Seal the Bluffing Deal

Hiking, Wildflowers and Harbor Seals at Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve

06.07.2022
Woman sitting perched on a Bluff overlooking seals at Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve

We love aquariums, but there’s something special about viewing adorable, blubbery harbor seals in their natural habitat—namely Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve. An easy 1-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike on the Carpinteria Bluffs Trail gets you to an overlook from which you can watch this wild pinniped show, with wildflowers as a bonus in spring. The seals spend their entire life along the same stretch of coastline and can be found year-round at the preserve.

The short but sweet trail has it all: ocean views, beach access, wildflowers, and a hundred or so adult seals and their pups. From the parking area at the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve, start on the trail in the center of the parking lot and head northwest. After crossing through meadows full of wild grass, blue dicks, and common yarrow, you’ll run into the railroad tracks. Head right, and hike parallel to the tracks under the shade of towering eucalyptus trees. After a short distance, the trail crosses over the railroad tracks and leads into a small clearing. From there, go straight to the Seal Sanctuary Overlook for a great aerial view. You’ll want your binoculars!

Woman sitting perched on a Bluff overlooking seals at Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve

Hundreds of seals on the beach at Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve

Hundreds of seals on the beach at Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve

Hundreds of seals on the beach at Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve

Or take a short, steep trail to your left to get down to the beach. (Please be respectful of closures for any reason.) The views from this coastal access trail can’t be beat, and the isolated beach at the bottom provides a great location to relax, or maybe explore the tide pools. Be sure to mind posted signage about possible beach closures. Closed or not, don’t approach the seals from the beach. Don’t worry; they’re happy to pose for telephoto pictures.

Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve and Seal Sanctuary Overlook are located right off US-101 in Carpinteria. Take Exit 85 onto Bailard Ave., and head south (toward the coast) straight to the preserve. Parking and admission are free. The preserve and hiking trails are dog-friendly, but no dogs at the Seal Sanctuary Overlook.

Story and photos by Natalie Bates, @wanderwithnatalie

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View
  2. Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia

    Fountain to the Falls

    There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge, with a lovely old town stroll included.

    View

  3. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View

  4. Stairstruck in Hollywood

    Beachwood Canyon in Hollywoodland has an action-packed adventure with A-list workouts, big-budget views, and a stair-studded cast. Running time is 1.25 miles with five staircases.

    View