El Capitán State Beach
A Jewel on the Central Coast
Review by Bernadette Wozniak
“Explore a lovely walking trail through a magical forest of hundred year old Sycamore trees which spread their limbs out along the El Capitan Creek.”
Sunset at El Capitán Beach
The forest meets the sea at this jewel on the Central Coast of California about 20 miles north of beautiful Santa Barbara. Picture yourself on a bluff above the Pacific watching the dolphins play at sunset after a glorious day of walking the beach, exploring tide pools, collecting driftwood, sunbathing, swimming or even fishing. We’re usually seated on the bluff enjoying the view with our favorite beverage at the end of the day, then wander back to our campsite under the canopy of trees and enjoy dinner and friendship around the fire.
There are trails for biking and walking from the bluffs down to the beach area with access to steps in several places. There’s also a parking lot with closer proximity to the beach for a day use fee of $10. From here you can explore a lovely walking trail through a magical forest of hundred year old Sycamore trees which spread their limbs out along the El Capitan Creek. When we were there in May the whole place was carpeted with orange and gold nasturtiums.
The Campground doesn’t have electricity or a dump station, but water is available to fill your vehicle when you come in and at various points between campsites. There are 142 single family campsites and several group camp sites as well as some handicapped accessible sites. Bathrooms are clean and well lit with showers and a big sink outside.
We love to do day trips while camping at El Cap and there are plenty of great places to visit in Santa Barbara and up the hill on the 101 into Solvang, Los Olivos, and the wine country, also a Mission. There’s a pick-your-own blueberry farm and a fun place where you can feed ostriches that the grandkids love.
Refugio State Beach is about 2.5 miles north of El Capitan and across the 101 on the east side is El Capitan Canyon Glamping with a store we visit that also serves breakfast, lunch and great coffee. You can pick up snacks, ice cream, coffee, etc. if you don’t want to drive into Santa Barbara or the Trader Joe’s which is about 8 miles south.
There is lots of driftwood on the southern shore of the El Cap area and rocky places the kids love to explore. You may pick up some tar on the bottoms of your feet occasionally, but it’s usually small little pieces easily removed with baby oil.
When you book a campsite at El Capitan, try to be closer to the beach and not near the freeway and railroad tracks at the back side of the park.
There are many beautiful, spacious sites with ocean views through the trees and the walking/biking trails along the bluffs show off this gorgeous coastline as well. We’ve always had a wonderful time there and wish that for you, too.
