Chumash Indian craftsmen built canoes (boats) along this exact shoreline, to access the Channel Islands, 30 miles off the coast; and this is how the town was named. Very residential w/ public beach access, parks. Some shopping, restaurants. Over crowded, as the California coast tends to be. The Carpinteria State Beach located on a beautiful sandy beach, is well worth a visit. Summer or holiday weekends the campground can be crowded.