El Capitan State Beach Tours

El Capitan State Beach
El Capitan State Beach


The kids are sure to sleep soundly after a day spent at El Capitan State Beach. Search for cute critters like crabs and snails, stick a toe in the water or toss a Frisbee around!

When you've spent a bit of time at this stretch of coastline in Goleta, visit some of the other attractions in and around this area. Refugio State Beach is not far from El Capitan State Beach and is a favorite with tourists and locals alike.

Plan a trip to see El Capitan State Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Secret Garden Inn and Cottages
Los Aguajes
Riviera Beach House

Reviews of El Capitan State Beach

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
83
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
54
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
11
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Incredible & lovely beach with RV camping, probably very popular during holidays & summer.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near El Capitan State Beach

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

5 out of 5
8301 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara / Goleta

Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara / Goleta

3 out of 5
6878 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA
Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara / Goleta
Wine Valley Inn

Wine Valley Inn

3 out of 5
1564 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA
Wine Valley Inn
Chumash Casino Resort

Chumash Casino Resort

4 out of 5
3400 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez, CA
Chumash Casino Resort
Vinland Hotel and Lounge

Vinland Hotel and Lounge

3.5 out of 5
1455 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA
Vinland Hotel and Lounge
King Frederik Inn

King Frederik Inn

2.5 out of 5
1617 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, CA
King Frederik Inn
Best Western Plus South Coast Inn

Best Western Plus South Coast Inn

2.5 out of 5
5620 Calle Real, Goleta, CA
Best Western Plus South Coast Inn
The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
5650 Calle Real, Goleta, CA
The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Royal Copenhagen Inn

Royal Copenhagen Inn

2.5 out of 5
1579 Mission drive, Solvang, CA
Royal Copenhagen Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near El Capitan State Beach

El Capitan State Beach in Goleta, California, offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Relax on the sandy beach with comfortable beach chairs, explore the popular campground for a unique outdoor experience, and take in the stunning coastal views. Additionally, the area is known for whale watching opportunities, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

Shopping

For shopping near El Capitan State Beach, visit Camino Real Marketplace, a vibrant public market located 9 miles away. If you're up for a drive, check out Paseo Nuevo Mall, 18 miles away, offering entertainment and family-friendly vibes, and Rafael Gonzalez House, located 19 miles away, for unique gifts.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Sandpiper Golf Club, just 7 miles from El Capitan State Beach, surrounded by scenic views and fresh ocean air. Glen Annie Golf Club, 8 miles away, offers a similar outdoor experience, while Rancho San Marcos Golf Course, 10 miles away, provides a tranquil setting for relaxation.

Adventure

Embark on an adventure at Lost Valley Trail, a picturesque hiking trail 11 miles from El Capitan State Beach, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the Cabrillo Bikeway, an outdoor path 19 miles away, or tackle the scenic Jesusita Trail, located 16 miles from the beach, for breathtaking views.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting nightlife near El Capitan State Beach with a show at the Solvang Festival Theater, just 12 miles away, or enjoy a cozy drink at Cold Spring Tavern, 11 miles away. For fun and games, Zodo's - Bowling and Beyond offers thrilling adventures, also 11 miles away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near El Capitan State Beach

El Capitan State Beach offers a delightful mix of beach fun, cultural exploration, and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of El Capitan, relax on nearby beaches, and discover the area's rich history in local colleges and universities. Whether you're seeking a day of sun and surf or an immersive nature experience, El Capitan and its surroundings provide the perfect getaway for all types of travelers.

  • University of California, Santa Barbara: Located 10 miles from El Capitan State Beach, this historic campus boasts beautiful architecture and stunning ocean views. Explore the vibrant culture of the university, including art galleries, museums, and scenic walking paths that immerse you in a unique academic atmosphere.
  • Refugio State Beach: Just 2 miles away, Refugio State Beach offers a picturesque spot for sunbathing and picnicking. With its sandy shores and gentle waves, it’s perfect for relaxation and enjoying the coastal vibes, making it an ideal family-friendly destination.
  • Lake Cachuma: Situated 9 miles from El Capitan, Lake Cachuma is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and romantic picnics. The serene environment and beautiful landscapes create a charming getaway for nature lovers.

Best time to go to El Capitan State Beach

The best time to visit El Capitan State Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around El Capitan State Beach falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around El Capitan State Beach falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainSunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
March56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighAverage
May63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July72.1°F (22.3°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August72.9°F (22.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September71.6°F (22.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October66.7°F (19.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainSunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainSunnyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for El Capitan State Beach

To save money on your trip to El Capitan State Beach, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to February and November, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking on a Tuesday can also help you find better deals compared to Saturdays. Use Expedia's search tool to filter for budget-friendly hotels and consider package deals that combine flights and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and allow you to earn cash for future bookings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area to maximize your savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around El Capitan State Beach are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around El Capitan State Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around El Capitan State Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can easily arrange your search results from the lowest to highest prices, helping you find the most affordable hotel options first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will display sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at El Capitan State Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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