We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

El Capitan State Beach

CA
805-968-1033
Update attraction details
Ranked #1,280 of 4,148 attractions in California
Type: Beaches
Traveller Description: El Capitan State Beach is part of the California State park system and is located near Santa Barbara.  There are several very scenic ocean view sites... more »
Write a Review

26 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    13
    6
    5
    1
    1
Date Rating
Santa Monica, California
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2013 NEW

This is now my favorite camping spot. It was so relaxing, beautiful and well-maintained. The site we reserved, #27, was very spacious, sheltered and private. We did not feel like we were on top of other campers. Its a short walk to the shoreline and we were amazed by the bright orange poppies garden. Exploring the tide pools is fun... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Los Olivos, Ca
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013

Advanced surfers flock to El Capitan's point break, right up there with Rincon and Malibu as one of the premier right slides on the California Coast. Not for beginners, it's a rocky promontory that can be treacherous to enter and leave, with tricky rocks at low tide. The shore break is a long sandy stretch great for beginners, with all... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Ventura, California
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 April 2013

The park is really clean, beautiful and right next to the beach. The kids enjoyed looking at the tide pools, playing in the sand, riding their bikes, hiking and climbing the trees. It does get really windy here and the bathrooms could be cleaned a little more.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Ventura, California
Top Contributor
147 reviews 147 reviews
37 attraction reviews
Reviews in 64 cities Reviews in 64 cities
72 helpful votes 72 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 February 2013

I spend the day here often since I have a CA State Park pass which offsets the $10 day use fee. It's a good deal if you visit parks as often as I do. I love all the ocean front trails, picnic sites and natural areas surrounding the park. You can take long beach walks and see shorebirds, dolphins and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Los Alamitos, California
Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 November 2012

A short drive up the coast from Orange County, CA north of Santa Barbara is El Capitan State Beach. The campsites are located on a hill, some with beautiful ocean views. There is a hilly bike path between other coastal campgrounds. There is a grassy area, small rocks line the beach and large, mature trees.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Pasadena, California
Top Contributor
71 reviews 71 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 September 2012

This is one of our favorite places to camp in southern california. This place is beautiful. You can get your site with ocean viwe. Hot showers, spacious campsites (selected ones) hot water to wash dishes. Beautiful beach. We love going there. An awesome walk is from the el capitan campcite to refugio each. you can go by the beach (check... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Newcastle,Wyoming
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 September 2012

This is an old, well established campground with lots of trees everywhere. There are not many campsites situated close to the water but many of them are a short walk from the ocean. The beach is pretty rocky. There is also a large campground on the other side of highway 1. The biggest drawback here is the lack of a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Huntington Beach
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 August 2012

This was our first time camping, the grounds are clean and the people are friendly. There are some great sites on the beach but even if you don't have a view most of the sites are good. We were at site 50- it was right near the bathrooms and an easy walk down to the beach. But be aware there... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Rena, Norway
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 August 2012

Happen to be driving up the coast from Santa Barbara and decided to stop to see the beach and make ourselves a sandwich when we saw the sign "El Capitan State Beach" and decided to check it out. It was worth it! There is a fee of $10 for parking, but this last all day at any state beach or... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Los Angeles, California
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 May 2012 via mobile

Love camping and have visited a lot of National & State Parks in the West. El Capitan really is a nice car camping/tent/RV spot. About 25 friends, adults and kids, visit annually for the holiday weekend. We plan way in advance to reserve the sites as they are sold out within minutes. We go to the beach, bike ride, hike... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2

Travellers who viewed El Capitan State Beach also viewed

 
California, United States
 

Been to El Capitan State Beach? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage El Capitan State Beach, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing