Carpinteria's splendid natural setting and small town charm remain relatively undiscovered. Yet visitors who spend time in this peaceful seaside city, located in the fertile Carpinteria Valley just 12 miles south of Santa Barbara, have a way of returning year after year. They come to soak up sunshine at the beach, or simply to enjoy the small town pleasures of Carpinteria, where tree-shaded streets, parades and craft shows evoke a gentle way of life.

Carpinteria is home to a world-renowned surfing area at Rincon Point, and a beautiful swimming beach. Over 800,000 visitors come annually to swim, picnic, fish and hike at Carpinteria State Beach Park. Encompassing wooded groves and 4,000 feet of ocean frontage, the park offers overnight camping and the best surf-fishing and tide-pooling for miles around.