Welcome to Carpinteria
Enshrouded by verdant nature, this accessible Santa Barbara suburb is as relaxed and carefree as it is beautiful.
The quiet and small oceanside town of Carpinteria lies a few miles south of the magnetic thrum of Santa Barbara, a serene retreat outfitted with one of the area’s best beaches. Gently rolling hillsides are blanketed by woods in Carpinteria while swaying palm trees line the low-key paths of the laid-back Downtown district.
Carpinteria has a reputation for its quietude and the gentleness of its ocean waves. The city wasn’t officially incorporated until 1965, but holds a long history of appeal. Present-day Carpinteria is the venue for the California Avocado Festival, which draws in more than 100,000 attendees each year on the first weekend of October.
Many of the homes in Carpinteria were built during the town’s residential boom shortly after its incorporation. Another era of development began during the early 2000s and is continuing through today, resulting in a myriad of architectural and housing styles including Cape Cods, sprawling ranch estates, posh condos, and custom new-build opportunities. Some of the most coveted homes in Carpinteria rest up in the foothills, bragging inspiring vistas that span for miles.
What to Love
- Local-oriented lifestyle away from the bustle of more tourism-driven spots
- Soft and sandy beach with ideal waves for both surfing and swimming
- A mere 15 minutes from Downtown Santa Barbara and its energetic fun
Local Lifestyle
The large quantity of private, gated communities in Carpinteria gives a hint about the priorities of its residents, who crave the tranquility of solitude as well as the ease of luxury. Despite being more affordable than its Santa Barbara counterparts, Carpinteria is still a community of affluence, and its residents are treated to both convenience of location and the joy of abundant nature.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Carpinteria comes to life along Linden Avenue, the town’s hopping commercial heartbeat that’s lined with fashionable boutiques and trendy eateries. Whether it’s stocking up on supplies for a healthful, nutritious lifestyle at Pacific Health Foods, buying the perfect vintage jacket at the Traveling Pants consignment shop, or finding the entry table of your dreams at Whimsy Antiques, the shops of Carpinteria make retail a breeze.
The true star of the show in Carpinteria, however, is its vivacious culinary scene. Teddy’s by the Sea, for instance, has some of the freshest American seafood in the county, and The Food Liaison is a counter-serve favorite that locals often choose to cater their special events.
Carpinteria also has several noteworthy breweries and wineries, including but not limited to: Rincon Brewery for creative taps, cool crowds, and pub fare; Island Brewery for family-fun and award-winning craft beers, and the Rincon Mountain Winery Tasting Room for an assortment of sumptuous wines in a casual setting.
Things to Do
Carpinteria has over 4,000 feet of ocean access, which features pristine, sandy beaches as well as the hidden gem surfing destination: Rincon Point. Rincon Point might be lesser-known to the public, but to avid surfers, its waves are legendary and have been ridden by the greats like Tom Curren and Bobby Martinez.
Known as the “Queen of the Coast,” Rincon Point has also contributed to the storied history of the sport of surfing itself, playing a pivotal role in the surfing revival that followed WWII, pioneered by Beat Generation surfers. For a beach with a more commercial feel — as Rincon Point is devoid of concession stands and nearby shops — travelers head to locations like Carpinteria City Beach, tucked next to top local eats. The natural tar pit lakes at Tar Pit Park are a must-see for first-time visitors, who will appreciate the rarity of their occurrence.
The tight-knit community of year-round Carpinteria residents has a cornucopia of options for getting together throughout the year. The annual California Avocado Festival is touted as the state’s largest free music festival, while the Rods and Roses Car Show appeals to autophiles county-wide with its showcase of American classics and muscle cars.
Schools
Carpinteria is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
-
Cate School, 9-12, the #1 ranked best private boarding high school in California
-
Carpinteria Family, K-5, highly rated public elementary school