Rincon Point

Overview

Mileage: 1.5 mi to Carp Bluffs mi • Region: Carpinteria
Amenities: Picnic Tables, BBQs, Bathrooms, Showers
Things to do: Beach Walking

In the winter months Rincon Point is extremely popular with the surfers and hundreds come to watch them challenge the big waves. At low tide Rincon Point is well worth exploring and the mile long stretch of sandy beach leading to Carpinteria Bluffs is exquisite.

Beach Walk Details

Length : It is a mile along the beach from the parking area to the Chevron Pier and walkway leading up to Carpinteria Bluffs. At higher tides and in the winter the creek crossing near Rincon Point may be impassable. To bypass the point continue up to the upper parking lot and walk down to the west beach from there. It is 3 miles from Rincon to Linden Avenue and the far end of the state park.
Cautions : It is illegal to walk on the beach from December 1 through May 31 in the area near the Chevron Oil Pier. The closed area is clearly marked.
Accessibility : At higher tides it may be difficult to get around Rincon Point; from the upper parking lot a steep ramp leads down to the beach and from there the beach is wide and accessible at most tide levels.
UseFees : Use of the County Park is free
Canine : With the exception of the seal rookery, dogs are allowed on the beach on leash.

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Find Other Similar Trails

Beach Regions: Carpinteria
Beach Amenities: Picnicking , BBQs , Bathrooms , Showers
Beach Activities : Beach Walking

Links & Resources

Links:

Carpinteria Seal Watch
http://www.sealwatchcarpinteria.com

City Codes Relating to Seals
http://www.carpinteria.ca.us/communitydev/animals_seal_watch.shtml

Venonco Harbor Seal Info
http://www.venocoinc.com/seals-master.html

Carpinteria Bluffs
http://www.carpinteriabluffs.org/wp/

Get Directions To The Trailhead

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Driving Directions
Get Directions to Rincon Point which is located at 34.376135,-119.480352.

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Beach Walk Details

Length : It is a mile along the beach from the parking area to the Chevron Pier and walkway leading up to Carpinteria Bluffs. At higher tides and in the winter the creek crossing near Rincon Point may be impassable. To bypass the point continue up to the upper parking lot and walk down to the west beach from there. It is 3 miles from Rincon to Linden Avenue and the far end of the state park.
Cautions : It is illegal to walk on the beach from December 1 through May 31 in the area near the Chevron Oil Pier. The closed area is clearly marked.
Accessibility : At higher tides it may be difficult to get around Rincon Point; from the upper parking lot a steep ramp leads down to the beach and from there the beach is wide and accessible at most tide levels.
UseFees : Use of the County Park is free
Canine : With the exception of the seal rookery, dogs are allowed on the beach on leash.

Access / Parking

From State Street, follow Highway 101 east for 13 miles to the Bates Road turnoff (2.5 miles past Linden Avenue).
There are two parking areas. The parking lot directly across from the Bates turnoff leads down to the main beach and surfing area.
To the right, the upper parking lot overlooks the bluffs just west of Rincon Point. A path leads down to the beach.
You can either park at Rincon Point State Park public parking lot or the Carpinteria Bluffs Public Parking lot to start the walk.

Things to Know

The harbor seal colony near the Chevron Pier is protected by law and should not be disturbed in any way. This includes making loud noises, conspicuous gestures or approaching past the warning signs. Harbor seals, like all marine mammals, are federally protected.

Disturbing them in any way is a felony, punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and/or one year in jail per count. To further ensure the protection of this seal colony, the City of Carpinteria passed a law which closes the beach from 750 feet to either side of the colony. It is illegal to walk on the beach from December 1 through May 31. Dogs and seals make a bad mix. If you bring yours with you make sure it is on a leash when you are anywhere near the Seal Preserve.

Please be respectful of private property rights.

Rincon Point - Carpinteria

The Best Beach Walks in Carpinteria & Fun Things to do in Carpinteria

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