Carpinteria is a coastal city located in the southeastern extremity of Santa Barbara County. East of Santa Barbara and northwest of Ventura. Carpinteria is a charming city with beautiful seaside and mountain views.
The Spanish named the area Carpinteria because the Chumash tribe, which lived in the area had a large seagoing canoe-building enterprise or "carpentry shop." This was due to the availability of naturally occurring surface tar, which was used to to seal the boats. You can still see the tar oozing out of the bluffs at Tar Pits Park on the beach just south of the campground.
Carpinteria Beach is known to have a gentle, sloping terrain and calm waves. Seals and Sea Lions can be seen in the area from December through May as well as an occasional Gray Whale. Tide pools contain starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopuses and sea urchins. A popular campground is located adjacent to the beach. There is also good bird watching at the Salt Marsh Nature Park.
The city of Carpinteria is served by the Carpinteria Unified School District, which also includes the community of Summerland and all outlying areas. It includes one high school, one middle school and five elementary schools, as well as two alternative schools. Cate School is a private preparatory school also located in the city. Pacifica Graduate Institute, home of the Joseph Campbell and Marija Gimbutas Library is a graduate school which offers master's and PhD programs in depth psychology and mythology.
Santa Barbara Polo Club, one of the main equestrian polo fields in the country is located within city limits. Carpinteria is also home to Hollandia Produce, an organic produce company. Carpinteria hosts an annual Avocado Festival. It's history dating back to 1902. Over 80,000 visitors attend the three day festival, which takes place during the first week of October. The festival offers avocado products and locally made goods.
