Welcome to El Capitán State Beach
El Capitán State Beach offers visitors a sandy beach, rocky tidepools, and stands of sycamore and oaks along El Capitán Creek. Its 2,648 acres include over 2,500 acres inland of U.S. Highway 101 which were acquired in 2002 and border Los Padres National Forest. It’s a perfect setting for swimming, fishing, surfing, hiking, and picnicking. The park includes hiking trails only. Other day-use activities include guided tours, scuba diving/snorkeling, windsurfing, exhibits and family programs, and geocaching. With 143 campsites, El Capitán State Beach has the most overnight facilities of the three parks considered in this General Plan update. These include family campsites, group campsites, hike and/or bike campsites, and RV sites. Visitor facilities at El Capitán State Beach include a camp store, restrooms, and showers (indoor and outdoor).
Several area-wide State Parks facilities are located at El Capitán State Beach, including the maintenance yard and lifeguard headquarters for all three parks.
A variety of habitats are found at El Capitán State Beach, including coastal woodlands, riparian areas, marine habitats, and scrub.
El Capitán State Beach includes known and significant archaeological and tribal resources.
Adapt, Renew, and Preserve
To ensure a sustainable future for El Capitán State Beach, the general plan update will identify and address land management and operational challenges.
Learn More
For additional information about El Capitán SB, visit the Park Website.
Follow El Capitán State Beach on social media:
- Facebook: El Capitán State Beach
- Instagram: Gaviota Coast State Parks
