Adorably cute
Speciality & Gift Shops

Need a new outfit? Or just sunglasses? Seastrand has a great selection of local jewelry, art, in addition to great clothes. Taylor, the owner, knows her clothes! Need info about what to do in Carpinteria- just ask Taylor. She is fun and knowledgeable. Need to buy tickets for the Plaza Playhouse theater? You can get them at Seastrand. See more..
5.0 HEAT Culinary (1 review)
- Fantastic Cooking Class Experience
Spent 2-3 hours Cooking Classes

At HEAT Culinary, we strive to create an environment that is both educational and entertaining, and we welcome everyone from the experienced home cook to those who have never boiled water! Every class begins with a short introduction to key kitchen equipment, knife techniques, etc - and then we dive right in to the recipes and get cooking. See more..
5.0 Palm Loft Gallery (1 review)
- a little off the beaten path, but so worth it! Wonderful art!
Friday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries • Art Museums

Palm Loft Gallery is a local treasure. you will find only original works of art by established painters and wonderful, but under-recognized artists. The setting is beautiful. the shows are lovingly and expertly arranged; a work of art in themselves. the artists' receptions are fun and free! treat yourself to an artful visit. See more..
5.0 Rose Story Farm (1 review)
- Fun Activity
Spent 1-2 hours Farms
Rose Story Farm is a working farm specializing in cut garden roses. Your visit will be up close and personal with our 25,000 stunning rose plants. We have over 200 varieties planted on 15 acres of fertile farmland.You will experience an educational, docent led, walking tour through the fields - followed by lunch in the garden. See more..
4.5 Carpinteria State Beach (431 reviews)
- Boardwalk in Carpinteria
State Parks • Beaches

We did not reach the main area of this State Park but enjoyed the Boardwalk at the end of Linden Street. At the parking lot, there was a ping pong table, and musicians playing their guitars. We enjoyed seeing families playing on the beach but stayed on the Boardwalk with beautiful flowers surrounding it and lovely views of the ocean. We could not believe how pristine the beach was! See more..
4.5 Carpinteria Harbor Seal Preserve and Rookery (127 reviews)
- Carpenteria Bluff trail access
Nature & Wildlife Areas

This is a beautiful easy trail but, know that you CANNOT park at the end of Dump Road. It is privately held and monitored by security. You CAN park at the main intersection with Carpenteria street, park there, WALK down Dump road to the path intersection right after the railroad tracks. This access puts you in the middle of the trail. See more..
4.5 Island Brewing Company (71 reviews)
- Always visit when in town
Friday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Using the power of craft beer to create friends and community since 2001. Island Brewing Company is a family-run, award-winning microbrewery in Carpinteria, California serving beer enthusiasts, bars, and restaurants along the beautiful Santa Barbara coast. We feature an assortment of fresh, flavorful ales, along with seasonal releases and occasional barrel-aged offerings at our tasting room, complete with a view of the Pacific and Channel Islands National Park. Our beers are distinctive, handcrafted, and made from the finest ingredients to insure the highest quality and have received awards from top beer competitions. Come visit and taste for yourself. See more..
4.5 Tomol Interpretive Play Area (34 reviews)
- Beutiful Setting for the Kids to Play!
Playgrounds

This is a great spot for families to bring the kids to play. The one drawback is that it is directly alongside the train tracks and the train whistle is very loud possibly causing hearing damage! Otherwise, a nice spot for kids to hang out. See more..
4.5 Carpinteria Valley Museum of History (30 reviews)
- Eye Opening History of Carpinteria Valley
Speciality Museums

As I have said in other reviews, I love little museums. This museum is small. It is filled with the care and devotion of a volunteer staff that is truly devoted to the history of the Carpinteria Area. The docent led tour is so filled with history and geographical data that it can get overwhelming. Even in a small museum as this. For a few tidbits, Carpinteria has / had some of the best asphalt mines in the country, and the Indians knew about it and used it in making their ships and in their trading with other tribes. Carpinteria was at one time the largest exporter of Lima beans. The care in maintaining the artifacts is truly admirable as the descriptions of living from a time passed is laid out in detail. If you are ever in Carpinteria this is a fun excursion, and it is free. See more..
4.5 Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve (29 reviews)
- Really Enjoyable Morning
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Lookouts

We spent the morning walking the trails along the bluffs, going down to the beach and watching the seals and birds on the beach. It was all very beautiful and my daughter had a blast watching seals. Definitely time well spent! See more..
4.5 Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park (18 reviews)
- Hidden Carpinteria Delight
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

I went with a group on a Sunday morning bird walk, with a birder leading us. This is a great place to get out and be with Nature. It is part of the University of California Reserve system. it is normally closed on weekends, but this was a special event and we had a UC rep with us. Normal hours are 8am to 5pm M-F. Trails are hard packed, and there are no bathroom facilities. People with physical limitations should call ahead (805) 684-5405 to see if it's appropriate. See more..
4.5 Rincon Bike Trail (14 reviews)
- A Must on a Sunny Day!
Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Scenic Drives

This bike trail has just been constructed along the Rincon south of Carpinteria. The views of the Channel Islands and the coast are spectacular as the beach and waves are right beside you. The route is dead flat and paved in concrete. The trail is 3.6 miles long beginning just south of Carpinteria at the world famous surf break, Rincon Point and continues down the coast to Mobil Pier Road. From there you can either turn around or continue along the old, two lane Hwy 1 that has wide paved shoulders. Bring a snack or ride past the Mobil Pier to Hobson County Park snack shop for a snack and a drink. The ride is easy one for any age and the views are the best! See more..
4.5 A-Frame Surf Shop (11 reviews)
- The Real Deal
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing
I've rented wetsuits and boogie and surf boards from theses guys for several years. Good service, friendly staff and the shop is located very close to a beginner-friendly beach and some good lunch places. Alternatively you can rent some gear here and head down to Rincon for a more challenging venue. They've also got a good selection of tee shirts and beach gear. There's lots of on street parking close to the shop and the beach so this makes for an easy afternoon of body surfing or boogie boarding. The waves here are gentle enough for smaller kids and beginners and they have surf lessons as well. Non surfers can walk the beach down toward Padaro lane.. See more..
4.5 Island View Nursery (4 reviews)
- Amazing plants and decorative items
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

Found this place by accident while cruising through Carpenteria on Hwy 192. Wow! Huge selection of interesting plants and some great outdoor decorating things like pots, benches, and large rusty iron sculptures of horses, dolphins, giraffes, etc. Beautiful to visit even if you don't buy anything (we bought a few small plants). See more..
4.5 Homestead Antiques & Trading (3 reviews)
- Vintage desk find & great service
Antique Shops

Found a vintage writing desk with leather top in great condition for a reasonable price! We couldn't transport it in our rental. They allowed us to pickup another date (their policy allows for a 30day pickup window). Definitely coming back to treasure hunt. See more..
4.5 Carpinteria and Linden Pub (2 reviews)
- Laid back pub with friendly crowd
Friday: 3:00 PM - 2:00 AM Bars & Clubs

Popped in here one saturday night when it seems that nowhere else in Carpinteria is open. But even though it was the only choice it's the best. It is a fairly basic, slightly ramshackle bar but it has warmth and character. The barman is cheerful and chilled out. The locals are friendly and talkative. The music is good. The beer cold. It has two well maintained pool tables and there's free ping pong and darts. Even the pub dog wants to be your friend. See more..
4.0 Tar Pits Park (42 reviews)
- Don't get stuck!
Beaches

Bring lots of tar remover and watch your step. Fascinating oozing of tar out of several locations. The entire coastal cliffs are the result of millions of years of tar accumulation. Chumash Indians used the tar to water proof their canoes and water baskets. See more..
4.0 Laughing Buddha Thrift (2 reviews)
- Love this shop!
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Antique Shops

Laughing Buddha Thrift is a unique boutique style thrift store filled with "reincarnated treasures" all at thrift store prices! See more..
3.5 Apiary Ciderworks & Meadery (4 reviews)
- Great way to try new drinks
Wineries & Vineyards

We needed something to do before a wedding and thought this would be fun! We loved this place and the vibe. Staff was very friendly and helpful in choosing our tasting selections, the other patrons were also friendly and helpful. Live cider and We had never had Jun or Mead before but ended up The Elderflower Jin was our favorite! Definatley go try it out. Oh and they have board games to play while tasting See more..
Santa Barbara Hives (0 review)
Speciality & Gift Shops • Factory Outlets • Farmers Markets

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Island Outfitters On Linden (0 review)
Speciality & Gift Shops
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Carpinteria Wellness & Carp Yoga Center (0 review)
Friday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sports Camps & Clinics

Truly experience and enjoy the small beach town vibes of Carpinteria by relaxing and rejuvenating with our stellar massage, chiropractic, acupuncture or yoga services. Enjoy intimate and caring yoga classes and therapeutic-grade massages. Wether to initiate full-engagement in vacation mode, or to rejuvenate for the week as a local, we offer wholistic care to improve your life. See more..
Angels Antiques (0 review)
Spent < 1 hour Antique Shops

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