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Tar Pits Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 285 Google reviews · Running trail in Carpinteria, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Tar Pits Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Beachfront site featuring a series of rare natural asphalt lakes, plus trails with ocean views.
What runners say about Tar Pits Park
“Beautiful park in between natural reserve and sea lion sanctuary!”
This is one of my favorite stops along the California coast. The seal viewing and tar pit trail are so unique and always memorable. My favorite time to visit is sunset or sunrise. Don't be surprised to see other wildlife along the way.
Me and the wife thought this place was awesome. $10 to park in the parking lot or free if you walk in. Tar Sands are in the South East part of the beach past the RV's.
It was such a lovely way to take a morning walk and explore the route pools. It wasn't crowded. People were friendly and gave each other information about sightings of sea lions.
Great park overlooking the Pacific in Carpinteria. Highlight is the Seal Sanctuary! Well marked paths, bathrooms and fantastic scenery! Worth the visit!
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful park in between natural reserve and sea lion sanctuary!”
“State Park wants $10 to park your car, when you can park along Liden street for FREE, only 100 yards from the $10 state park parking.”
Plan your run at Tar Pits Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteparks.ca.gov
- Phone+1 805-684-2811
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Carpinteria
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve
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Oceanfront area providing hiking trails, green space & scenic overlooks with views of harbor seals.
Carpinteria Bluffs Trailhead
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Coastal park with ocean views, a seal sanctuary, and blufftop trails.
Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park
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Restored area featuring a trail running alongside it, plus various fish and other creatures.
El Carro Park
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Outdoor baseball park featuring a playground, picnic tables, a snack bar and mature trees.
