The Carpinteria Bluffs and Seal Sanctuary are both an easy hike or bike ride from where Linden Avenue meets the beach. The bluffs offer great views overlooking the ocean, and several lookout points offer a picturesque view of the local community of harbor seals sunbathing on the shore.

Bike along the bluffs (the Coastal Vista Trail) that leads through Tar Pits State Park, then along the railroad tracks out to the seal rookery. This amazing trail stretches over a mile without ever leaving the waters edge.

From Carpinteria State Beach to Harbor Seal Preserve is 2.5 miles round trip;
to Carpinteria Bluffs is 4.5 miles round trip.

Stop on the bluffs to quietly watch the seals playing in the water and sunbathing on the shoreline. The sanctuary is a protected birthing habitat for harbor seals during the winter and spring from December 1 through May 31st. Seal santuary