The shores and beaches that stretch along the western edge of California are diverse, beautiful, and seemingly widely known and explored. However, there are still some pockets that remain something of a secret. Outside of those who actually live in Santa Barbara County, this stunning nature preserve in Southern California, with its protected coastal wonders, is still relatively unknown.

Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve is a protected expanse of pristine green space just south of the town of Carpinteria, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The preserve is a unique and scenic place to enjoy nature and salty air without the crowds of many other ocean parks. It also harbors a few secrets waiting to be discovered.

A cool cast-metal relief map shows the various trails that crisscross the park.

The trails along the top of the bluffs in the preserve make for easy, enjoyable hiking. The trails connect to a loop along the entire length of Carpinteria State Beach, and they come with unfettered views of the rugged coastline.

In the spring and summer, green shrubs, vibrant ground-cover plants, and colorful wildflowers spread across the top of the bluffs and surround the trails.

Below the bluffs, toward the southern end of the preserve, is the Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary which is both a preserve and rookery for California Harbor Seals. The seals can be seen sunbathing on the sand and rocks or playing in the water.

From December through May, this area is a strictly protected birthing habitat, and from the cliffs you may be able to see mothers with their pups on the shore.

The protected area draws all kinds of birds as well, including graceful white cranes and majestic pelicans who pause on the rocks between fishing expeditions.

A series of natural asphalt lakes known as the Carpinteria Tar Pits, or Carpinteria Oil Seeps, lay just north of the seal sanctuary.

Oil comes up from underground, mixes with clay and water, and cools on the surface as asphalt. Most of the tar pits in the area are on this short stretch of beach and come from what is called the Carpinteria Offshore Oil Field.

A long pier leading from the beach to an off-shore oil rig is evidence of the amount of oil in this area.

It is fairly well-known that Los Angeles, and Southern California as a whole, has been a significant source of crude oil. The most famous spot in SoCal where the oil from underground surfaces is La Brea Tar Pits in L.A. However, few Californians seem to know that the tar pits in Carpinteria exist.

At low tide, mussel-covered rocks emerge and tide pools full of colorful marine life form. You never know what you might discover waiting for the tide to rise again.

There is just no angle of this nature preserve that is not breathtaking. You will definitely want to have your camera ready.

The very nature of the preserve area and the shapes found on the beach make this an amazing place to catch a Southern California sunset.

Did you know about this protected wild area of Southern California? We would love to hear your thoughts and your favorite spots in Santa Barbara County. If you plan to spend a day in Carpinteria - and we highly recommend it - check out these nearby botanical gardens and an Italian restaurant you must visit.