Rincon Beach

Rincon Beach (also called Bates Beach) is around the corner from the famous Rincon Surf Break. It's a bit of a mucky beach- wide and desolate. The high cliffs are dry but lovely. After the summer is over, there are many huge teepee huts left behind from summer camps. They are great for kids to play in though you never know if they're that sturdy. If you're brave enough to want an icy swim, check the water quality before you go.

Atop this beach is a very nice picnic area with many rows of shaded tables. The views of the ocean from the picnic tables are unbeatable. To get down to the beach you must walk down a large staircase.
There are showers and restrooms at the top, where the cute Rincon surfers come to shower off after a surf!
If you're hungry, head over to Downtown Carpinteria to Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, located on a pretty street corner. Or check out my favorite outdoor place to eat in Carpinteria, Padaro Beach Grill.
Another nice place to go nearby is the Carpinteria Seal Rookery, a cove where mother seals and their babies play in the winter. It's a nice walk along the cliffs to the viewing area.

Directions

Rincon Beach Park is located at S. Via Real, Carpinteria CA 93013.
Exit Highway 101 at Bates Rd (two miles south of Carpinteria town), and turn towards the ocean. Then turn right immediately on Via Real which is a long street filled with parking stalls for the beach.

Click on map for interactive view