I didn't even know this place excised til last weekend. While on a daytrip to Carpinteria my family…read moreand I came across this place while on a walk. It's a protected habitat for harbor seals. December through May is when you will see the most seals. It's on the trail of the carpenters bluffs nature preserve. It's really nice to walk here. Next time you are in Carpinteria check it out.

I haven't been back to the seal sanctuary since 1992 when I became a volunteer. It was a much…read moresimpler operation then but still very effective. We didn't have official signs up then, of course. But we were always there to warn people not to bring their bicycles up to the viewing area (because the reflections from the metal would scare the moms and babies down on the beach.) Sometimes we would even keep watch all night when coyotes we come down from the hills to snatch themselves a meal. It was wonderful to be able to protect these little families.

We stopped by for my bday last year and it was such a charming experience. It's one I recommend…read moreduring these gorgeous spring months for plant lovers and nature seekers. Despite growing up around here, I somehow never stumbled through these grand entrance gates until recently. This gem of a garden isn't just my butt's savior now on long drives up from LA, but it's a sliver of paradise found--and sanity regained. Just walking around here for 15-20 mins. and you'll feel your blood pressure drop a few notches to a pleasant state of calm. You can explore the themed areas, take in the vegetation around you, and get landscaping tips just from strolling around their property. The plant things are grouped in various climate/hemispheres and it's nice to see them taking root and being incorporated in a seamless design (and it's nice shopping experience too). I was impressed with the selection and bought a few small air plants and succulents that are still thriving with offshoots. Prices are reasonable. For pros looking for inspo, I think this place that can offer Interior Designers & Landscapers creativity with plants. Or even the DIY Weekend Warrior looking to revamp their current landscaping or add a little something new to it. They have a wide variety of exotics, California natives to indigenous to Australia, and every other tree, shrub, and greenery in between. Since it's the year of the (hobby) horse, I'll be sure to get my butt up here more often in 2026.

As a store there's all sorts of different plants and gardening items that you'd need. I like to…read morestop by solely for the botanical gardens in back. It's a nice small excursion if traveling to LA. What a wonderful concept to put a botanical garden on the property, it could show what you could do with the plants that they sold. It's tranquil to walk around and explore yet it is right next to the 101 so the freeway was loud. They really packed a lot of diversity into this small area. There were plaques for each different garden. Plaques I noticed (though there might be more) were South African Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Grassland, Cottage Garden, Native Garden, Succulent Garden, Central/South American garden, Australian garden, and Asian garden. My favorite was the Asian garden because it had a pond with koi fish.

Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park is nestled in the coastal town of Carpinteria, California. While…read moreit doesn't look like much from the outside, things are surprisingly beautiful within. It's got a great beach area and little bluffs to sit on overlooking the ocean. It's a place where you can unwind, take a leisurely stroll, and simply breathe in the fresh coastal air. Last time we were there, the beach had tons of driftwood from all the recent storms. There were some really interesting pieces of wood out there and maybe a hidden treasure or two. It was fun to search through everything and build a wooden fort. The salt marsh ecosystem also draws in various bird species, some uncommon, making it interesting for birdwatching. Whether you're an experienced birder or simply appreciate a cool looking bird, the park offers ample opportunities to spot and observe them in their natural habitat. The park has actually been closed since April 2023 but is scheduled to reopen in June 2023, for emergency dredging and other issues related to all the weather and flooding. The park's amenities are relatively limited, including a small visitor center and a picnic area, they also have some campus spots I believe. Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park is a worth a stop if you are local or looking for a nice spot to spend some time by the beach. Five stars.

The trail runs along the edge of the rehabed salt marsh. It is an interesting walk, well kept and…read morewith good educational signs. The neighborhood surrounding the marsh on 2 sides is upscale and there is plenty of street parking. Lots of room and benches to relax and enjoy the views.

Does not have a designated dog park. It is a bit disheartening to see oil on the beach. It is a…read morebeautiful park to take pups on a leash, bathrooms available, and a large playground.

5 Star Rating Lookout Park in Summerland, near Santa…read moreBarbara, is an absolute gem! This clean, beautiful park, perfectly situated on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean, was the ideal spot for our family reunion this past June. We'll definitely be back! Value - 5 The value here is incredible. We reserved Area A for just $65 for the whole day for our family reunion! It came with a large, double-width bbq, two picnic tables and a long, high-top serving table. That's a steal, especially considering places in Oxnard (which aren't nearly as bougie or clean) were charging well over $200. Quality / Cleanliness - 5 This park is impeccably maintained. There are two large picnic areas (require reservation) and several smaller picnic areas with bbq (first come, first served), and the large, well-maintained play area for kids is fantastic, including a jungle gym and even musical instruments. The path down to the beach is somewhat steep but totally worth it. The beach itself is super clean, with sand at low tide and lots of cute nooks and crannies to explore. At high tide, it becomes a rocky beach as the water comes right up to the path landing. Plus, it's pet-friendly! Service - N/A As a public park, there isn't a traditional "service" component to review, but the booking process for the picnic area was smooth. Physical Location - 5 The location is simply stunning. Being on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean is breathtaking. The park is clean, the amenities are well-kept, and there's a cute little town/shopping area just past the Amtrak overpass that's easily walkable from the park. Everything about this location is perfect.

Carpinteria Valley Memorial Park is wide open and well maintained park. It's perfect for a picnic…read moreor summer barbecue. This park has tables and complete jungle gym as well as shade from the trees located in the center of the field. It's a perfect spot to spend the afternoon and relax.

If you're looking for a quiet beach with excellent views, this is it. Plenty of parking, restrooms,…read moreand picnic benches to enjoy the oceanfront views. For those inclined for a beachside run or walk, head down the paved ramp to the beach! Perfect for large groups, families, and dogs, especially with the summer coming up.

We were looking for a place to take our dog and was told this is the spot! Free parking too -- so…read morewe walked to the right (North of The Point) and a long beach awaited us with happy doggies running and playing. Sign says they must be on a leash but I guess the dogs couldn't read! Not too crowded even on a warm summer weekend. No lifeguards but people were swimming as the waves were very mild. Saw a bunch of surfers way to the left (South of The Point). I can see this getting a bit cold in the winter but perfect for summer.

Ohhhh my gosh! This is a hidden gem! Seriously HIDDEN! Went for a drive thru the hills of…read moreCarpenteria and Montecito and stumbled upon this park... saw the sign for the turn off and decided to take it! Drove for a while on this gorgeous lush road with so much foliage and trees that you could barely see the sky, that led us to a beautiful park with a ton of trees, and a creek running through it! A wooden bridge crossing over...There was a huge dog park area; A nice bathroom; Playground for kids; There are several picnic areas available to reserve for events... Just lovely!

Only four stars for lack of puppy water…read more.. GPS is a little misleading. Once you see the Toro Canyon Park sign on the road you must keep going. It's definitely worth the extra drive. The fenced in off-leash dog park is big, but all dirt. The entire park itself is Amazing!!, Huge!!!, Clean And nicely done. We lucked out & were the 1st ones in. When we were leaving this nice park ranger type woman asked us if we'd be interested in attending a Rattlesnake Avoidance Training Class ?!?!? Lucky, Blessed, Confirmed! (9/14/22)

Such a magical tree…read more The fact its almost 300 years old is mind blowing. It has grown so big that it has rested its branches on the ground, which have grown upward from there. It looks like a grove of trees but its really just one! A perfect spot for a picnic or date to connect with an amazing tree!

Grandmother Sycamore. She is an old and wise tree. She is magical. She is a giant yet she is gentle…read moreand offers a lovely place to sit and be. I hope she is left to live many more years and that she is treated with respect.