Where to Visit

The Carpinteria Seal Rookery is located on the coast just below the Carpinteria Bluffs, which is a 15 minute walk just south of Carpinteria State Beach Campground. This is one of just two remaining Seal Rookeries open to the public along the California Coast. A rookery is an area where seals come ashore and use for pupping. SEALWATCH volunteers have observed over 365 seals hauled out on the beach at one time!

Along the sandy beach directly adjacent to part of the campground is a roped off section of designated sanctuary for the native Western Snowy Plover to nest. These birds require pristine sandy shoreline in order to successfully breed and raise their young. Camping here lets you see an ongoing conservation program in action!

Just a 15 minute walk north of the campground lies the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve. This reserve spans 230 acres of some of the most pristine and biologically productive land left in Southern California. This salt marsh is defined by its colliding tidal zone, sandy shore, mudflat, tidal channel and salt marsh habitats that create diverse “ecotones” — barriers between different habitats which are often even richer in species diversity.

The rocky intertidal region at Point Dune Nature Preserve features a plethora of green, red, and brown algae species. If visiting at low tide, it is possible to walk south through the upper intertidal, around the main point and reach a sandy beach that is otherwise hidden.

During the peak months of December to May, Grey Whales can be seen migrating from the Arctic down to their summer home off the coast of Mexico. The summit of this trail offers a perfect vantage point to see migrating whales in the deep waters right off the coast line.

The interpretive center opened in 1984 and works to educate about the history and conservation of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The center also provides an excellent viewing point for the annual migration of the Pacific gray whale (from December to April).