📍 Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve, Carpinteria, CA
Features: Clifftop trails with plentiful native plants and a spectacular view of a protected beach home to harbor seals
Wildlife: Harbor seals use this protected beach as a rookery, giving birth to their pups here every year between December and May. This is one of only four rookeries left in Southern California
Amenities: Public restrooms are available at the south end of the trail and free parking in a dirt lot is located at the trailhead
Accessibility: Initial trail is mostly flat, although there are some steep drops downhill close to the cliffs and requires crossing over the train tracks for the best view of the beach
Best Time of Year: December 1st through May 31st is when harbor seals return to this beach to give birth, and is a great time of year to visit for wildlife viewing from the cliffs above. Bring your binoculars! The beach itself can be accessed the rest of the year at low tide
Cost: Free entry and parking