Carpinteria Travel Information


Carpinteria is one beautiful beach in a cozy beach town that people rave about. Dr. Beach some years ago gave it a thumbs up as one of the top beaches in the U.S., based on water quality and quality of life. Carpinteria, also known for its Avofest, an avocado festival held annually, is a beautiful beach city located not far from Santa Barbara on the Central California Coast just an hour from Los Angeles. This extremely popular beach that tourists like only offers a few chain hotels. While the housing element of the city has grown, the tourism aspect is a lot slower, and locals, no doubt, like it that way. On one side of the Interstate 101 you have the downtown, hotels, beaches and even the state beach with RV camping. On the other side of the freeway is some commerce, and a lot of nurseries. Orchids are one of the specialties grown, so just look for the nursery signs that say the facility is open. You can see them from the highway and make a quick exit to view the beautiful flowers for sale to the public.

While Carpinteria has come on our radar for its commerce and high tech companies located there, most tourists simply don't care. They will want to know what there is to see and do in Carpinteria. Surfing is a local favorite, but not the sport for most middle aged folks to get started on. Shopping along the main street of town provides the fun blend of contemporary, young trends, beach items and utilitarian things locals need in markets. There are several hotels in the city that are within walking distance to the ocean and beach, plus many activities just a few miles north in Santa Barbara and the Central Coast wine country. While the Amtrak train passes through Carpinteria and you can hear it in most parts of town, I am not sure if it makes routine stops in the city. It would depend on which train you take whether it stopped or not, I am guessing. You can check with Amtrak if you are planning a rail trip, as the close proximity to hotels would allow you to get off the train and walk to your hotel.