El Capitán State Beach
About
El Capitán State Beach is a public ocean beach in California, about 10 miles from Goleta. It's a straightforward stop for a day at the shore, with restrooms, lifeguards and accessible access on site. Swimming is allowed, and a fee is charged. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from the nearby Cachuma Lake weather station show May highs around 80°F and October highs around 84°F, while July and August average in the low 90s. The closest trail is the Bill Wallace Trail, under a mile away. Farther out, the Baron Ranch Trail and Tequepis Trail offer more hiking, and the Santa Ynez River is a canoeing option about 9 miles off.
Beach Details
Swimming
Allowed
Lifeguards
On duty (often seasonal)
Parking
Available
Fee
Fee charged
Restrooms
Yes
Accessible access
Yes
As published by the managing agency. Lifeguards, fees and dog rules are often seasonal, so check posted signs before you swim.
Location
El Capitán State Beach
California
Data: California Coastal Commission, YourCoast public access data. Source metadata
Facts about this place
When to go
Best time to go: Oct–May. The mildest months here, with typical highs of 67–84°F and lows of 33–43°F.
Typical monthly averages (not a forecast) from the Cachuma Lake, CA weather station, 8.8 mi away. High / low in °F, and days with snow.
- Jan67° high34° low
- Feb68° high35° low
- Mar71° high38° low
- Apr76° high39° low
- May80° high43° low
- Jun86° high45° low
- Jul92° high48° low
- Aug93° high49° low
- Sep91° high47° low
- Oct84° high43° low
- Nov75° high38° low
- Dec67° high33° low
Nearby
- Bill Wallace TrailHiking0.9 mi
- Baron Ranch TrailHiking5.8 mi
- Tequepis TrailHiking6.3 mi
- TequepisHiking7.5 mi
- Santa Ynez RiverCanoeing8.8 mi
- Lizard's Mouth, TheRock climbing9.3 mi
- Mouth, TheRock climbing9.5 mi
- Kelly's HillRock climbing9.5 mi
Source: Roamze catalog (indexable pages within 10 miles, PostGIS distance)
