What to do in Carpinteria, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

An aerial view of a coastal town with residential areas, roads, and solar panels.
A coastal town with a marina, residential buildings, and palm trees.
A rocky shoreline with waves crashing against the rocks and a sandy beach with birds.
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A beach with picnic tables, trees, and a clear view of the ocean.

Carpinteria Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Carpinteria has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Carpinteria, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Carpinteria with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Carpinteria

Carpinteria is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Carpinteria, and make it a breeze to explore Carpinteria and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Carpinteria to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Carpinteria, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Carpinteria.

Carpinteria attractions

Carpinteria has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Carpinteria to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Carpinteria.

Looking for things to do in Carpinteria can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Carpinteria or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Carpinteria attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

£21
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

£28
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Helicopter Beach Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

£51
per adult
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

£33
per adult
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental
Visit the Rescued Cats of Cat Therapy

Visit the Rescued Cats of Cat Therapy

£19
per adult
Visit the Rescued Cats of Cat Therapy
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

£26
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

£11
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor

Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

£44
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

£45
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop
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Most fun & popular experiences in Carpinteria

Tours & day trips

See all 77 activities
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.2 out of 10 with 18 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £29 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 32 activities
Santa Ynez Wine Shuttle

Santa Ynez Wine Shuttle

Activity duration is 7 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 15 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £105 per adult
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History & culture

See all 22 activities
Los Angeles Day Trip to Santa Barbara via Oxnard-Amtrak Coast Starlight

Los Angeles Day Trip to Santa Barbara via Oxnard-Amtrak Coast Starlight

Activity duration is 10 hours and 55 minutes
6.6 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £167 per adult
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Water activities

See all 12 activities
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbour (2 Hours)

Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbour (2 Hours)

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 45 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £45 per adult
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Spa & wellness

See all 3 activities
Harmonic Egg Sound Frequency Session in Santa Barbara

Harmonic Egg Sound Frequency Session in Santa Barbara

Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
Price is £140 per adult
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What to do in Carpinteria

Stay near popular Carpinteria attractions

A beach at sunset with people walking along the shore.
Photo by Snudley
Open Photo by Snudley

Carpinteria State Beach

9.0/5 (1,028 reviews)
Explore a mile of pristine shoreline where gentle waves meet rich tidepools teeming with starfish and sea anemones. Visit the nearby Harbour Seal Preserve to observe these captivating creatures in their natural habitat.
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Where to stay in Carpinteria

Find the best Carpinteria areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Carpinteria
Learn more about Carpinteria

Padaro Lane

Though Padaro Lane may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club and Seaside Gardens.

A beach with cracked sand and driftwood.

Sandyland Cove

If you're spending some time in Sandyland Cove, Carpinteria State Beach and Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park are top sights worth seeing.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Carpinteria

A coastal landscape with cliffs, clear turquoise waters, and distant mountains.

Ventura

A mountainous landscape with vineyards and fields.

Ojai

A coastal landscape with a clear view of the ocean, rolling hills, and a distant mountain range.

Summerland

A vineyard with rows of grapevines and a hilly landscape with trees and mountains in the background.

Santa Barbara

Frequently asked questions

Is Carpinteria worth visiting?
Offering a mix of coastal beaches and nature, there are plenty of things to do in Carpinteria. When you're here, head to Santa Barbara Zoo, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Carpinteria?
Start your day with a visit to Santa Barbara Zoo and Butterfly Beach. Then, check out different parts of Carpinteria for local restaurants and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Carpinteria?
Don't leave without exploring Santa Barbara Zoo, rated the top tourist attraction in Carpinteria.
Is three days enough to stay in Carpinteria?
Three days in Carpinteria is plenty of time to visit the city's major highlights. Many travellers book for two days on average. Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary, Summerland Beach and Lookout Park are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Santa Barbara.
Is Carpinteria a walkable city?
That all depends on what you want to do and see in Carpinteria. Several key attractions, like Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary, are reachable on foot. If you feel like a stroll around one of Carpinteria's neighbourhoods, Sandyland Cove is 2 kms (1 mile) away from downtown.
What are some activities to do in Carpinteria with kids?
Deciding what to do in Carpinteria with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're holidaying with toddlers or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Carpinteria for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of nature, there are lots of things to do in Carpinteria for adults including Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club and Santa Barbara Cemetery.
Are there free things to do in Carpinteria?
In Carpinteria, Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary is an unmissable spot for anyone planning to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a great way to discover the best free things to do in Carpinteria.