Our ocean side community of Carpinteria offers a small-town feel, but with spectacular mountain views, world-class beaches, and a thriving local economy. Carpinteria Beach, one of the most beautiful anywhere, is known for its gentle waves and soft white sand, and Rincon Point is arguably one of the best surfing places in the world. But Carpinteria is not just for surfers and sun-loving beach goers. There is so much to do here, with more than 60 restaurants, bike and hiking paths, camp grounds, and by one count more than 100 activities!
One of the most interesting places to visit is the Seal Preserve, with 100 adult seals who give birth to their cubs at the Rookery. The tide pools delight young and old alike with their fascinating starfish, anemones, crabs, snails, and sea urchins. For bird-watchers, there is the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve, a relatively unspoiled wetland, sheltering rare and endangered plants and birds. Carpinteria is famous for the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, which last July hosted Prince William and Princess Kate, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, at a charity polo event.
Nestled between the foothills and the Pacific Ocean, Carpinteria has the ideal climate for Cymbidium orchids, and is the biggest producer in the country. With agriculture as the main local industry, avocadoes are featured prominently at the very lively annual Carpinteria Avocado Festival. During the first weekend of October, roughly 80,000 attend the two-day festival to sample every avocado recipe imaginable.
The Carpinteria Valley Historical Society & Museum showcases the three distinct cultures in Carpinteria’s long history – Chumash, Spanish and American. Today, the diverse population numbers about 13,000 residents, and includes a sprinkling of celebrities who have chosen to call Carpinteria home. By all accounts, Carpinteria is an outstanding place to live, work, and play.
