8 am to Sunset
El Capitán State Beach
UPDATE (June 23, 2020) - As California State Parks begins working with locals on a phased and regionally-driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved, it is important for visitors to continue to practice physical distancing and avoid congregating with people outside their immediate household. Everyone has the responsibility to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Here are some guidelines for people visiting El Capitan State Beach:
What is open now?
The following is open at this park:
What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?
At this park:
Statewide:
Are there any new visitor guidelines?
Yes, please see below:
Thank you for your patience and continued support of California State Parks as we work to limit your risk for exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors. For more information, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
Here are some guidelines for people visiting El Capitan State Beach:
What is open now?
The following is open at this park:
- Day-use parking, beaches, and restrooms.
- Campground opened June 22. For more information about camping, visit www.parks.ca.gov/COVID19Camping. To make a reservation, visit www.ReserveCalifornia.com or call 800-444-7275. Reservations must be made 48 hours in advance of arrival date.
- Day Use fees can be paid upon arrival through Passport Parking at www.passportparking.com.
What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?
At this park:
- Group campsites, camp store, and park office.
Statewide:
- Many campgrounds across the state remain closed until further notice. Some campgrounds have started to reopen with modifications. For more information, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/COVID19Camping.
- Many high public-use indoor facilities, including museums and visitor centers.
- Special events and group camping continue to be canceled until further notice.
Are there any new visitor guidelines?
Yes, please see below:
- Stay Local: Stay close to home. Walk or bike into the park. Parking is very limited. Do not take road trips to parks and beaches or to neighboring states.
- Stay Active: Keep walking, jogging, hiking and biking. Watch for one-way trails.
- Stay Safer at 6 Feet: Maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or more. Gatherings, picnics and parties are not allowed. Visitors will be asked to leave if there are too many people at the park, beach or on trails to allow for the required physical distance.
- Stay Clean: Be prepared. Bring soap/sanitizer and pack out all trash.
- Stay Covered: The state now requires you to wear a face covering in most indoor settings and public outdoor spaces when you cannot maintain physical distancing of six feet or more from people outside of your immediate household. For details, please visit CDPH’s guidance here. Visitors should also abide by their local county health orders.
Thank you for your patience and continued support of California State Parks as we work to limit your risk for exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors. For more information, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
Phone Number
(805) 968-1033
Max. Trailer Lengths
Trailer: 42 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: 42 Feet
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Dogs allowed in campground and day-use area. Dogs not allowed on beach.
Driving Directions to El Capitán SB
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.Camping and Lodging
Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
BOATING
Boating
Boating
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
RV Access
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
RV Access
TRAIL USE
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Swimming
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Swimming
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Camp Store
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Camp Store
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
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
Your Inspiring Venue
Are you looking for a memorable wedding or event location with gorgeous ocean views? Contact our event coordinator at sbspecialevents@parks.ca.gov.
RV rental policy
Trailers may be rented from 101 RV Rental Concession. This is the only permitted business for delivery of RVs in this state park. For any questions contact 101 RV Rental 805-210-7391