Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary

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