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

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Los Aguajes

Santa Barbara Beach

Save 100% on your flight

$755

per person

Jan 19 - Jan 23

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Portland (PDX) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

7/10 Good! (6 reviews)

Location was great…property was peaceful and well kept. Felt safe to walk to dining and grocery. We did enjoy our stay here however i need to point a couple of concerns out… The couch really needs to be steam cleaned or replaced. It was stained and dirty, we placed a sheet on cushions in order to sit on it. Floors did not look dirty but when i wiped spilled water from it the napkin turned black. I clorox wiped the floor just to feel comfortable. I think housekeeping needs to be more detailed when cleaning.

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2025

The Craft House Inn

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$3,136

per person

Jan 16 - Jan 19

found 2 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Portland (PDX) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)

This is a beautifully renovated older home turned into a BNB. Every detail has been preserved or highlighted with marble detailed bathrooms, modern cozy furniture and kitchens that I am truly envious of versus my own:). It is a BNB so some may not like the shared kitchen but in that case, reserve the Lotus Suite! We stayed in both the Lotus Suite and the Granada. I can't wait to come again!

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Secret Garden Inn and Cottages

Oak Park

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$784

per person

Jan 4 - Jan 10

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Chicago (CHI) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)

This is a charming and peaceful bed and breakfast surrounded by pretty gardens. The breakfast was delicious and the convenience of private parking made our stay even better.

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2025

Reviews of El Capitan State Beach

4.5

Top Destination

5 - Excellent

83

4 - Good

54

3 - Okay

11

2 - Disappointing

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

A great beach to bring your kids, you can walk for miles! Very calm, quiet, and clean, this beach features camping, BBQ pits, biking trails, and beautiful sunsets. Many times while camping here, my kids have carried their sleeping bags down to the beach and slept there, waking up to an amazing sunrise. :)

Refugio State Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Refugio State Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Goleta. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

There wasn't much "falling" going on, more like a trickle.. but it was still pretty. Also, it's a earthcache

Nojoqui Falls Park

Explore the great outdoors at Nojoqui Falls Park, a lovely green space in Goleta. Check out the casinos and top-notch restaurants in this quaint area.

University of California, Santa Barbara

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit University of California, Santa Barbara, during your travels in Goleta. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or seek out the biking trails.

Haskell's Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Haskell's Beach during your trip to Goleta? Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.

Sandpiper Golf Club

Play a round of golf in Goleta at Sandpiper Golf Club, and enjoy other activities such as biking. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

Goleta Butterfly Grove

Explore the lovely green spaces of Goleta Butterfly Grove and enjoy the biking trails in Goleta. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.