Contact Number

  • (805) 968-1033

Park Accessibility Information

Park Hours

  • 8 am to Sunset

Park Activities

Yes
Dogs allowed in campground and day-use area. Dogs not allowed on beach.
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Swimming
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails

Park Facilities

Trailer: 42 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: 42 Feet
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
RV Access
Camp Store
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Boating

Park Directions

Get directions through Google Maps

The beach is located off Hwy 101 seventeen miles west of Santa Barbara. From Hwy 101 north- or southbound, take Exit 117 for El Capitán State Beach. Proceed south toward the ocean and the park entrance.

El Capitán State Beach offers visitors a sandy beach, rocky tidepools, and stands of sycamore and oaks along El Capitán Creek. It’s a perfect setting for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and camping. A stairway provides access from the bluffs to the beach area.

Beach wheelchairs are available for use by the public with no cost. With this specially designed chair, wheelchair users may access the beach at several locations. Contact a ranger or lifeguard for additional information.

Now Hiring!

Apply Now! Job Opportunities

Special Events

El Capitán State Beach has a spacious yet private meadow next to the beach with vast and pristine ocean views, a wonderful venue for large weddings, celebrations, and other events. The large campground sits amongst sycamores and oaks on top of the bluffs that rise dramatically from the water. The park features a campfire center, multiple group camps, plentiful parking, and 2,500 acres of backcountry to explore on the Bill Walllace Trail.

Submit a Special Events Inquiry

Please submit an inquiry for the quickest response. For additional questions, contact SB.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov or call (805) 968-1711 to speak with the Special Event Coordinator about your event.

RV Rental Delivery Policy

ATTENTION: Trailers may be rented and delivered to the park from 101 RV Rentals. This is the only business permitted for delivery of RVs in this state park. It is illegal to conduct business in a park area without a permit, contract, or other written agreement. Renting from a business other than 101 RV Rentals may leave you without accommodations as the RV/camping equipment may be turned away upon arrival at the park. 101 RV Rentals can be contacted at (805) 210-7391.


 

Additional Visitor Services
  • Parks and Recreation Management, Inc. dba Channel Coast Camp Stores
      (Beach stores at Gaviota, El Capitan, Refugio SB) 
  • D2 Global Enterprises, Inc. dba 101 RV Rentals (Camp trailer rentals)