Series on Santa Barbara County beaches by John McKinney the TrailMaster.
This is one of the state park system’s more popular beachfront campgrounds. A broad beach, gentle waves, fishing and proximity (walking distance) to downtown Carp are among the reasons for this popularity. The state beach adjoins Carpinteria City Beach, which extends down-coast along a line of homes. Carpinteria residents boast they have “The World’s Safest Beach” because, although the surf can be large, it breaks far out, and there’s no undertow.
Facilities: Bike path, picnic area, campground, restrooms, volleyball courts
More information: 805-968-1033
GPS Coordinates: N 34 23 614
W 119 31 489
Directions: From Highway 101 in Carpinteria, exit on Linden Avenue and head south (oceanward) 0.6 mile through town to avenue’s end at the beach. Park along Linden Avenue (free, but time-restricted) or in the large Carpinteria State Beach lot (fee).





Wish I was there now that summer has finally arrived! My favorite beach by far.