Carpinteria State Beach
Visitor Guide
A mile of calm Pacific sand and a big year-round campground just south of Santa Barbara. What it costs, how to book a site, where to park, and the rules to know.
What Is Carpinteria State Beach?
Carpinteria State Beach is a California State Parks beach in the town of Carpinteria, 12 miles south of Santa Barbara off U.S. 101. It has about a mile of sand for swimming, surf fishing and tide pooling, and a large year-round campground with four loops. Day use costs $10 a vehicle, and the park is open sunrise to sunset.
Campsites are booked through ReserveCalifornia up to six months ahead. Dogs can stay in the campground and day-use area but not on the beach, and fires are allowed only in fire rings and barbecues. The park has been open since 1932 and covers about 60 acres; see its history.
Carpinteria at a Glance
Calm Water, Tar and Seals
Carpinteria is known for calm summer water, and State Parks' master plan explains why: a reef just offshore and the Channel Islands soften the swell. The town has called it the "World's Safest Beach" since at least the early 1920s; see the beach.
- Lifeguards: towers are traditionally staffed Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
- Tar on the sand: it comes from natural seeps in the bluffs, the same asphaltum the Chumash used on their canoes. See tar seeps.
- Harbor seals: the City of Carpinteria closes the rookery beach east of the park December 1 to May 31. See harbor seals.
What to Do at Carpinteria State Beach
Camp by the sand, swim in calm summer water, explore the reef at low tide, and watch harbor seals from the bluff.
Camping
Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel loops, from tent sites to full hookups and beach rows.
Loops & Rules →
The Beach
About a mile of sand with calm summer water behind an offshore reef.
Swimming & Lifeguards →
Tide Pools
An intertidal reef State Parks calls the most diverse in Santa Barbara County south of Point Arguello.
Reef Guide →
Harbor Seals
A city-run seal rookery east of the park, closed December 1 to May 31, seen from a bluff overlook.
Overlook & Dates →
Rincon Point
The world-famous point break down the coast, where State Parks runs a lot and trail.
Surf & Parking →
Visitor Center
Summer Junior Ranger and campfire programs, school field trips and the Tomol play area.
Programs →How to Get to Carpinteria State Beach
U.S. 101 to Highway 224, then Palm Avenue.
Getting There
The park is on Highway 224 off U.S. 101, about 12 miles south of Santa Barbara, at205 Palm Avenue, Carpinteria, CA 93013. See the directions.
For the Day
Park in the day-use lot, 7 a.m. to sunset, $10 a vehicle. Space is limited for vehicles over 21 feet combined. See parking.
Park Contact
Park office (805) 566-2494. ReserveCalifornia 1-800-444-7275. Official notices are on theState Parks page.
Carpinteria State Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to go to Carpinteria State Beach?
Vehicle day use is $10. State Parks says special rates may apply at peak season, on busy holidays and on weekends. See hours and fees.
How do you book a campsite at Carpinteria State Beach?
Through ReserveCalifornia, online at ReserveCalifornia.com or at 1-800-444-7275, from the same day up to six months ahead to the day of arrival. See reservations.
Are dogs allowed at Carpinteria State Beach?
In the campground and day-use area, on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, except service dogs.
Can you swim at Carpinteria State Beach?
Yes. The water is usually calmest in summer, and lifeguard towers are traditionally staffed Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
What are the hours at Carpinteria State Beach?
Sunrise to sunset for day use; the campground map lists the day-use area as 7 a.m. to sunset. The campground is open year-round.
Where is Carpinteria State Beach?
At 205 Palm Avenue, Carpinteria, CA 93013, on Highway 224 off U.S. 101, about 12 miles south of Santa Barbara. The park phone is (805) 566-2494.