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Carpinteria State Beach - Site # 47 |
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Background: | Capinteria Creek's riparian woodland gives way to a tidal lagoon bordered by a sandbar and a rocky reef riddled with tidepools. These tidal pools are inhabited by chitons, periwindles, sea anemones, sea stars, and other marine life. A small beach east of the tidepools is a major haulout for harbor seals, particularly at night. |
| Interpretive exhibits and a small visitor center help visitors understand about a variety of coastal resources as well as the history and pre-history of the area. |
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The Habitat: | Sandy beach (20%), rocky reef (5%), developed (75%) |
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The Experience: | The rocky intertidal area is in relatively good condition given its proximity to developed urban areas and provides excellent opportunities to explore and learn about this ecological habitat. |
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Wildlife and Where to Find It: | Access along coastal bluffs and along sandy beach. |
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Viewing Tips: | Viewing at tidepools is best at low tide. Seals can be seen year-round, but the harbor seal viewing area is closed from January through May, while young pups are being born and reared. Guided tours. Indoor tidepool at visitor center. WATCH WAVES, SLIPPERY ROCKS. NO COLLECTING. |
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Site Notes: | Carpinteria State Beach offers the quintessential southern California beach experience--broad sandy beach with a rocky reef. Views of Channel Islands on the horizon. |
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Nearby Viewing Sites: | Carpinteria Salt Marsh, Carpinteria Coastal Vista Trail, Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Also whale watching boats leave from Santa Barbara Harbor. |
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Visitor Information: | Carpinteria Chamber of Commerce - 805-684-5479 - www.carpchamber.org |
Viewing Site Hours of Operation are: |
Staff On-site: | Yes |
Open: | Everday |
Hours: | 7 AM to 10:00 PM |
Year Round: | Yes |
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Road Information: |
Paved. |
| Roads available year-round. |
| Road Hazards: No |
| Number of Parking Spaces: 200 |
| Parking Fee: Yes |
| Proximity to viewing area:.1 mile |
| Pull-Through Parking: Yes |
| Parking Danger: Crowded campgrounds and day-use area during summer months require extra caution. |
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How to Get There: | At Carpinteria on Highway 101, take Casitas Pass Road exit. Turn right on Carpinteria Avenue. Turn left on Palm Avenue and continue to park entrance. |
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Contact Information |
Managing Agency: | California State Parks |
Agency Site URL: | www.parks.ca.gov |
Physical Address: | 1531 6th Street Carpinteria, CA 93013 |
Agency 2: | 1531 6th Street Carpinteria, CA 93013 |
Manager Phone: | 805-585-1850 |
Contact Us: | by Email |
Site Phone: | (805) 684-2811 | | |
County: | Santa Barbara |
Addition Website: |
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