Linden Avenue is one of the two main drags through Carpinteria. Of course, it is the main road that leads to the beach. It is home to a number of excellent restaurants, shopping (especially antiques) and services.
Enjoy the day in the sun! Here you can go for a hike and see rare plants, birds, and other animals in a natural setting. Access to Carpinteria City Beach is at the end of Linden, Elm, Holly, and Ash Avenues. If no street parking is available in town, there is a large public parking lot in the state park nearby with an entrance on Palm Avenue (there is a small fee for all day parking).
The Carpinteria Harbor Seal Preserve is home to almost 100 adult seals who give birth to their cubs on the Carpinteria shoreline; one of the four harbor seal rookeries remaining along the southern California coast. Stop on the bluffs above the seal preserve, to quietly watch the seals playing in the water and sunbathing on the shoreline. The best spot for viewing is well marked with a sign, and has a bench for resting. The sanctuary is a protected birthing habitat for harbor seals from December 1 through May 31st. Tip: Bring binoculars for the best view, please be respectful and do not attempt to approach the seals from the beach Directions from Linden Avenue: Hike or bike south along the bluffs (the Coastal Vista Trail) that leads through Tar Pits State Park, then along the railroad tracks out to the seal rookery. This amazing trail stretches just over a mile without ever leaving the waters edge.
Get your hiking shoes ready! Here are some trails in Carpinteria: https://www.alltrails.com/us/california/carpinteria Here are some trails in Santa Barbara: https://www.alltrails.com/us/california/santa-barbara
Reservations are required to visit Canzelle Alpacas, both Group and Private Tours are offered. Note: tours tend to book out 1-2 weeks in advance, so make sure to plan ahead!
The Funk Zone is converted warehouses and buildings decorated with graffiti murals and contemporary art pieces set the tone for this 'hip' section of town, filled with wine and quality restaurants. Don't miss out on the Urban Wine Trail — a self-guided trail of 20+ tasting rooms representing Santa Barbara County wines.
Stearns Wharf is California’s oldest working wharf, offering beautiful views, unique clothing and souvenir shops, handmade ice cream, freshly caught seafood at three full-service restaurants, etc. Afterwards, you can walk the long stretch of sandy beaches on either side of the wharf.
Santa Barbara Zoo is a 30-acre park that houses 146 species, including mammals, reptiles, birds and insects, exhibited in open, naturalistic habitats.
This charming village is worth a visit for its striking Danish architecture, numerous wine tasting rooms, and bakeries offering authentic Danish treats. It is ~45 minute drive from Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara Trolley Company offers daily tours that leave from the Visitor Center at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. This is a great way to see the Santa Barbara Courthouse, Santa Barbara Zoo, Museum of Natural History, Old Mission Santa Barbara, Stearns Wharf, East Beach, the harbor and more.
Enjoy the heart of Santa Ynez wine country, home to some of the best California vintners, with this highly recommended wine tour. *There are numerous other tasting rooms available in town.
The Paseo Nuevo is open-aired shopping malls. Also, if you continue to follow State Street and you’ll also find small, locally owned boutiques inside La Arcada. Website: https://santabarbaraca.com/businesses/la-arcada-courtyard/
Lotusland is a stunning 37-acre Montecito estate that was transforming into a unique horticultural nirvana.