Carpinteria Valley Museum

"Small museum but filled with great historical facts about Carpinteria."

"Great little museum. One of the volunteer ladies walked us through each section of the museum. She really added a lot of extra color to the history of this area."

"Beautiful place! The lovely ladies were absolutely perfect at their job. The tour was very interesting, the setups were very clean & organized, and I loved the fact that the piano was open to play ! What a Sweet and memorable trip"

"My family and I live in Tarzana, CA yet our beach of choice that we frequent on a monthly basis is just over an hour up the 101 to Carpinteria - a wonderful beach community that we adore. Though we've been going for years, I never seem to hit it quite right to visit the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History... we're either still enjoying the beach during their open hours or we're there on days they're closed (like Sundays). Well... this time I was going to make it! I ended up walking there from the beach and caught them right at the end of the day! They are open Tuesdays-Saturdays 1-4pm. While donations are welcomed, admission is free!!! They have a lot of great stuff for a small historical museum, and especially for a free museum, you have absolutely nothing to lose!!! I really enjoyed all the rooms set up to look like the years of old. I enjoy antiques, so it's really fun to see all they have on display! There are items hidden everywhere, and I even managed to discover a few things the docent hadn't really noticed before! Bonus points for still having the retro linoleum my grandparents used to have in the 1980s (pictured). There's a lot to learn even for someone who's listed the area. I wasn't aware that Carpinteria at one time was well known for their walnut farming. They have one of the old walnut machines that is really impressive (also pictured). So the next time you're enjoying a beach day or beach weekend, check this place out! It's not a super quick walk from the beach depending on your activity level, but if you're in for a little walk, it's a nice, easy one. PS. Another hidden Carpinteria gem that is rarely open, but the kids will enjoy (that is literally right in the beach parking lot) is the Visitor's Center. Check that free attraction out too and feed some fish!!!"

"We had a wonderful visit to the Carpinteria History Museum. The docent-led tour was a wealth of information, made more personal when she pointed to a young boy in a large farming mural, revealing that he was her grandfather. It would be well worth your time to stop by this well-supported local museum."