Carpinteria
Discover Carpinteria
Carpinteria is a small oceanside city in Santa Barbara County, California. The name translates to "Carpentry". Located in California's Central Coast, this city of about 13,000 is most known for its large sandy beach and state park. Sacramento, the capital city, is 613 km to the north and Santa Barbara, the county's administrative center, is 18 km to the west.
What to Experience in Carpinteria
Taste of Carpinteria...
A few of the places to eat in Carpinteria are The Spot and Little Dom's. The Spot offers a medium price food selection from burgers to fries to tacos.
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Carpinteria into what it is today.
Prior to the European residence, Carpinteria was home to the Chumash tribe of Native Americans in the village of Šujtu (later known as Mishopshnow). In 1769, Gaspar de Portolá and his crew settled the village for Spain and named in La Carpinteria, which eventually evolved into what it is known as now. In 1912, Carpinteria made an effort of modernization to attract tourists and adopted the nickname World's Safest Beach, which it still uses today. Traditionally, agriculture and fishing such as avocados, grapes, and nuts were the main economic activities. In the 1960s, oil fields were developed in California Offshore Oil Field, and oil manufacturing became the main industry, and food processing and manufacturing industries also developed. It is a resort located in the middle of Ventura and Santa Barbara, and there are camping grounds and trails along the beach, so you can enjoy fishing, boating, and surfing. The nearby coast is famous as a breeding ground for seals and sea lions, and it is an area where various sea creatures, including gray whales, live. Highway 101 goes north to San Francisco and south to Los Angeles. Santa Barbara MTD provides bus service to Goleta and Santa Barbara. VCTC operates buses to those cities as well as Ventura and Oxnard. Greyhound stops in Oxnard and Santa Barbara. Amtrak has a station on the Pacific Surfliner route between San Luis Obispo and San Diego, via Los Angeles....
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsHighway 101 goes north to San Francisco and south to Los Angeles. Santa Barbara MTD provides bus service to Goleta and Santa Barbara. VCTC operates buses to those cities as well as Ventura and Oxnard. Greyhound stops in Oxnard and Santa Barbara. Amtrak has a station on the Pacific Surfliner route between San Luis Obispo and San Diego, via Los Angeles. The nearest stop for the long-distance Coast Starlight train, running between Los Angeles and Seattle, is in Santa Barbara or Oxnard. Santa Barbara has an airport which flies to several destinations. Los Angeles International Airport is about 100 mi (160 km) away and has cheaper flights to many more destinations. There is an airport shuttle, Santa Barbara Airbus, which travels 8 times a day to/from LAX. A great way to get around, given that the city is small and compact. Moving a car can be a hassle, especially in the summer when it is crowded. However, parking is free throughout the city....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
A great way to get around, given that the city is small and compact. Moving a car can be a hassle, especially in the summer when it is crowded. However, parking is free throughout the city. There was a shuttle bus run by Santa Barbara MTD which traveled in a loop around the city on 20 minutes increments, but it has been suspended since 2020. E-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft can be used to get around the city. The Santa Barbara MTD operates a rideshare service called The Wave with designated pickup locations, but it has not yet launched outside of Goleta. Seals and sea lions have a rookery at the Carpinteria Bluffs and can be seen from December through May. There are also tide pools in the area that contain anemones, sea urchins, crabs, starfish, snails, fish and octopus. Visit the beautiful beach. Visit the State park and go shopping in the various antique stores through the town. Ride along the Seaside Shuttle to visit historical sights throughout the city.
Money & Budget
A few of the places to eat in Carpinteria are The Spot and Little Dom's. The Spot offers a medium price food selection from burgers to fries to tacos.
Safety Information
Glimpses of Carpinteria
Carpentry tool
A variety of tools, including a hammer and cordless drill, sit on top of a table made of wood boards.
Carpenter in action
Timber framing tools
carving closeup no. 2
assorted hand tool lot on brown wooden shelf
Young carpenter working with cutter in his studio
Staining wood with white spray gun, application of flame retardant ensuring fire protection, airless spraying device, industrial concept
Two carpenters working on a piece of furniture in a carpentry workshop.
Close-up of tools in a carpentry workshop.
Carpentry tool
A variety of tools, including a hammer and cordless drill, sit on top of a table made of wood boards.
Carpenter in action