In an area known for its world-class point breaks, Carpinteria State Beach is one of Santa Barbara's less-glamorous options, which helps it fly beneath the radar and keeps the crowds pretty mellow. The beach break is peaky and fun, and tends to have less people than the reef to the south. Tarpits holds good shape, but gets a bit busier and can be backwashy at high tide.
Source: Tarpits/Carpinteria State Beach Surf Guide