The ‘best beach town’ in Southern California is Carpinteria, according to Trips To Discover. The national travel website recently ranked the top 20 best beach towns in America for 2023 and the small surf town in Santa Barbara County is the lone representative from the southern half of the state.
Carpinteria cracked the list thanks to its quintessential Southern California beaches, charming small-town vibe and a plethora of outdoor activities from surfing to beach yoga. Despite its artsy and eclectic locals, Carpinteria has retained its original flavor and remains one of the few unspoiled beach communities in California.
Trips To Discover calls Carpinteria’s beaches some of the most pristine in Southern California with their mild weather, relaxed pace and wide sandy shores. Visitors can enjoy breakfast at Esau’s Cafe, renowned for its chile relleno omelet, before grabbing a burger at The Spot for lunch. The Carpinteria City Beach is known as the “World’s Safest Beach” while the nearby state beach shares its shores with harbor seals and seabirds. Just south of town, Rincon Point and its famous surf break host the annual Rincon Classic surf competition.
First discovered by Gaspar de Portola’s expedition in 1769, the name Carpinteria comes from the Spanish word for carpentry. While the town along the California coast is still a major agriculture hub for flowers, avocados and cannabis, tourism plays an important role in the local economy.
Despite the foggy mornings, Carpinteria’s Linden Avenue still makes for a perfect time with its palm tree-lined street filled with cafes, galleries and boutiques. The small, tight-knit community retains an artsy and eclectic vibe while welcoming visitors to enjoy its natural beauty and famous waves.
While Santa Cruz, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pescadero also made the list of top beach towns, Carpinteria stands alone as the only destination in Southern California to rank among the 20 best in the United States. Its quintessential SoCal beaches, surf-town character and charming small-town feel make it the best beach town in all of Southern California for 2023, according to Trips To Discover.
The 7 miles of uncrowded sand spanning Carpinteria State Beach and City Beach offer plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the mild weather nearly year-round. The calm waves make it an ideal spot for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Visitors can also explore tide pools, go whale watching, or take a surfing lesson from one of the local shops.
While the classic Main Street of Linden Avenue features boutiques, galleries and restaurants, the downtown scene here is decidedly laid back. Quirky spots like Curious Cup bookstore and Carpinteria Arts Center fit right in with the eclectic local vibe. Just blocks from the sand, Palm Avenue offers another walkable stretch of shops and cafes.
Carpinteria has successfully avoided the overdevelopment and crowds that plague many Southern California beach towns. The small community of around 15,000 residents retains a charming, old-fashioned feel. Its slow-paced lifestyle and small town hospitality make it a relaxing getaway from LA or other urban areas.
The area was first scouted in 1769 by the Portola expedition, who called it La Carpinteria for the Chumash people’s plank canoes. Its miles of fertile land soon attracted agriculture and flower growing. While avocados, lemons and cannabis are major crops today, elaborate greenhouses nurturing everything from orchids to poinsettias still stand.
Carpinteria State Beach contains a network of estuaries and wetlands that draw seals, shorebirds and other wildlife. Hikers and mountain bikers can also explore trails winding through the coastal bluffs and canyons in nearby parks and natural areas. For epic ocean views, take the short drive up to Lookout Park.
While surf culture is big, Carpinteria offers a range of activities for travelers who prefer staying dry. Campgrounds, RV parks and affordable hotels cater to many preferences and budgets. Quaint inns and stylish boutique stays capture the beach vibe for an elevated experience. Most lodging is within walking distance or a quick shuttle ride from the sand.
Carpinteria is an easy day trip from Santa Barbara, but warrants more extended stays to appreciate the bohemian arts scene, festivals and events, and famous sunsets. The California Avocado Festival each October features live music, local food and artist booths. Summer evenings bring free concerts in the park and movies under the stars.
In addition to the marine sanctuary, Carpinteria Salt Marsh and 50-acre Tar Pits Park offer ecological sights. Families enjoy the seal viewing station, nature center, and birdwatching. For outdoor adventures beyond the beach, there’s options like hiking, biking, horseback riding, and ziplining.
While largely undiscovered, Carpinteria shines among California beach towns for retaining its authentic character. The incredible natural landscapes, walkable downtown, and welcoming community make it a quintessential Southern California surf town. Its miles of unspoiled beaches provide the perfect playground for surfers and beach lovers seeking laid back vibes.
