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El Capitán State Beach - Photo 1
Photo: El Capitan State Beach (42897998455) by Björn S... (CC BY-SA 2.0) License

El Capitán State Beach

State park · Goleta, California

Hot — visit earlycamping-nearbyBarbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom

Beach with sandy shore & rocky tide pools, offering swimming, fishing & surfing.

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Current water conditions

Water temp
70°F
21°C
Comfortable for a swim today. The water's in a comfortable range. Still check depth, currents, and the forecast, and follow any posted advisories before getting in.

Live data from NOAA buoy 46053 (19 mi away), as of Aug 20, 10:50 PM UTC. Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly — always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories before swimming.

Weather at El Capitán State Beach

H: 95° L: 59°
Sunny
Sunny
93°
|
Feels like 92°
Precipitation
5%
Humidity
28%
Wind
6 mph
UV Index
8
Water Conditions:
🏊Perfect for swimming🧴High UV - use sunscreen
12 AM
Cloudy
61°
3 AM
Fog
61°
6 AM
Clear
60°
9 AM
Cloudy
67°
12 PM
Sunny
91°
3 PM
Sunny
95°
6 PM
Sunny
86°
9 PM
Clear
71°

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Frequently asked questions

Where is El Capitán State Beach?
El Capitán State Beach is a state park in Goleta, California.
What is the water temperature at El Capitán State Beach?
As of August 20, 2026, the water temperature at El Capitán State Beach in Goleta, California is 70°F (21°C), measured by NOAA buoy 46053, 19 miles away.
Can you swim at El Capitán State Beach?
There is no fixed answer for El Capitán State Beach: whether it is safe to swim there on a given day depends on the water temperature, recent rainfall, and any advisories posted at El Capitán State Beach in Goleta, California. Check current water conditions before you go, and follow posted signs and local guidance.
How is El Capitán State Beach rated?
El Capitán State Beach in Goleta, California has an average visitor rating of 4.6 out of 5, based on 1172 reviews.
What amenities does El Capitán State Beach have?
Visitor-listed amenities at El Capitán State Beach include camping-nearby.

Visitor Reviews

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Been here? A quick note helps the next visitor plan their day. Handy things to mention:

Water temperatureCrowds & parkingBest time to goSafety & access

Best Times to Visit

☀️
Right Now
Very warm - visit early morning or evening
General Tips:
  • Weekday mornings (8–10 AM) are typically less crowded
  • Check the forecast 2–3 days ahead for best planning
  • Avoid holiday weekends for a quieter experience
Best Seasons:
☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug)🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov)🌸 Spring (Mar-May)

Location & Contact

1 El Capitan State Beach Rd, Goleta, CA 93117

Goleta, California 93117

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Highlights

Picnics

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entranceWheelchair accessible parking lot

Amenities

Camping nearby🍖 Barbecue grill🧺 Picnic tables🚻 Public restroom

Family & Children

👶 Good for kids👶 Kid-friendly hikes