Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary

This is a beautiful place but PLEASE DON’T GO CLOSE TO THE SEALS! There are signs that say you can’t go near them or pass the sign and you will be federally prosecuted if you violate this. During mating season they cannot be disturbed, otherwise their babies WILL DIE. The babies and the mom’s need to bond otherwise the mom will not care for them and they will die of starvation. Whenever there’s a disturbance the seals will move and go in the water and the babies and the moms will get lost from each other. So please please look at them from the cliff, but don’t go too close to it for your own safety. There are volunteers that make sure people aren’t going near the seals, they’re great!

One of the better places with a view that I’ve visited while I was here in Santa Barbara. We were hoping to see some seals, and we did! Although you couldn’t go down there (I think because it was mating season when I was there), you can still catch a good glimpse from the top.
On the way there from the parking lot, depending which direction you walk, there’s a train track too, so it’s a perfect place to capture some nice photos with an awesome view there. Definitely a huge plus since one of the main points of my trip was to take some stunning photos.

SEALS!
Mother nature deserves 5 stars.
I only wish you can go all the way down to the beach and play with or pet them

I visit here often, and can not believe I am showing one Unilocal check in and no review. Hmm, maybe because the Seal Sanctuary can be accessed via the Carpinteria Bluffs Preserve trail, and from the Carpinteria State Beach Park which I also frequent. The Seal Sanctuary is in the middle of those two jewels and is worth visiting in different seasons and tides.
The overlook is patrolled by volunteers during pupping season February-​April to keep people from disturbing them. In December, I had the whole overlook to myself except for 50 harbor seals lolling about on the sands of low tide near the oil company’s pier. It is definitely worth the scenic coastal walk to check out what the seals are up to any time of the year.

Great spot to hike and see the seals. Very scenic cliff overlooking the ocean. It’s along a beautiful hiking trail great for exercise or fun. Lots of people, so you feel safe. Bring pennies to put on the oft-​used train tracks! :)

What an awesome sight! The seals sat sunning themselves while we on Carpinteria Bluffs watched gleefully, it cheered us to see those so much like we with our breakfast bellies and hearts full of love.
A beautiful place to come to see nature!