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is one of the most popular parks in California's state
park system. RVs and
campers pour into town each Thursday and Friday evening -
even in the late winter, early spring. The park is open
all year around and the moderate climate makes it a
popular destination for escaping snow birds.
Everybody hopes to be one of
the lucky ones camped inches away from the
sand. In addition to the
obvious and extraordinary beach, this park is blessed with fabulous views of
the mountains. Within walking distance you will find
Tar Pits Park, which has fabulous history, and the
Estuary, home to many rare and beautiful birds.
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help keep the troops entertained, there are restaurants,
movie theatres, skate parks and shopping less than a half mile away.
Carpinteria provides a waterfront shuttle to help with
the commute. The park rents bikes of various sorts,
skates and padding.
Seals, sea lions and
dolphins can be seen in the area. From December to
May there are local beach restrictions due to the Seal
Rookery but not on State Park property. You can
also see an occasional gray whale. Tidal pools contain
starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi and sea
urchins.
California State Park website.
Directions:
From the 101 take the Casitas Pass exit. Turn away
from the mountains. At the end of Casitas Pass turn
right. Drive until you reach Palm. Turn left.
The park will be at the end of Palm Street.
If you get to the stop
lights at Linden Avenue, you've gone too far.
However, you can turn left and then turn left again on 6th
Street, which will loop you back. At Palm, then,
turn right. The park will be at the end of Palm
Street.
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