Overview
A popular family park about 20 miles west of Santa Barbara, “El Cap” provides camping, picnicking, a bike trail and all the usual beach activities. Phone: 805-968-1033.
Camping
There are eight accessible campsites that are primarily designed for tent camping. Accessible campsites are: 9, 20, 26, 33, 38, 80, and 83. The restroom/shower building in the de Anza Loop is accessible. Other campground restroom and site improvements are pending.
Picnic Area
Accessible picnic sites are provided adjacent to the beach area.
Trails
Nature Trail
The Nature Trail is a ˝ mile trail that starts near the park entrance station and provides visitor access to old growth sycamore trees, accessible day use picnicking and coastal views. Accessible parking is provided near the park entrance station. Accessible restrooms are provided at the main day use parking lot.
Bluff-Top Bike Trail
Visitors to El Capitan State Beach can enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands from a bluff-top bike trail/walkway. Part of the trail has been closed because of coastal erosion so it is no longer possible to travel between El Capitan and Refugio State Beaches, but parts of the trail remain open. The trail has fairly level sections, and parts of it may be usable, and challenging, for strong wheelchair users. An accessible restroom is located in the day use parking lot. For additional information, call (805) 968-1033.
Beach/Shore Access
Contact Entry Station staff or Camp Host for beach wheelchair information.
Exhibits/Programs
Campfire Center
The campfire center has been improved to provide accessible parking, routes, seating, and stage access.
Definitions & Terms
Accessible
Meets all or most of the current accessibility standards; most visitors with disabilities will not need assistance.
Generally accessible
Meets many current codes and has few barriers, but some visitors with disabilities may need assistance.
Usable
Meets some current codes but has some barriers; many visitors with disabilities may require assistance.
Designated accessible
Describes facilities that have been set aside and usually signed or “designated” accessible because they met accessibility codes when built. Such facilities may vary from newer suggested guidelines in specified ways, and improvements may be planned or ongoing. Minor variations from guidelines are not usually described. This term is often used for parking spaces that are reserved for visitors with disabilities even though there may be minor issues with slope, signage, or size.
