The Details-

Carpinteria is the cutest little coastal town just a few miles North on the 101 from Ventura. I love visiting Carpinteria because it is such a short drive and it has such a charming, distinct feel that I instantly feel like I am on vacation. See more recommendations for visiting Carpinteria on our Day Trips page here.

The Beach is long and pristine. Carpinteria State Beach melds into Carpinteria City Beach creating a long coastline of mellow waters great for surfers and families looking to play in the surf alike! There are many lifeguard stands that are often staffed.

Hot Tips-

Parking- There is a small lot at the end of Linden that I usually have luck parking at during the week. There is also decent street parking in the area. There is a parking lot at the state park campground as well that has plentiful parking and charges $10 for the day. That lot can be found at the intersection of Linden and Sandy Lane Road

The bathroom situation is not ideal here. There are bathrooms and showers at the campground near the beach but it is not that close and it costs money to use the showers. We typically dust off with a towel and use the car potty or use the bathrooms at the spot we hit for lunch or a treat after the beach when we go here :)

Pair the Beach Outing with-

A hike to the Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary

A stroll through Carpinteria’s cute and historical downtown

A trip to Rori’s ice cream