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City in California, United States
Photo: Taken by Antandrus, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Carpinteria is a small oceanside city in Santa Barbara County, California. The name translates to "Carpentry".
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The estuary is an excellent place for birdwatching. Interpretive trails lead through the marsh, and viewing platforms are also available. The estuary covers an area of 230 acres, 120 of which are owned by the University of California at Santa Barbara and are off limits to visitors.
Avofest
Held annually on the first weekend in October, this three-day festival attracts nearly 100,000 visitors and celebrates all things avocado. The festival features over 75 musical acts on four stages, the "largest avocado" competition, the world's largest vat of guacamole, plenty of food, historical exhibits, a children's venue, and an arts & crafts venue.
Authentic Mexican restaurant and favorite of locals. Cheap with no frills. Crispy tacos are highly recommended though not for the faint of heart; soft tacos are great as well. Can be crowded.
A homey comfort food restaurant that feels like you're eating at grandma's. Portions are large (even on the light eaters menu) and include crudités, soup, salad, fresh bread, entree and pie. The pie is delicious and should not be missed. Fried chicken is solid and there is a surprisingly good offering of mostly local seafood.
Apiary brews dry mead, hard kombuch, and organic hard cider in small batches from natural ingredients. They serve their drinks here, at the site where they are fermented. They arrange for food trucks to be nearby, or you can bring in your own food.
By bus
Santa Barbara MTD provides bus service to Goleta and Santa Barbara. VCTC operates buses to those cities as well as Ventura and Oxnard. Greyhound stops in Oxnard and Santa Barbara.
By train
Amtrak has a station on the Pacific Surfliner route between San Luis Obispo and San Diego, via Los Angeles.
By plane
Santa Barbara has an airport which flies to several destinations. Los Angeles International Airport is about 100 mi away and has cheaper flights to many more destinations.
By car
Moving a car can be a hassle, especially in the summer when it is crowded. However, parking is free throughout the city.
By bus
There was a shuttle bus run by Santa Barbara MTD which traveled in a loop around the city on 20 minutes increments, but it has been suspended since 2020.
By bike
By rideshare
E-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft can be used to get around the city.
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Santa Barbara · Regional · SBA
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