El Capitán State Beach


Head down from the low cliffs to enjoy swimming (confident bathers only), surfing and fishing from this pebbly beach, overlooked by native sycamore and oak trees. The seasonal beach store opens April to mid-September and sells basic groceries and camping supplies.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Refugio State Beach

2.49 MILES

Fishing, swimming (lifeguards on duty) and enjoying the views out to the Channel Islands are the best things to do at this narrow beach, 20 miles west of…

2. Neal Taylor Nature Center

8.96 MILES

Exhibits and friendly volunteers help residents and visitors learn more about the local area and Santa Barbara County in general.

3. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

9.36 MILES

Fishing, boating and wildlife cruises (look out for bald eagles in the winter) are all popular at this artificial but pretty lake.

4. Sunstone Vineyards & Winery

9.78 MILES

Wander inside what looks like an 18th-century stone farmhouse from Provence and into a cool hillside cave housing wine barrels. Sunstone crafts Bordeaux…

5. Kalyra Winery

10.13 MILES

Australian Mike Brown traveled halfway around the world to combine his two loves: surfing and winemaking. Try his full-bodied red blends, unusual white…

6. Old Mission Santa Ínes

11.27 MILES

The 19th of 21 California missions was founded by Franciscan friars in 1804 and remains an active parish. A self-guided tour takes you through a small,…

7. Elverhøj Museum of History & Art

11.35 MILES

South of downtown, tucked away on a residential side street, this delightful little museum has modest but thoughtful exhibits on Solvang’s Danish heritage…

8. Tocatta

11.39 MILES

Locals gather for afternoon drinks and food at Toccata. The cosy and friendly downtown Solvang winery specializes in Italian varietals and robust Tuscan…