The Carp Bluffs, one of the last stretches of undeveloped coastline between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, were preserved after an epic late twentieth century conservation battle. The bluffs offer some great walking paths that lead across to an observation point overlooking the Harbor Seal Preserve, then over to Carpinteria State Beach.
Facilities: None.
Cost: None.
Information: Maintained by City of Carpinteria, 805-684-5405
GPS Coordinates: N 34 23 217
W 119 29 92
Directions: From Highway 101 in Carpinteria, exit on Bailard Avenue. Head oceanward and park in the large dirt lot. Restrooms and drinking fountain in adjacent park. Series on Santa Barbara County beaches by the TrailMaster.
The Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve property was used for farming prior to and after World War II until the owner needed money so he leveled the property and I put in about 95% of the plantlife there, somebody unknown put in the pretty round bushes.