El Capitán State Beach
Coastal gem with shaded campsites, vibrant tidal pools, and stunning ocean views. A popular spot for camping and beach exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, lower rates
El Capitán State Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, lower rates
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Coastal gem with shaded campsites, vibrant tidal pools, and stunning ocean views. A popular spot for camping and beach exploration.
"Our favorite place to camp. Love the shade. Love the beach. Kids loved the jr ranger program."
🎯 Book camping 6 months ahead
El Capitán campground is popular! Bookings open 6 months out and disappear fast. Be ready at 8 AM PST on Reserve California.
⚠️ Watch for beach tar
Natural tar can be present. Pack old towels and consider sunscreen for removal if needed.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shaded Campsites
Campground
Enjoy camping under the shade of oak trees, a rare and welcome feature for a coastal campground.
Tidal Pools
Beachfront
Explore fascinating tidal pools teeming with marine life during low tide. A natural playground for all ages.
Coastal Views & Wildlife
Cliffs and trails
Witness stunning ocean vistas and keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine creatures from the cliffs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Camping Early
Beware of Tar
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book camping 6 months ahead
El Capitán campground is popular! Bookings open 6 months out and disappear fast. Be ready at 8 AM PST on Reserve California.
⚠️ Watch for beach tar
Natural tar can be present. Pack old towels and consider sunscreen for removal if needed.
Tips for El Capitan State Beach Camping?
🚗 Parking fee
Day use parking costs $10 per car. Plan accordingly for your visit.
👟 Comfortable shoes
Essential for exploring tide pools and walking along the beach.
Camping at El Capitán State Beach, CA
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book camping 6 months ahead
El Capitán campground is popular! Bookings open 6 months out and disappear fast. Be ready at 8 AM PST on Reserve California.
⚠️ Watch for beach tar
Natural tar can be present. Pack old towels and consider sunscreen for removal if needed.
🚗 Parking fee
Day use parking costs $10 per car. Plan accordingly for your visit.
👟 Comfortable shoes
Essential for exploring tide pools and walking along the beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Capitán State Beach is loved for its beautiful coastal views, shaded campsites, and fascinating tidal pools, making it a great spot for relaxation and family fun. However, visitors should be aware of potential natural tar on the beach and the competitive nature of securing camping reservations.
"Our favorite place to camp. Love the shade. Love the beach. Kids loved the jr ranger program."
Jennifer Mitchell
"This beach was recommended to us by some family friends so we made the drive up. The beach itself was not too crowded and had some beautiful views. There were lots of rock areas to explore. Upon leaving we discovered this beach was covered in tar and so were our feet! The lifeguard recommended using sunscreen to remove it. We went to the parking lot where the showers were not working and the bathrooms were in desperate need of repair and updating. After about an hour of rubbing sunscreen on our feet we finally got clean enough to drive back to our hotel."
Katy Phillips
"Beautiful park & campground. Plenty of sites open in the off season. I thought the rates were a little high for winter & no hookups at all. The female camp host was very rude about us parking our truck in one of the 50 open sites. She could have been a bit nicer, we were happy to move it. It was fine for one nights stay on our way up the coast."
Suz Garland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
El Capitán State Beach is located off Highway 101, north of Santa Barbara. Take the El Capitán State Beach exit and follow the signs. It's a scenic drive along the coast.
Public transportation options are limited. It's generally recommended to drive. Check local Santa Barbara transit schedules for any potential bus routes that might get you close, though a car is most convenient.
From Santa Barbara, head north on US-101 N. Take the El Capitán State Beach exit. The beach is approximately 20 miles north of Santa Barbara.
Yes, there is ample car parking available. The day-use parking fee is $10 per car.
Accessing El Capitán State Beach without a car can be challenging due to limited public transport. It's best suited for those with personal vehicles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The day-use parking fee is $10 per car. Camping fees vary and are typically higher. Check Reserve California for current camping rates.
The park is generally open from sunrise to sunset for day use. Campground hours may differ, and access is typically 24/7 for registered campers. It's always best to check the official California State Parks website for the most up-to-date information.
Absolutely! El Capitán State Beach camping is extremely popular and requires advance reservations. Bookings open six months ahead and fill up very quickly.
Camping reservations for El Capitán State Beach can be made through the Reserve California website. Be prepared to book right when reservations open.
While there are no current widespread closures mentioned, it's always wise to check the official California State Parks website or call the park directly for any temporary advisories or closures before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy beachcombing, exploring tide pools, picnicking, camping, and hiking on nearby trails. Wildlife viewing, especially dolphins, is also a highlight.
Yes, El Capitán State Beach offers shaded picnic areas, making it a great spot for a family outing or a relaxing lunch with a view.
Yes, families love El Capitán State Beach for its tide pools, shaded picnic areas, and the Jr. Ranger program. It offers a safe and engaging environment for children.
You can often spot dolphins swimming offshore. Keep an eye out for various shorebirds and marine life in the tide pools.
Restrooms are available, but reviews suggest they may be in need of repair and updating. Showers were reported as not working by one visitor.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information about a store at El Capitán State Beach is not readily available. It's advisable to bring your own food and drinks, especially if camping.
The closest dining options are likely in nearby Goleta or Santa Barbara. Plan for a picnic at the beach or a meal in one of the nearby towns.
Yes, bringing your own food is highly recommended. There are picnic areas available, and it's a great way to enjoy the scenery without leaving the park.
Pack picnic essentials like sandwiches, snacks, and plenty of water. If camping, plan your meals and bring all necessary cooking supplies.
There are no specific mentions of food services within the El Capitán campground itself. Campers typically prepare their own meals.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the coastline, the shaded campsites, and the marine life in the tide pools. The cliffs offer great panoramic ocean views.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for landscape and wildlife photography. Low tide is ideal for tide pool shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for coastal landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A macro lens is perfect for tide pool details.
Drone usage is typically restricted in California State Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Always check the park's specific regulations before flying a drone.
If tar is present, you can photograph its texture and impact on the beach. Be mindful of your gear and consider protective measures for your camera.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the beach offers a wonderful experience, parents should be aware of the potential for tar on the beach and pack accordingly. Also, reviews indicate that restroom facilities might need updating, so managing expectations for amenities is wise. Despite these minor points, the natural beauty and interactive elements make El Capitán a memorable family outing.
🏕️ Campers
Campers should be prepared for the possibility of natural tar on the beach. While the campground itself is generally well-regarded for its setting, some reviews mention that camp hosts can be less than welcoming, so maintaining a positive attitude is key. Despite these challenges, the opportunity to camp steps from the ocean and witness wildlife makes it a sought-after spot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at El Capitán
When planning your camping trip, be aware of potential natural tar deposits that can wash ashore. While it's a natural phenomenon, it can be an inconvenience. Visitors have reported using sunscreen to help remove tar from their skin and belongings.
Key takeaway for campers: Be prepared for intense competition for reservations and pack accordingly for potential tar on the beach. The reward is a beautiful, shaded campsite with direct beach access and stunning coastal scenery.
Exploring the Beach and Tidal Pools
However, a significant consideration for beachgoers is the potential for natural tar to be present on the sand and in the water. This can affect the experience, as noted by visitors who found their feet covered in tar. Lifeguards may offer advice on removal, often suggesting sunscreen.
Tips for beach exploration: Check the tide charts for the best time to explore the tidal pools. Wear sturdy footwear that you don't mind getting wet or potentially dirty, and be prepared for the possibility of encountering tar.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit