Blue skies, sunny weather, and an amazing food scene draw tons of visitors to Southern California. Whether you live in California or are just visiting, you no doubt want to spend time outdoors when you can. When it comes to relaxing outdoor activities, a leisurely walk through vibrant botanical gardens and outdoor dining in the coastal town of Carpinteria, California is hard to beat.

Seaside Gardens is a great place to start. Although there are plenty of healthy plants and a wide variety of pots and accessories for sale, this is far from just your average nursery.
Seaside Gardens Botanical Gardens and Nursery/Facebook
Stroll freely through the worldwide-inspired gardens or grab a map to orient yourself and to see the various regions represented here.
Seaside Gardens
This is the perfect place to wander and maybe even find some inspiration for your own garden. Natural stone and well-maintained dirt paths connect and pass through the various gardens.
Seaside Gardens Botanical Gardens and Nursery/Facebook
From the desert landscape of the succulent garden to the bamboo-surrounded Asian garden with its koi pond and rock waterfall, you are sure to find a favorite spot.
Visitors are encouraged to spend time in the gardens, so bring your coffee and relax for a bit on one of the benches scattered throughout. You can even bring your dog!
Seaside Gardens Botanical Garden and Nursery/Facebook

Related Stories

The One Park In Southern California With Hiking Trails, Suspension Bridges, A Wedding Gazebo, And Playgrounds Truly Has It All

The One Park In Southern California With Hiking Trails, Suspension Bridges, A Wedding Gazebo, And Playgrounds Truly Has It All

 Southern California Is Home To The Country’s Most Underrated Snow Tubing Park And You’ll Want To Visit

Southern California Is Home To The Country’s Most Underrated Snow Tubing Park And You’ll Want To Visit

 The 7 Secret Parks In Southern California You've Never Heard Of But Need To Visit

The 7 Secret Parks In Southern California You've Never Heard Of But Need To Visit
Feeling inspired? Be sure to visit the gift and garden shops.
3700 Via Real, Carpinteria, CA 93013, USA
Seaside Gardens Botanical Garden and Nursery/Facebook
Seaside Gardens is open Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the Seaside Gardens website to learn more about this plant wonderland.
After your relaxing stroll through the gardens, head over to nearby Thario's Kitchen. Run by owners Thais and Mario, this is possibly Carpinteria's best-kept secret for mouthwatering Italian cuisine.
Thario's Kitchen
The charming patio is an ideal location for a laid-back lunch or dinner.
Thario’s Kitchen/Facebook
Don't forget to check out the daily specials on the chalkboard!
From traditional pasta dishes to pizzas and calzones made with the owner's own special dough recipe, you cannot go wrong with any of the home-style meals on the menu. Why not pair it with a glass of wine?
Thario’s Kitchen/Facebook
Leave room for dessert or order one to go. How can anyone resist homemade pastries, brownies, tiramisu, chocolate mousse, or creme brulee? Top it off with a delicious cappuccino and you may never want to leave.
3807 Santa Claus Ln, Carpinteria, CA 93013, USA
Google Local/Thario’s Kitchen
Follow Thario’s on Facebook to keep up with specials and events.

Have you been to either of these delightful spots in Carpinteria? Share your experience with us in the comments! Check out a few more things to do in Carpinteria.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Southern California