What to do in Carpinteria, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

An aerial view of a coastal town with residential areas, roads, and solar panels.
A coastal town with a marina, residential buildings, and palm trees.
A rocky shoreline with waves crashing against the rocks and a sandy beach with birds.
A sunset over a reflective water body with silhouettes of two people and sparse vegetation.
A street lamp with a lit bulb, palm trees, and a mountain in the background.

Things to do

Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

฿1,148
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

฿1,214
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Helicopter Beach Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

฿2,263
per adult
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

฿1,246
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

฿505
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

฿1,476
per adult
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental
Santa Barbara to Santa Monica Audio Tour

Santa Barbara to Santa Monica Audio Tour

฿557
per traveller
Santa Barbara to Santa Monica Audio Tour
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What to do in Carpinteria

Stay near popular Carpinteria attractions

A sunset over a calm beach with a reflective water surface.
Photo by David Simmington
Open Photo by David Simmington

Carpinteria State Beach

9.0/10 (1,028 reviews)
Explore a mile of pristine shoreline where gentle waves meet rich tidepools teeming with starfish and sea anemones. Visit the nearby Harbour Seal Preserve to observe these captivating creatures in their natural habitat.
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Where to stay in Carpinteria

Find the best Carpinteria areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Carpinteria
Learn more about Carpinteria

Padaro Lane

Though Padaro Lane may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club and Carpinteria State Beach.

A beach with cracked sand and driftwood.

Sandyland Cove

If you're spending some time in Sandyland Cove, Carpinteria State Beach and Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park are top sights worth seeing.

Day trip destinations from Carpinteria

A coastal landscape with cliffs, clear turquoise waters, and distant mountains.

Ventura

A vineyard with rows of grapevines and a hilly landscape with trees and mountains in the background.

Santa Barbara

Frequently asked questions

Is Carpinteria worth visiting?
Offering a mix of coastal beaches and nature, there are plenty of things to do in Carpinteria. When you're here, head to Santa Barbara Zoo, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Carpinteria?
Start your day with a visit to Santa Barbara Zoo and Butterfly Beach. Then, check out different parts of Carpinteria for local restaurants and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Carpinteria?
Don't leave without exploring Santa Barbara Zoo, rated the top tourist attraction in Carpinteria.
Is three days enough to stay in Carpinteria?
Three days in Carpinteria is plenty of time to visit the city's major highlights. Many travellers book for two days on average. Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary, Summerland Beach and Lookout Park are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Santa Barbara.
Is Carpinteria a walkable city?
That all depends on what you want to do and see in Carpinteria. Several key attractions, like Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary, are reachable on foot. If you feel like a stroll around one of Carpinteria's neighbourhoods, Sandyland Cove is 2 kilometres away from downtown.
What are some activities to do in Carpinteria with kids?
Deciding what to do in Carpinteria with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're holidaying with toddlers or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Carpinteria for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of nature, there are lots of things to do in Carpinteria for adults including Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club and Santa Barbara Cemetery.
Are there free things to do in Carpinteria?
In Carpinteria, Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary is an unmissable spot for anyone planning to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a great way to discover the best free things to do in Carpinteria.