El Capitan State Beach Activities

With the south facing beach protected from the heavy northern swells, El Capitan Beach is a popular swimming spot. Cold Pacific temperatures don't hold back eager water sports enthusiasts. Boogie boarders, skim boarders, swimmers, and just those who like to wade out into the surf enjoy El Capitan's generally tame waves.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.

Surfing at El Cap

Surfers keep an eye on El Capitan, waiting for those amazing days when the break off the point is unrivaled along the Santa Barbara coast. During a west swell when things are right, the wave can seem to break forever, providing spectacularly long rides. Dangerous rocks on the point make it a location for experienced surfers. The point gets very crowded when the waves are up.

Oceanside Picnics

A row of picnic tables along a grassy shelf overlooking the beach and ocean make a wonderful place for a picnic at El Capitan State Beach.

The Aniso Trail: El Capitan Beach to Refugio Beach

The Aniso Trail is a 5.5-mile-long paved bicycling and walking path that connects El Capitan State Beach with Refugio State Beach. The rolling trail follows the bluffs between the two beaches, offering wonderful views of the coast and ocean. At several points travelers can divert to explore interesting places along the beach.

During low tides it is possible to walk long stretches of the beach and rocky coast between the two parks. Hikers, of course, need to be aware of the tides to avoid being trapped against a rocky cliff by the waves.

Hiking the Bill Wallace Trail

The Bill Wallace Trail begins at the entrance to the privately operated Ocean Mesa campground on the opposite side of the highway. The wide leads for about 12 miles inland, climbing to beautiful vistas of the ocean and then looping around to return down the opposite side of El Capitan Creek. Most hikers choose to go only part way around the loop, making a nice vista point a couple of miles up the trail their turnaround spot. Much of the trail is without shade, so hikers do best by carrying water, wearing hats, and setting out in the early morning. Wildflowers burst with color along the way. Birders often spot a variety of feathered species.