Plan Your Visit

Carpinteria State Beach is an easy stop on U.S. 101: 12 miles south of Santa Barbara and within minutes of Ventura, on Highway 224. Day use runs sunrise to sunset for $10 a vehicle. Book campsites up to six months ahead, come in summer for lifeguards and ranger programs, and come in winter for longer camping stays.

Getting There

The park is on Highway 224, off U.S. 101, at 205 Palm Avenue in Carpinteria. State Parks describes it as within minutes of both Santa Barbara and Ventura. See parking and directions.

When to Go

• Summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends): lifeguard towers are traditionally staffed, the water is at its calmest, and campfire and Junior Ranger programs run (June 18 to August 29 in 2026). It is also the busiest time; book early and arrive early for day-use parking.
• September to May: school field trips and classroom programs for grades K–5 run on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. Weddings are allowed only between Labor Day and Memorial Day.
• December to February: the campground stay limit rises to 15 consecutive days.
• December 1 to May 31: the city closes the harbor seal rookery beach for pupping; watch from the bluff instead. See harbor seals.
• February 15 to March 13, 2027: annual maintenance; no campsite reservations, some walk-up sites.

Before You Go

• Check current notices on the State Parks park page. In late October 2026 it posted a construction advisory: from October 22 to 28, heavy equipment may cross the day-use area, the Santa Rosa loop near lifeguard headquarters and the beach toward city property for the Chevron oil-facility decommissioning project, with the beach and campground staying open.
• Watch the live webcam and surf report linked from the State Parks page.
• Check a tide table if you want to see the tide pools.

Book a Campsite

Reserve on ReserveCalifornia.com or at 1-800-444-7275, up to six months ahead to the day. See reservations and camping.

What to Bring

• A State Parks pass, if you have one; seven are accepted. See hours and fees.
• Firewood from a business outside the park; it is not sold on park grounds and gathering is not allowed.
• A 6-foot leash, and a plan for your dog, which can't go on the beach. See dogs.
• Shoes for the unpaved Coastal Vista Trail if you're walking to the seal overlook.
• A California fishing license if you're 16 or older and plan to fish. See fishing.

Accessibility

The park has a beach wheelchair, a boardwalk to the sand and accessible campsites in every loop. See accessibility.

Where to Eat and Stay

The park sits right next to the town of Carpinteria, which State Parks notes has a wide range of restaurants, breweries and entertainment. Inside the park, camping is the only overnight option.