Sunny
Santa Barbara County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Carpinteria State Beach
5361 Sixth St, Carpinteria, CA 93013
Mile-long beach billed as the "World's Safest Beach" for its gentle shelf and minimal rip currents. Year-round tidepools and a popular oceanfront campground.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 87°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 87. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 66. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 87°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 3.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- NWS alert active — beach hazards statement issued september 9 at 8:38am pdt until september 11 at 12:00am pdt by nws los angeles/oxnard ca
Best for walking today
Beach Hazards Statement issued September 9 at 8:38AM PDT until September 11 at 12:00AM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves due to elevated surf. Abnormally high tides around 7 feet are expected in the evening between 8pm and 10pm. * WHERE...Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast, Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast, Ventura County Beaches, Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County Beaches. * WHEN...Through Thursday evening. * IMPACTS...Pooling of sea water is possible around high tide at beach and harbor areas that is uncommon with normal tidal ranges. Enhanced beach erosion is also possible. No significant damage is expected. There is also an increased risk of ocean drowning due to strong rip currents. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats nearshore. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Lingering southerly swell will create hazardous rip currents and elevated surf conditions through today. Elevated surf may also enhance any minor coastal flood impacts during high tide.
Extreme Heat Warning issued September 9 at 8:09AM PDT until September 10 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
Atmosphere
Water
Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference
No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (CAZ350)
The LOX office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.
- CAZ362 Malibu Coast — Los Angeles County Beaches n/a
- CAZ354 Ventura County Beaches n/a
- CAZ349 Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast — Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast n/a
- CAZ340 San Luis Obispo County Beaches — Santa Barbara Central Coast Beaches n/a
Sun & Moon
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
Sunny
Sunny
Sunny
Sunny
Sunny
Mostly Sunny
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Day-use $10 per vehicle.
Dogs
Dogs not allowed on the beach; leashed dogs OK in campground and on paved park roads.
Entry Fee
$10 per vehicle day-use.
Address
5361 Sixth St, Carpinteria, CA 93013
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Carpinteria State Beach today?
Carpinteria State Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Carpinteria State Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs not allowed on the beach; leashed dogs OK in campground and on paved park roads.
Is there an entry fee at Carpinteria State Beach?
$10 per vehicle day-use.
Are there lifeguards at Carpinteria State Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Carpinteria State Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Carpinteria State Beach?
Amenities at Carpinteria State Beach include restrooms, showers, lifeguard tower, camping, picnic tables.
When is the water warmest at Carpinteria State Beach?
The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.
Where is Carpinteria State Beach located?
Carpinteria State Beach is in Santa Barbara County, CA, at 5361 Sixth St, Carpinteria, CA 93013.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS