Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary
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About Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary in Carpinteria, California
The Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary is a harbor seal rookery next to the old oil pier just south of Carpinteria State Beach. As expected, the beach at the sanctuary is off-limits to the public, but it’s still a great spot to visit. On the bluff above the sanctuary there is a public overlook that provides close views of these lively marine animals. Often there is a volunteer at the overlook to answer questions and to provide information on them. The pier next to the sanctuary is photogenic but privately-owned and closed to the public. Access to the sanctuary is through the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve. From the preserve parking lot there are trails that head toward the ocean. Stay right on the Bluff Trail and soon after crossing railroad tracks there is steep trail that heads left down to a public beach below the preserve. If you keep walking farther along the bluff signs for the sanctuary overlook will come into view. Walking even farther on the Bluff Trail will eventually lead to Tar Pits Beach and Carpinteria State Beach.
- Address
- Carpinteria Ave and Bailard Ave
Carpinteria, CA 93013 - Other Names
- Carpinteria Harbor Seal Rookery
- Owner
- Non-Profit
- Pet Details
- No dogs on the beach or at the rookery overlook
- Fees
- No fee for parking
- Activities
- Wildlife Watching, Walking
- Amenities
- Seal Rookery, Pier, Ocean Overlook, Trails
62°F
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Lodging
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria
0.5 miles away
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carpinteria is a lovely, 3 diamond property in the popular beach city of Carpinteria....
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Reviews
Nice overlook and wonderful place to watch the sunset and see seal pups . Funny how someone gave the beach a 1 star review because the seals were gone in August. Maybe they didn’t understand that they only occupy this part of the coast when they have their babies. The seals are only on the beach during the winter welping period and when the beach is closed between December 1 -May 31.
Scenic walk but there are no seals. They should close the trail and research why the seals left the area. 8/4/24