Carpinteria

Welcome to Carpinteria

Considered the last great little beach town, this suburb promotes a mellow, easygoing lifestyle complete with one of the safest and best beaches to go swimming in all of California

Named after the carpentry shops in the original pre-colonial Chumash tribe settlement, Carpinteria is often considered to be the last great little beach town. Renowned for its hometown feel and small-town charm, Carpinteria is a down-to-earth coastal community nestled between a stretch of pristine California shoreline and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Smaller than its neighboring town, Carpinteria's tight-knit community is a refuge for those who want to avoid tourists and bask in this humble, sunny spot full of modest homes, foothills, and fertile orchards. 

Residents thoroughly enjoy the easygoing, slow-paced lifestyle they've come to expect from this mellow, paradisal slice of life. Whether you want to visit the beach—which is consistently ranked as one of the best in the state for swimming—or go shopping along Linden Avenue, you'll find lots to do in this walkable town. It's also conveniently located close to Santa Barbara and has a local Seaside Shuttle if you prefer to take public transport.

What to Love 

• Safe beaches 
• Mellow and easygoing
• Hometown vibe 
• California Avocado Festival 
• Agricultural fields and orchards
• Salt of the earth community
  

People & Lifestyle

Diverse real estate, including Padaro Lane manors and multiple smaller neighborhoods dotted with modest single-family residences, compose the real estate scene of Carpinteria. This Santa Barbara neighborhood exemplifies small-town charm and a pleasant, family-friendly atmosphere. You'll find lots of families along with surfers, artists, farmers, and retirees throughout the community.

A laid-back beach town, Carpenteria residents enjoy the surf and sand. You'll discover the beautiful Carpinteria State Beach, Santa Claus Lane Beach, and popular surf location Rincon Point. Beyond the outdoor delights, Carpenteria also hosts many small, local businesses along Linden Avenue, Santa Claus Lane, and Carpinteria Avenue.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping 

• A world-famous Santa Barbara staple since 1939, Esau's Cafe is a classic breakfast and lunch staple located in Carpinteria. They're best known for their buttermilk pancakes. You can even purchase their signature pancake mix at the restaurant or order it online!
• The Spot is a respected counter-service eatery with outdoor seating serving burgers, shakes, and other fast-food staples.
• Lucky Llama Coffee House is a charming little shop with espresso, açai bowls, and other sweet treats—all served in a rustic, patio-friendly interior.

Linden Avenue is the central hub of Carpinteria commerce. Here, you can get some significant retail therapy with multiple boutiques and unique retailers:

• Conveniently located close to the beach, Rincon Designs Surf Shop is where surfers can find a fantastic collection of custom surfboards, shorts, sunglasses, hoodies, caps, t-shirts, and more. Rincon also rents out wetsuits and surfboards.
  
• A popular country store for men, women, and children, Heritage Goods and Supply carefully curates their collection of products, which varies from home goods to decor, unique gifts, accessories, apparel, and so much more.
  
  

Things to Do

Carpinteria hosts the legendary annual California Avocado Festival (also known as Avofest) in October. Among the many festivities that take place at this massive free festival are four stages hosting dozens of musical acts, the Best Guacamole Contest, the world's largest vat of guacamole, the Largest Avocado Contest, an abundance of avocado-themed dishes, and much more!

Considered the best homegrown Pro-Am in the country, the Rincon Classic is an epic surf competition that unites surfers from Carpinteria, Ventura, and Santa Barbara for a weekend of surfing and fun topped off with an awards banquet and beverages supplied by Rincon Brewery.

The third oldest polo club in the country, the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club is a testament to prestige and recreation. Renowned for its extensive polo, swim, and tennis facilities, the club offers fitness, polo, and social memberships. It is located close to Summerland, Carpinteria, and Montecito.

Schools 

Carpinteria is home to the Cate School, a selective, coeducational independent school for boarding and day students from grades 9-12. Other school-aged children attend public schools in the Carpinteria Unified School District.