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The sign declares this the number-one gumbo shop in town.
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The pavlova comes crowned with jewel-like fruit.
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All the United States California Carpinteria

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Carpinteria

4 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Carpinteria, California

Updated November 11, 2019

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Atlas Obscura Itineraries

Coastal Trails and Hidden Tales: A Family Trip Exploring Santa Barbara’s Wonders

Sponsored by Land Rover Discovery

Nestled by the Santa Ynez Mountains on California’s rugged coastline, Santa Barbara is the perfect destination for a road trip. The historic city has something for everyone: amazing restaurants, a vibrant art scene, and plenty of wilderness for the whole family to explore. In a single day you might indulge your curiosity on a fossil-digging expedition, stroll through fields of native flowers at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and split a wood-fired pizza in the Funk Zone art district. Or head down to the beach, where budding oceanographers can search tide pools for starfish, snails, and anemones, and maybe even spot a whale or a dolphin on the horizon. But whatever you do, be sure to take the scenic route, and take the time to pull over and take in the wonder the American Riviera has to offer.

View Itinerary

Unusual Attractions in Carpinteria

Happy harbor seals lounge within the rookery.

Carpinteria, California

Carpinteria Harbor Seal Preserve

Happy harbor seals frolic and snooze on this warm, sandy stretch of coast.
Carpinteria Tar Pits.

Carpinteria, California

Carpinteria Tar Pits

Inky sludge oozes to the surface of this beach thanks to a rare natural tar seep.

Carpinteria, California

Wardholme Torrey Pine

At 130 years old and 126 feet tall, it is the largest known example of the rare Torrey pine tree.
Signs from the city’s past.

Carpinteria, California

Carpinteria Valley Museum

Its vast collection details the history of this Santa Barbara beach town.
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Water Garden

Santa Barbara, California

Lotusland

Acres of natural wonders left behind by a socialite-turned-gardener.
8 miles from Carpinteria
Pull up your anchor and pop a squat.

Ventura, California

S.S. Relief

Kayak out to a floating restroom.
9 miles from Carpinteria
Lil’ Toot.

Santa Barbara, California

Lil' Toot

This nonsensical smiling boat shuttles passengers between two places they could've easily walked between.
9 miles from Carpinteria
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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Carpinteria, California

A
Beaches 2

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    1
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    2
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    1
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Places Visited

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    4
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Recent Carpinteria Activity

  • RayDR

    has been to Carpinteria Harbor Seal Preserve

    7 days ago
  • RayDR

    has been to Wardholme Torrey Pine

    7 days ago
  • justjomo3

    wants to go to Carpinteria Harbor Seal Preserve

    6 days ago
  • justjomo3

    wants to go to Carpinteria Tar Pits

    6 days ago
  • alyssaclark319

    wants to go to Carpinteria Harbor Seal Preserve

    4 days ago

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