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You are here: Home / Blog / Enjoyable Things to Do in Carpinteria, California

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Enjoyable Things to Do in Carpinteria, California

This article discusses the many wonderful things to do in Carpinteria!

A lot of times California is synonym with beach towns full of boardwalks, piers, surfers, and stands selling fish tacos and ice cream.

I am not into stereotypes but it seems like the coastal part of the state turns into that when the barometer marks 75 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

With 800 miles of coast, there are hundreds of beach towns to choose from.  Therefore, many residents of the state know they are not confined to famous places such as Santa Monica, Huntington Beach or Santa Cruz.  It is all about finding a relaxing and friendly vibe.

Carpinteria, located 10 miles south of Santa Barbara, has all the elements that make a town great: the main street full of places to eat and drink, a beach, bike paths, reasonably priced accommodations and super approachable locals.

This post explores why this is an ideal place to visit and what can be done once you set foot in there.

Table of Contents

  • Carpinteria – What it’s in a name?
  • Things to Do in Carpinteria
    • Linden Avenue
    • World’s Largest Torrey Pine
    • Robitaille’s Fine Candies
    • Bungalow District
    • Carpinteria Valley Museum of History
    • Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve
    • Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary and Rookery
    • Tar Pits Park
    • Carpinteria State Beach
    • Carpinteria State Beach Camping
    • Water Activities
    • Carpinteria Salt Marsh
    • Canzelle Alpacas
    • Seaside Gardens
  • Close to Carpinteria
    • Padaro Beach
    • Rincon Point
  • Best Restaurants in Carpinteria
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch and Dinner
    • Tasting
  • More about the Area
    • Related posts:

Carpinteria – What it’s in a name?

Let’s start talking about the town’s name.  I know it may sound peculiar (or different since it doesn’t include a “San” or “Santa”).

When the Spaniards arrived in the area, they noticed the native Chumash had a canoe building enterprise on the beach.  The tribesmen used naturally occurring tar to seal the canoes (and make them float).  Spaniards started to refer to the place as “La Carpinteria” or the carpentry shop.

Nowadays, many shorten the name of the town and call it “Carp.”

Things to Do in Carpinteria

Carpinteria is a peaceful beach community with many nearby natural attractions.  A seal and sea lion rookery are located along the bluffs area.  There are tide pools full starfish, anemones, and urchins.  The tar pits are still visible today in one of the city’s park.

Without a doubt, the main attraction in here is the beach which some call the “world’s safest” because of its calm waves.

Carpinteria, World's Safest Beach

Here is a breakdown of the best things to do and see in Carpinteria.

Linden Avenue

Linden Avenue is the main artery in the city.  The street has the classic California look: tall palm streets, colorful shops, all sorts of eating establishments, bicycle lanes and slow-moving traffic yielding to pedestrians.

Relaxation is breathed everywhere.  The place is chic, cool and warm but it is not congested like Santa Barbara or Santa Monica.  You have the sidewalks all to yourself.

Even though the thoroughfare exhibits Old California charm, modern amenities catering to different needs are available.  You will find food establishments, gear shops, a supermarket, pharmacies and small convenience stores.

I recommend walking the entire length of the street to get to know more about the town. The other important thing to notice is that most businesses on Linden are local.  If you are visiting or stopping by, consider spending your dollars on those.

Linden Avenue

Carpinteria, Mural

World’s Largest Torrey Pine

The Torrey Pine is the rarest pine species in the United States and can only be seen on a natural reserve located between the cities of Del Mar and San Diego or on Santa Rosa Island (part of the Channel Islands National Park). I have written about the nature reserve located in San Diego County here.

Well, turns out the largest of these pines can be found in Carpinteria.

The Wardholme Torrey Pine was planted in 1888 and has grown to be the world’s largest.  This tree is huge compared to the ones you find on the reserve.  This is an easy to see, nice sight since it is located Downtown (across the public library).

What to do in Carpinteria, World's Largest Torrey Pine, Carpinteria

Robitaille’s Fine Candies

Carpinteria has a wonderful candy store called Robitaille’s.  The homemade mints of this family owned business were selected as the official candy of the 50th Presidential Inauguration.

All their chocolates, fudge, mints and brittles are handmade (no machinery).  The selection in the store is mind-blowing (up to 800 items).  Let me warn you.  It is really difficult to select what to buy.

In addition, the interior of the store is pure Americana and the staff is genuine and friendly.  I highly recommend paying a visit to this retailer.

Exact Address: 900 Linden Ave

Robitaille’s Fine Candies

Robitaille’s Fine Candies

Bungalow District

This district is full of charming and historic homes that range in style from ornate gingerbread to colorful beach shack. The heart of the district is found between Palm and Holly Avenues from the beach to Carpinteria Avenue.  Don’t be surprised if you encounter a house on the fun/unusual side.

Bungalow, Carpinteria

Bungalow, Carpinteria

Bungalow, Carpinteria

Church, Carpinteria, What to do in Carpinteria

Carpinteria Valley Museum of History

This museum, operated by the non-profit Carpinteria Valley Historical Society, examine the three major cultures that have called this area home.  Entrance is free but donations are appreciated.  Find more info here.

Exact address: 956 Maple Avenue

What to do in Carpinteria, Carpinteria Valley Museum

Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve

This 52-acre nature preserve is ideal for those who want to hike, bike, bird watch or walk along the beach.

Some of the paths do not have beach views.  If you want to walk along the bluffs (or access the beach), you need to get out of the “main” trail and cross the train tracks (exhibit great caution when attempting this, looks on both sides).

Once you have crossed the tracks, you will encounter several spots that afford great views of the beach, the Channel Islands, and the oil platforms. After a while, you are going to notice the path that will take you down to the beach.

The reserve can be found at the end of Bailard Avenue.

Carpinteria Bluffs Preserve, Things to do in Carpinteria

Carpinteria Bluffs Preserve, Things to do in Carpinteria

Carpinteria Bluffs Preserve, Things to do in Carpinteria

Things to do in Carpinteria, Carpinteria Bluffs Preserve,

Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary and Rookery

The Bluffs Preserve is connected to the seal sanctuary.

While walking north on the preserve, you are going to see the Casitas Pier.  Pay close attention to the sand next to the pier and you are going to notice several harbor seals sunbathing on the shore (they look like logs from afar).  They tend to be surrounded by brown pelicans and cormorants.

Pups can be seen during birthing season, January to June.  Please observe the animals from the designated viewing areas.  Humans are not allowed to go to that part of the beach (and there are signs telling you so, respect them).

Things to do in Carpinteria, Carpinteria Bluffs Preserve, Seal Rookery, Casitas Pier

Things to do in Carpinteria, Carpinteria Bluffs Preserve, Seal Rookery,

Things to do in Carpinteria, Carpinteria Bluffs Preserve, Seal Rookery, Casitas Pier

Tar Pits Park

Remember the story behind Carpinteria’s name?  The cool thing is that you can visit the spot where the Spaniards saw the locals building their canoes.

Active tar seeps are located at the tar pits park.  You are going to feel the smell once you are approaching the big black “rocks.”  This is a unique sight.  I have not seen something similar along the coast.

Things to do in Carpinteria ca, Carpinteria Tar Pit Park

Carpinteria State Beach

This is probably the gem of the town.  Many people visit because they want to experience a mile of beach ideal for swimming, surfing, lounging and tide pooling.

I found the sand on this beach very soft and fine (that is a rarity in California).  My only complaint is that I encountered a lot of driftwood, rocks, and seaweed.  I am sure this is seasonal and the perimeter is “cleaner” during summer.

Let me mention this beach is completely kid and family friendly.  Apart from water activities, kids can play at the Tomol Interpretative Play Area or run at a big green space located next to the beach.  There are multiple places to walk and ride bikes.

The beach offers the following amenities:

  • Tent campsites
  • Group campsites
  • RV spaces
  • RV sanitation station
  • Picnic areas
  • Restrooms
  • Showers
  • Boardwalk
  • Direct access to the beach
  • Green areas

Carpinteria State Beach, Carpinteria ca things to do

Carpinteria State Beach, Carpinteria ca things to do

Carpinteria State Beach, Carpinteria ca things to do

Carpinteria State Beach, Carpinteria ca things to do

Carpinteria State Beach Camping

The state beach offers four campground loops that total to about 200 campsites.  Each campsite has a table and a fire ring.  Onsite restrooms have coin operated showers with hot water.  Rangers offer interpretative programs for kids during summer.

Reservations need to be made way in advance since the place fills up quickly.  Find out more information here.

Water Activities

Several water sports are practiced at the Carpinteria Beach.  Please notice most of these activities are available during summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day).

The Carpinteria Beach Store (Linden and the beach) rents boogie boards and other equipment.  Kayak rentals are available during the weekend at the end of Ash Avenue.

Rincon Designs sells locally made boards and apparel.  They rent boards and wetsuits too.

A little bit away from Downtown Carpinteria, on a different strand of sand (Padaro Beach), you will find A-frame Surf, a store catering to all the needs of a surfer.  In addition, you can enroll in the classes offered by Surf Happens Surf School.

Rincon Designs, Carpinteria

Carpinteria Salt Marsh

This is one of the few remaining coastal wetlands in California.  The paths in this preserve have interpretative signs that help visitors to learn about the flora and fauna of the place.  Free docent tours are available on Saturday (10:00 a.m.)

Carpinteria Salt Marsh, Things to do in Carpinteria ca

Canzelle Alpacas

Seems like alpacas are taking the world by storm.  Their cute faces are featured on social media on regular basis and I see more and more kids holding alpaca plush toys.

If you want to do something different in Carpinteria, this is a good option.  Canzelle Family Farms have been breeding alpacas for over 20 years.  In addition, the farm is house to llamas, sheep, dogs, and cats.

You can only see the alpacas on a guided tour and reservations are needed.  There is nobody controlling access to the farm but if you are not participating in a tour, you will be asked to leave.

If you are going, the GPS will take you to a spot along a major road (4036 Foothill Road).  You then have to turn left and keep going all the way to the end.  It can be confusing since there is nothing indicating if you are going the correct way.

Canzelle Alpacas, Things to do in Carpinteria ca

Canzelle Alpacas, Things to do in Carpinteria ca

Seaside Gardens

This business offers everything you may need to start your own garden (or to take care of one).  They have a wide selection of soils, plant species, tools, fountains, bird feeders, ornaments, pottery, containers and more.  I loved their succulent area since the variety was astonishing.

The nice thing is that the public is welcome to visit the store’s 3-acre botanical garden.  They present 11 garden vignettes showing habitats from different parts of the world.  This is a good option for those who want to escapes the beach for a bit.

Seaside Gardens

Seaside Gardens

Seaside Gardens

Close to Carpinteria

Padaro Beach

This beach is located north of town along the Santa Claus Lane and Padaro Lane.  Sometimes locals call the segment along Santa Claus Lane “Santa Claus Beach.”  Therefore, do not get confused if you hear the term.

Parking in here is on the street and there are no restroom facilities (except for some porta potties along the road).

Padaro Beach

Padaro Beach

Rincon Point

There are beaches on both sides of Rincon Point.  To the north, you have Rincon County Park and to the south, Rincon Point State Beach.  The beaches are accessed from the Bates Road exit on the 101 Freeway.  This is a very popular place for surfers.

Best Restaurants in Carpinteria

Carpinteria has many good places to eat.  Thus, do not worry.  You are going to eat well while enjoying the beach.  Here are some of my favorite restaurants in town.

Breakfast

I love, love The Worker Bee Café.  This joint offers egg dishes, pancakes, sandwiches and shakes.  I had the potato skins with scrambled eggs, jalapeno bacon, green onions and sour cream last time I visited.  It was beyond delicious!

The food is good here but the owners/servers are what make this place special!

The Work Bee Cafe, Best Restaurants in Carpinteria

Other breakfast options include Crushcakes and Café, Jack’s Bistro & Famous Bagels and Esau Café.

Crushcakes & Cafe

Lunch and Dinner

The lunch and dinner options are good too.

I really liked the food at Rincon Brewery.  My husband had the fish tacos and I had the La Reina trip tip tacos.  We cleaned those plates in a matter of minutes.  Their menu consists of sliders, burgers, sandwiches, soups, and salads.  Their atmosphere is relaxing and welcoming.

Rincon Brewery Fish Tacos, Best Restaurants in Carpinteria

Rincon Brewery Tri tip Tacos, Best Restaurants in Carpinteria

In addition, I like the Thai food at Siam Elephant and the Japanese fare at Sushi Teri. For pizza, you can go to Nutbelly and for tacos go to Tacos Don Roge.

And, you cannot leave town without trying something from The Spot.  This small, unassuming shack has a killer line every single time I visit.  The serves burgers, pastrami sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos, fries, onion rings and shakes among other things.  This is a local favorite for sure!

Siam Elephant, Carpinteria, Best Restaurants in Carpinteria

For good coffee, Lucky Llama Coffee House is your best bet.

Tasting

If you want to spend some time tasting (after all, this is Santa Barbara County), you can head to Rincon Brewery or Island Brewing Company.  You can taste the offerings by ordering a flight or a paint (they let you taste a before ordering).

If beer is not your thing, The Apiary serves cider and mead (fermented honey and water).  That is something unique that you can try (it is not that common to find mead in California).

Corktree Cellars offers wine flights and tapas on Linden Avenue.

More about the Area

North of Carpinteria you will find the Gaviota Coast.  You can read my post about the area in here.

Santa Barbara is located about 10 miles north.  Make sure to visit this beautiful city.

Places to Visit in Santa Barbara

Best Beaches in Santa Barbara

Plus, here are some post with more ideas on things to do in Southern California.

Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List

20 Reasons to Love Los Angeles

Ultimate San Diego Bucket List

150+ Places to Go in Orange County

Orange County Beach Towns

I do hope you visit Carpinteria one day and experience all the fun and incredible lifestyle. Have you been?  What are your recommended things to do in Carpinteria?

Remember to share if you enjoyed this post!

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Things to do in #Carpinteria, Santa Barbara County – Travel tips and ideas – Carpinteria is a peaceful beach community with many nearby natural attractions (seal and sea lion rookery, bluffs, tide pools full starfish, anemones and urchins). In addition, there are beaches, camping and water activities. This guide will give you plenty of ideas on what to see, do and eat in this beautiful beach town! #SantaBarbara #California #US

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The farm’s dairy produces a variety of award-winning goat cheeses ranging from plain to cranberry walnut and garden chive, and more. The cheeses alone are well worth the visit! The best thing about visiting Harley Goat Farms is their baby goats. Take a farm tour during the spring months after the baby goats, or “kids” as they’re called, are born. Then, you’ll be able to see and hold a baby goat! The farm tour is also super informative and you’ll learn a lot about how to hold a baby goat, the farm’s operations, animals, and their cheese. The highlight of it all are definitely the baby goats, they are too cute! Stop by a Hot Spring By Athul from Our Backpack Tales Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Glass Mountain Ridge in California is the Crowley Hot Springs also known as Wild Willy's Hot Springs. You can reach the trail close to US 395 by taking the Benton Crossing Road. The Crowley Hot Springs are open 24 hours a day and it is absolutely free. From the parking lot, you can see an elevated wooden walkway. A short walk of around 0.32 km through the beautiful backdrop of mountains is an amazing experience. The walkway slopes slightly downward and ends almost abruptly by the pools. It is about 10 feet wide and 3 feet deep, and you can easily take a dip in it! This hot spring contains one small and one large pool. The temperature in these pools can vary from 95 to 105 degrees. The bigger pool can accommodate a dozen of people but the small pool can accommodate some. The area surrounding the pool is stunning with mountains and grasslands in the backdrop. There are few option for camping in the surrounding area. These hot springs are in a fragile ecosystem so all should follow leave no trace behind policy to keep them clean. Things to Do in California - Central California Here are some of the things you can do around California’s Central area. If you ask me, this is one of the most thrilling parts of the state. Drive Around Big Sur By Dhara from It's Not About the Miles Driving the Big Sur stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway between Carmel and Ragged Point should be high on your list of things to do in California. Considered one of the most scenic coastlines on the planet, the drive gives you the opportunity to enjoy magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Central California coastline. Just a little over 75 miles in length, Highway One hugs the water for most of this route. Where it does not, for short stretches, you will drive through towering redwoods or bucolic countryside. There are numerous pullouts where you can park and enjoy the views at leisure, and take lots of photos. Some of the best places to stop on the Big Sur Coast drive include Point Lobos State park, just south of the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the very wild Garrapata State Park, with hiking trails if you want to stretch your legs, and the historic Bixby Creek Bridge, considered an engineering marvel. Drive the road in late spring after the rains are over, and you will see gorgeous wildflowers along the road. The hills are green at this time as well, and look gorgeous against the blue of the ocean. Ride a Buggy at the Oceano Dunes By Sharon from Daily Dream 360 If you are looking for a little adventure on the beach, you may want to consider a dune buggy ride at Oceano Dunes State Park, which is located 3 miles from Pismo Beach. This activity is a great add-on when visiting the San Luis Obispo region of California. You will find plenty of Dune Buggy rental companies just outside the state park entrance. Once you complete a vehicle orientation, you'll be driven to the site within the state park and get set up with your vehicles. Your tour operator will offer directions, a map and will guide you to the area where you are allowed to drive your buggy. The park has a designated area for off-road vehicles and several restrictions with regards to speed. What I loved about the Dune Buggy ride was that I was able to choose my level of thrill. Some of the Sand Dunes were very high, and there was a high risk from coming down from a dune and getting stuck before moving back up another. For thrill-seekers, there is plenty of challenging dunes to conquer. For those less adventurous, there were some smaller hills and the very scenic ride along the ocean. Photo by Sharon Read More: Things to Do in Pismo Beach Things to Do in Avila Beach Things to Do in California - Southern California This is the part of the state I call home. After more than 15 years living here, I am still discovering new places. Check out the super fun recommendations below! Road Cycle in Santa Barbara County By Clare from Epic Road Rides If you fancy a spot of road cycling, Santa Barbara County in southern California, is a fantastic place to do it. It's a beautiful region that’s warm and sunny for much of the year. Winters tend to be short and mild. Head to the Santa Ynez valley and you’ll find quiet rolling roads that take you through gorgeous vineyards and pretty ranches with wide open fields dotted with well-groomed horses. In the village of Solvang, you’ll find an excellent bike shop that can fit you out with everything you need (you can rent too) and set you off to explore the countryside. There are around 120 wineries in this area, clustered around the pretty towns and villages of Solvang, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez. Many cyclists take the opportunity to combine cycling with a wine tour as many of the wineries open their doors to people who want to come and learn about wine and enjoy some wine tasting. Exploring by bike is the best way to really get to know a region, and I highly recommend the Santa Ynez Valley! Photo by Clare Read More: Things to Do in Solvang Mountain Bike at Snow Summit By Heather from That OC Girl If you thought Big Bear’s Snow Summit was only for winter, you got it wrong. In the summertime, the ski lifts at Snow Summit are transformed into mountain bike lifts, taking you up to an elevation of 8,000 feet and dropping you into the coolest downhill bike park in Southern California. Snow Summit has around 18 miles of mountain bike trails, including trails for the beginner all the way to the most advanced riders. The beginner level trail “Going Green” is the longest in the park at 2.5 miles, and is the most basic of all. It’s a great idea to start with this trail to get warmed up! The blue-rated trails are the most fun; this is where you can really let loose and sharpen your skills. The trails rated as black diamond are the most difficult trails in the park. You will find built-in features like jumps and berms, but most of the time you can bypass those features if you are not up for the challenge. Get some practice in at the Base Area to improve your skills before attempting those difficult trails! Day or season passes are available and the park is open to all – kids and adults! Open and closing dates. Photo by Heather Read More: Big Bear Weekend Guide Dive the Channel Islands By James from Travel Collecting One of the top things to do in California is to dive the Channel Islands. There are eight Channel Islands off the coast of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Five of them make up the Channel Islands National Park. The largest, Catalina Island, has places to stay and shore dives as well as boat dives are available. However, you can take day trips straight from just north of LA (Ventura Harbor) to Anacapa Island and just south of LA (San Pedro) to dive sites around Catalina. Dive boats also leave from Santa Barbra to the northern islands, though these are further offshore. The main attraction is diving the Californian giant kelp forests. Kelp stretches from the sea bed up more than forty feet to the surface, creating a magical forest to swim through. Winding your way through a thick screen of golden kelp is an incredible experience. The kelp is home to cheeky seals and sea lions that zoom out of nowhere and right up to your mask, as well as bright orange garibaldi fish. This was one of my favorite dives from the many I have done around the world. It also makes a nice contrast to the other more urban things you can do in Los Angeles. Hike to the Hollywood Sign By Caroline from Pictures and Words Few things scream LA more than the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the movie industry. One of the coolest things to do in California is to hike up to the Hollywood sign, one of the most iconic sights in LA. Technically, the sign itself is blocked off (and don’t even try to jump the fence) so you are hiking to right behind and above the sign. Still, this is the closest you can get to the sign being able to get so up and close to the iconic monument is such a cool experience! The hike starts inside Griffith Park, from where you can take the Brush Canyon trail. It is a 6.5 mile out and back hike, and is rated moderate difficulty with an 1100 foot elevation gain. Allow about 2 1/2-3 hours to complete the hike. Also be aware that there is hardly any shade on the trail and it tends to get really hot, really fast, so be prepared and carry lots of water with you. Read More: One Day in LA: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 2 Days in Los Angeles: Downtown-Based Itinerary Self-Guided Multicultural Tour of Los Angeles By Team Hazard Rides Again LA is incredibly diverse. There are people here from every corner of the Earth and LA is happy to give each culture its due. Tim and I once went to 3 cultural events in a single weekend – and we weren't even trying hard. On Friday night we went to a chamber music concert at the big Downtown Library. On Saturday night we were in Hollywood to see Amadou and Mariam, a blind couple from Mali who rocked the Afro-pop scene at the El Rey Theater. And on Sunday we were in Chinatown for a big cultural celebration. There is no single recipe for doing a cultural tour of Los Angeles. There are just too many options. But here are some places to look so you can put together your own multicultural tour of Los Angeles. There are neighborhoods throughout the city like Little Tokyo, Olvera Street, Little Ethiopia, Little Bangladesh and Chinatown, just to name a few. Some of them are a bit touristy, but still fun and there are also many unnamed enclaves where various cultures flourish. They often hold festivals as well. And Long Beach seems to have a festival for something every other week. Keep an eye on local calendars. There are also exhibits and performances exploring different cultures all over town. The Craft and Folk Art Museum on Wilshire almost always has something culturally unique going on, as does the Fowler Museum on the UCLA Campus. You can also check out the USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena. Again, to name just a few. Then there are the performances, like Amadou and Mariam we mentioned above, or Prince Diabate whom we saw in some tiny club in Santa Monica. One of the best places to look for these more eclectic events is the LA Weekly. LA's multiculturalism is one of its most awesome features and it's something not to be missed if you're visiting the city. It's easy to stack events that are near you or that suit the dates of your visit. It's LA. There's always something going on! Hike in Joshua Tree National Park By Julie from Family Travel Lifestyle While California is famous for National Parks like Yosemite and the Redwoods, one of our lesser-known parks, Joshua Tree, offers fantastic hiking in a unique desert environment. Located in southern California – just east of Palm Springs, and less than a 3-hour drive from San Diego – Joshua Tree offers numerous trails at every level of hiking. What I love about Joshua Tree is that it isn’t as crowded as many other parks and it’s smaller which means you can do a one-day visit and still get in some great hikes and really feel as though you saw the park. Also, this park offers a lot of loop trails, which I tend to prefer to the ‘out and back’ trails. One of the most popular and can’t-miss trails in Joshua Tree is the Skull Rock loop. It’s pretty easy, good for all levels including children, and you get to see the famous and giant Skull-shaped boulder. There’s a great kids’ nature walk called the Discovery Trail that’s less than a mile if you have really little ones. The bigger hikes offer a great variety of sights. There are several hikes up to different peaks, with outstanding views of the mountains and desert. You can hike out to a palm tree oasis or walk through the boulders and include a little scrambling on your hike. The one thing to watch out for is the heat – it’s no joke at Joshua Tree, so come prepared and enjoy! VIsit the Sunny Jim Sea Caves By April from SoCalFunFamily La Jolla is known for the locals who hang around the beach. And no, I am not talking about the hodads, you know, non-surfers, but the friendly seals lounging right there on the sand. It’s also known as an incredibly fun family area, for its good food, and having the coolest sea caves. However, there is only one cave you can explore without a kayak. And that cave is only accessible through Sunny Jim’s Cave Store. From the exterior it looks just like any other beach themed gift shop, but upon further review you might see the long dark tunnel leading what looks like directly into the ground. This is the access to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave, which was dug out in 1902. To reach the bottom you will pay $5 for adults, and $3 for children, walk down 145 dark, narrow stairs and come out on a damp wooden platform to take in the waves and views from below. This hidden gem is a unique experience if you are in the area. But, make sure to mingle with the locals on the shore below and check out the free, smaller caves right there as well. Read More: One Day in San Diego Pedal Boat At Lake Murray By Martina from Stack Your Dollars One of the best and most relaxing things to do in sunny San Diego is to take a ride on the water at Lake Murray. On a hot day, getting on a pedal boat is a great way to get a nice breeze and cool off. You’ll also be putting those leg muscles to work and getting in some fun exercise! Lake Murray is a 171 acre reservoir with a 3.2 mile shoreline; it can be found on the border of San Diego, La Mesa, and Santee. To rent the pedal boat, you have to go into the concession stand by the parking lot. It costs about $15 to rent per hour, with an additional $15 for a deposit. The boat fits about 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. This low-cost activity is a great way to get out and have fun. It allowed my family to stick to our very frugal budget. If you would prefer, there are also kayaks, canoes, row boats, and motor boats. However, the pedal boat is my favorite because it also has a canopy to block the sun! Whale Watch in Newport Beach By Rebecca from KwaFare One of the most thrilling outdoor experiences you can have in California is to get up close and personal with some of the largest animals on earth. Whale watching in Southern California can put you right in the migratory path of humpback, minke, fin and gray whales. Even orcas are spotted from time to time, as well as sperm whales and blue whales, the largest animal to have ever lived. An excellent spot for whale watching is Newport Beach, which is only about an hour from LAX airport or downtown Los Angeles. Newport Beach is a cozy community where you’ll find Balboa Pier and Island and some great beaches. My go to whale watching company here is Davey’s Locker. And for good reason. First, they regularly have sales for their whale watching tours on Groupon. So, for about the price of a movie ticket you can take a front row seat to these magnificent creatures for over a couple of hours. But what I really enjoy is hearing the excitement of the crew every time we get to see a whale out at sea. This testifies to just how electrifying it is to witness these deep sea giants in their natural habitat. Despite how many times they get to see them, every time it’s a thrill. And the thrill is definitely contagious. You just never know what you are going to see when you get out on the boat. However, if you want to up your chances of sighting whales go out during their migration times. In general, winter and spring are great times to see gray whales, humpback and minke whales. And summer and fall are ideal for blue whales, finbacks, orcas and sperm whales. So whether you find yourself in the middle of a pod of hundreds of dolphins or next to an enormous blue whale, this is one of those things to do in California that is not to be missed! Visit the Center of the World By Theresa from The Local Tourist Just inside the border in the southeast corner of the state, you can put your toes on the officially designated Center of the World. Felicity, California, is home to the Museum of History in Granite and the Center of the World and is a destination worth a visit that's a whole lot less kitschy than it sounds. In 1985, Jacques-André wrote a children’s book titled “Coe: The Good Dragon at the Center of the World.” Somehow, this Frenchman and Father of American Parachuting convinced the Imperial County Board of Supervisors and Institut Géographique National, the French Mapping Agency, that property he owned in Imperial County should be declared the Center of the World. You can visit this town, population two, and not only make a wish inside a pyramid but also browse granite tablets etched with history. They're designed to last 4,000 years and the goal is that they'll preserve the entirety of humanity for millennia to come. It's a quirky destination with a noble promise, and should definitely be on any southern California itinerary. ATV in the Imperial Sand Dunes By Kay from The Awkard Traveler It isn't general knowledge, but California has sand dunes. Some of the best California sand dunes are found in Southern California. Specifically, the Imperial Sand Dunes State Park right near the border of Mexico. Winter is arguable a better season to visit, especially when summer temperatures can easily reach over 110F. But that also means winter is the most busy time to visit. So, pick your poison. From San Diego, the drive is about 2.5hours, 2 hours from Palm Springs, and 3 hours from Los Angeles, making the Imperial Sand Dunes an easy day trip if you do not want to stay nearby. However, there are camping and RV options at the state park! To enter the park, permits are required from October 1 through April 15 each year. Permits are $35 per week in advance and $50 per week if purchased onsite. Season permits are $150. America the Beautiful National Park pass also counts for this park. Once you are all settled into the park, you're ready to ride! But before you get into your off-highway vehicle (whether it is ATV or a bike, or other), make sure to remember the basics. Wear a protective helmet, pay attention to "closed to vehicle signs," and tall visible red flags are REQUIRED on your vehicle for visibility and safety! There you have it! Tons and tons of ideas on things to do in California. Hope you find this article useful when planning your next getaway! More of California Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles Ultimate San Diego Bucket List 150+ Places to Go in Orange County Places to Visit in Santa Barbara What are your favorite things to do in California? Let me know in the comments section below. Pin “Things to Do in California” for later!, Pigeon Point LighthouseThings to Do in California: Golden State Best Colorful building, trees and flowers in Downtown Santa BarbaraDowntown Santa Barbara: Things to Do, See and Eat


39 Comments

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Comments

  1. Mary {The World Is A Book} says

    April 15, 2018 at 8:10 pm

    We are hoping to go to Central CA during Memorial weekend. We’ve always bypassed Carpinteria along the highway and now I know we’re missing a lot. Those bungalows are beautiful and I think the alpacas alone will convince my kids to do this pit stop. Thanks for the virtual tour and inspiration.

    Reply
  2. Cristina - Memories of the Pacific says

    April 16, 2018 at 9:48 am

    I love learning about new places! I lived in the Bay Area for a year but never heard of Carpinteria (being Spanish the name sounds so funny to me). Looks like a beautiful place and the food, yum! I’ve always wanted to visit Santa Barbara so maybe next time I’m in California I get to go there and visit Carpinteria too 🙂

    Reply
  3. Kalpanaa says

    April 16, 2018 at 9:54 pm

    What a sight for sore eyes this post is. Wonderful photographs.

    Reply
  4. Photo Cache says

    April 16, 2018 at 9:56 pm

    Your posts on charming coastal towns of this great state has inspired me to think about roadtripping along 101/Hwy1 from San Fran to La Jolla. I’m already planning this in my head and I’m using your posts as guides.

    Reply
  5. Guru says

    April 17, 2018 at 2:38 am

    What an amazing post to read on Carpinteria. You’ve covered everything in Carpinteria and pictures are amazing. Finally a well organized blog post and Thank you sharing such amazing information.

    Reply
  6. image-in-ing: weekly photo linkup says

    April 17, 2018 at 3:07 am

    Beautiful photos!
    Thanks for linking up at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/04/titanic-movie-costumes-on-display-at.html

    Reply
  7. Kelleyn Rothaermel says

    April 17, 2018 at 10:37 am

    Lovely! Thanks for the tour!

    Reply
  8. Kay L. Davies says

    April 17, 2018 at 4:55 pm

    Wow, what a fun and comprehensive tour of the Carpinteria area. I sent a link to my husband, even though we have no plans to visit California…we never know what we might want to do some day.
    Kay
    An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel

    Reply
  9. Sarah says

    April 18, 2018 at 8:25 am

    I always learn about such great under the radar (for me) places in California from your blog! Carpinteria looks lovely, especially those old houses. I could spend hours just wandering and admiring them!

    Reply
  10. California Globetrotter says

    April 18, 2018 at 10:22 am

    Omgosh the bungalow district is adorbs!! And I didn’t know there was a “largest Torrey pine!” Definitely a new area for me, yet again! #WanderfulWednesday

    Reply
  11. Lady Fi says

    April 18, 2018 at 10:24 am

    I like the rocky coastline!

    Reply
  12. Christine Keane says

    April 18, 2018 at 12:41 pm

    Alpacas! I love reading your posts and learning more about the lesser known CA coastal towns. They are all so pretty and have so many things to do! And that rocky coastline is so beautiful!

    Reply
  13. Taylor Taverna says

    April 18, 2018 at 4:13 pm

    Such a great post! I actually ate at Siam Elephant last time I visited! Such a beautiful place! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  14. Melanie says

    April 18, 2018 at 4:56 pm

    I have never even heard of Carpinteria; this spot of Cali looks stunning!! The Bluffs Nature Preserve and Seal Sanctuary would be right up our alley. Adding this to our list!! Thanks!!

    Reply
  15. Al says

    April 18, 2018 at 5:56 pm

    It looks truly beautiful – if I’m in the area again I’ll have to add it to my list. Those bluffs are my favorite, as we don’t have anything resembling a sea shore for approximately a thousand miles of where I live!

    Reply
  16. jill says

    April 18, 2018 at 6:24 pm

    I’ve not been to Carpinteria but I’d love to go. I especially love your photos of the Bungalow District. It looks idyllic!

    Reply
  17. Carly says

    April 18, 2018 at 8:06 pm

    I’ll definitely pass this list on to my parents – they often ride down to California on their motorcycles and I know they’re looking for cute new places to check out!

    Reply
  18. Sophie says

    April 18, 2018 at 8:54 pm

    This place sounds like it has it all! I have a friend that lives near here and she absolutely loves it so I will definitely have to check it out.

    Reply
  19. Joy Generoso says

    April 18, 2018 at 11:53 pm

    What a beautiful place to explore and lots of things to do. I hope I’d get the chance to visit that side of the world. 🙂

    Reply
  20. Margarita says

    April 19, 2018 at 12:26 am

    Looks like such a lovely, relaxed spot. And it’s got seals! Would love to spend a weekend in Carpinteria

    Reply
  21. Eniko Krix says

    April 19, 2018 at 1:45 am

    Tasty food, cute bungalows, seals and bike paths? I am sold! I spent 2 weeks in Santa Barbara, but never heard of Carpinteria. I will make sure to check it out on our next visit! 🙂

    Reply
  22. Nicky says

    April 19, 2018 at 8:44 am

    Oh I just love west coast america. I did the drive up route 1 from San Fran to LA a few years back. Incredible wildlife and gorgeous small communities. I LOVED Santa Barbara. I’ll add this onto my list for next time!

    Reply
  23. Christina says

    April 19, 2018 at 9:03 am

    Wow this city has everything! There is charm just about everywhere you look. This seems like the absolute perfect place to live. We have always considered living in California and we may have just found our city. There really does seem to be something for everyone here.

    Reply
  24. Sharon says

    April 19, 2018 at 5:28 pm

    This is interesting to me because I know as a child I would visit Carpenteria, where our family friends had a lemon orchard. I don’t remember anything about the town, though. I love those gingerbread houses especially. And of course, the beach. I’ve driven past Carpenteria so many times as an adult, on my way to and from Santa Barbara — I need to stop and see this place next time instead of speeding by!

    Reply
  25. Pat says

    April 19, 2018 at 7:12 pm

    California has so many beautiful coastal towns! I must visit again soon

    Reply
  26. jesh stg says

    April 19, 2018 at 7:30 pm

    Not knowing you had done this post, I am posting word this weekend of April 21 for my meme ALL SEASONS the road from LA to Santa Barbara. For the last years before we moved up North we spent our 4th of July at Santa Barabara, next time we have to include Carpentera! Sooo Californian:):) Great post, Ruth!

    Reply
  27. Aimee horgan says

    April 19, 2018 at 9:42 pm

    Such a detailed post, it seems like you’ve covered everything to do, see & eat in this sweet town. I’ve never heard of Carpinteria before but looking at the cutest bungalow district and those beaches I may just have to pay the area a visit.

    Reply
  28. Eve says

    April 19, 2018 at 9:59 pm

    This place looks adorable. I like the architecture and the beach is a great addition. I’ll definitely add this to my list.

    Reply
  29. Sharon Wagner says

    April 20, 2018 at 7:23 am

    That Victorian was tripped out! It looks like lots to see and do along this gorgeous coast line. Wish I was there.

    Reply
  30. Dee says

    April 20, 2018 at 12:15 pm

    And I love reading about small towns in California here on your blog, Ruth. Thank you for showing us Carpinteria. 🙂

    Reply
  31. Natalia says

    April 20, 2018 at 6:18 pm

    I enjoyed reading yout guide for Carpinteria. It is very comprehensive and interesting with lots of great things to do. The photos are awesome too!

    Reply
  32. Shona says

    April 21, 2018 at 12:49 am

    Who doesn’t love a seaside town and Carpentaria ticks all the boxes. I particularly like the architecture, especially in the quaint bungalow district. The seaside gardens would also see me wandering among them. I’m learning a lot about the California coast from you and loving it.

    Reply
  33. Rhonda Albom says

    April 21, 2018 at 5:10 am

    I have heard of this town before but I have never visited it. Carpenteria sounds like it has everything that other So Cal beach towns have (and perhaps a bit more) but is a bit more laid back. I wouldn’t mind seeing those alpacas at Canzelle.

    Reply
  34. Scarlett Begonias says

    April 21, 2018 at 7:34 pm

    Carp is so quaint, I just love it! I would love to check out the cute little shops, especially that candy store. This is going on our Cali Coast bucket list, thank you for sharing the details!

    Reply
  35. Trippin' Turpins (Kelly) says

    April 24, 2018 at 8:06 pm

    Carp looks fabulous! It is exactly what Dwayne and I like… nice beach, lots to do, wildlife and a cute town with restaurants and bars. Pinning this for later.

    Reply
  36. Marcelle says

    April 25, 2018 at 3:50 am

    I always heard California is beautiful but too busy. I think I found a place where I could stay for some time which I’d really like. The bungalow district in Carpinteria is great and worth to look for some accommodation there.

    Reply
  37. Kreete says

    April 25, 2018 at 4:36 am

    I can imagine living the Bungalow district. The houses are the right kind of funky! The beaches look great and the food makes my mouth water! Straight to the list of things to do when I finally get to America!

    Reply
  38. Vicky says

    April 26, 2018 at 8:05 am

    You had me at the word ‘ice cream’ and it just got better from there.

    I would love to visit the seal sanctuary, and I adore alpacas so I’m totally there!

    Thanks for such an interesting read, you gave a good little history intro to the name of Carpinteria.

    #feetdotravel

    Reply
  39. Jeams Jully says

    May 29, 2018 at 10:36 pm

    After reading your post, I’m collect some info… about Carpinteria, that might interesting. Your post inspires me to should go on this city. this small city has so many things that I love most. I love the beach and pictures are sound so nice.

    Reply

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