El Capitan State Beach

There are so many beautiful day trips a short drive from Santa Barbara.

One of my favorites is to El Capitan State Beach, just a 25 minute drive west of Santa Barbara along stunning Highway 101. It's on a former ranch, with undeveloped lands and uninterrupted vistas.

This park is on both sides of Highway 101, from the Pacific Ocean to the Santa Ynez Mountains.

I paid my day use fee and parked near the beach store, then followed the stairway down to the beach. For day-trippers, there's a lovely day use area on the oceanfront, with picnic tables and grills.

**Note that dogs are not permitted on the beach or trails, and must be leashed in all other areas.

Bill Wallace Trail

The most popular hiking trail is the Bill Wallace Trail (12-mile loop), that is a coast to mountain trail. The trail follows an old ranch road along the El Capitan Canyon, gaining 1,000 feet in elevation up to a grassy ridgeline with gorgeous ocean views.  It then returns along the other side of the canyon. During summer I saw a huge fog bank over the foothills as I ascended the trail, lending this hike an ethereal quality. The Bill Wallace Trail trail travels through lands that used to be part of the 2,500 acre El Capitan Ranch. 

I also enjoyed the shorter coastal trail (0.5 miles) at El Capitan State Beach, that travels through an oak and sycamore grove along the creek to El Capitan Point.

Camping & lodging

I loved the blufftop setting of the campsite at El Capitan State Beach, which is usually open year-round. However, it's important to note that there are no hook-ups. There are 130 sites with a picnic table, a fire-ring, and access to showers and restrooms (reserve a site). 

There's also lodging near the Bill Wallace Trail at the El Capitan Canyon Resort.  There are luxury cottages and cabins with private bathrooms and air conditioning/heating. The more basic cedar cabins have private bathrooms, and yurts have shared bathrooms. All guests have a firepit and picnic table, and access to a heated swimming pool. The woodland setting is enchanting, with a creek running through the property. Other amenities include a market store, a llama farm, and complimentary adult bicycle use.  

History

The El Capitan State Beach park was formed in 1953, when 111-acres were acquired from the historic Rancho Canada Del Corral. An additional 21-acres was added in 1967. The biggest acquisition was in 2002, when 2,500 acres were added from the El Capitan Ranch. 

5 best things about El Capitan State Beach

1. It has the majestic backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains.

2. There's a well stocked beach store.

3. Visitors can do a coastal hike to El Capitan Point (0.5 miles) or the longer Bill Wallace hike (12-miles).

4. Day trippers can use the picnic tables and grills in the day use area, and savor these views!

5.  The blufftop campground has a magnificent setting, and is open year round! 

Know before you go  

• El Capitan State Beach store hours: (usually weekends only):  check here. 
• Camping reservations:  check here. 
• Campsite hook-ups:  no.
• Day Use Fees:  check here. 
• Attractions near El Capitan State Beach: Visit Gaviota State Park just 12 miles west of El Capitan State Beach along the coastline.
• Dogs: Dogs must be on a leash, and are not permitted on the beach.