Move Over Santa Barbara! Next-Door Beach Town Is California’s Best Kept Secret

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Even though the bright lights of Hollywood have dimmed in terms of tourism, Los Angeles’s sprawling area of beautiful beach towns and mountain hideaways is still one of the most desirable places in California.

That said, as enticing as it may be to tick off all the locales you’ve seen in the movies from your wishlist, with the likes of Beverly Hills and Muscle Beach, we at Travel Off Path suggest going outside LA’s vast city limits and clusters of suburbs to discover the real magic of Southern California’s northernmost point.

That might seem like a jumbo shrimp oxymoron, but it’s the truth.

Santa Barbara is often viewed as the top of SoCal, but just before you get there, there’s a lesser-known paradise with towering mountains as a perfect backdrop, a nostalgic Old Town district, and, of course, beautiful shores we all envision when we picture a California vacay.

We’re here to tell you it’s the Golden State’s best-kept secret, and we refuse to go full Fort Knox and keep it to ourselves.

This Secret Coastal Village Is A Must-Visit!

California and road trips go hand in hand.

Whether it’s the postcard-pristine Big Sur or quirky Carmel, hopping on the world-famous 101 really is like controlling what your dreams look like when you close your eyes — it’s that vivid and that beautiful.

Many start from LA and work their way north as far as San Francisco, passing aforementioned Big Sure and numerous swings and turns of unbelievable sights along the way.

No matter where you’re ultimately going, chances are the coastal village of Carpinteria isn’t on your radar, — a dreamscape town that’s been sitting in Santa Barbara’s shadow for far too long.

In-the-know locals rave about surfing, low-key vibes, and impeccable food, especially anything listed on a Mexican eatery’s menu since Carpinteria resides in the 3rd largest avocado-producing region in North America, even hosting California Avocado Festival every fall.

Drooling yet? Us too.

Furthermore, locals have claimed Carpinteria is California’s ‘last great beach town’, meaning neither tourists nor developers have ruined the ambiance of what old-school California feels like with walkable streets, open parking spaces, mom-and-pop surf shops, and uncrowded stretches of golden sand.

Better yet, Old Town is truly a must-see, showcasing its intriguing history dating back to when Spanish explorers named this town after its roots as a seaside carpentry site for crafting canoes.

While LA Goes Nuts, Unwind In The ‘World’s Safest Beach’

Look — crime is a fickle topic and one we take seriously on both sides of the aisle. However, there’s no denying LA has gone off the rails, which is a key reason its reputation has slipped as well as its tourism numbers.

Whether it’s notorious Skid Row seemingly expanding into other neighborhoods, homeless encampments outside multi-million dollar homes, or the fact assaults have risen 22%, one could argue the “California exodus” started right here.

In the best of traffic conditions, Carpinteria is roughly an hour and a half drive from the madness of downtown LA, making for a justifiable escape whether you’re flying into LAX or you’re simply a local needing a recharge from the city grind.

This peaceful hideaway is so relaxed, in fact, it’s been touted as the ‘World’s Safest Beach‘ in more ways than one.

You can walk around at all hours and not feel like your head is on a swivel, nor do you have to worry about riptides when taking a dip in the Pacific, as the waves are almost always calm with mild currents.

Easier To Reach Than Ever

There’s nothing wrong with a classic American road trip, but as one of YouTube’s first viral clips once famously said, ” Ain’t nobody got time for dat!”

Flights are expanding rapidly in nearby Santa Barbara, so whether you opt to make Carpinteria your main stay or an add-on, it’s easy to reach regardless.

In the city’s own words, Santa Barbara (SBA) ‘is set to offer travelers more convenience and connectivity in 2026 than ever before’.

There are 5 different airlines offering 13 nonstop destinations, with approximately 26 flights each day. Southwest and Alaska are leading the charge with the most notable new routes from such places as Chicago and San Diego.

From SBA, it’s only a 21-minute drive, making for an easy Uber or driving yourself with a rental from the airport.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.