In Carpinteria, the automobile is a non-essential item, and if your pedometer isn't logging more miles than your odometer, you need to rethink how you're spending your vacation time. Our house is located in a unique three block square that is an equally short walk to the beach, the wildlife preserve, the state park, and all restaurants, shops, and amenities. Don't feel like walking anywhere? That's OK, porch-sitting is a well respected and frequently practiced activity.
On the other hand, if you just need to get up and go, Santa Barbara is a short 10 mile drive straight up the coast, either using highway 101, or wandering along scenic back roads. Ventura is 15 miles south, and can also be reached either by the express highway 101, or taking the roundabout way along the coast, or through Ojai.