El Capitan Canyon Hotel, Capitan
About the Hotel
El Capitan Canyon is a distinct resort located just 15 miles north of Santa Barbara, California. This unique lodging combines the comforts of a hotel with the rustic charm of camping, featuring cedar cabins, safari tents, and adventure yurts nestled in 400 acres of beautiful oak and sycamore forests. Guests can enjoy the serenity of the Gaviota Coast while participating in various outdoor activities available in the surrounding natural environment.
Location
Conveniently situated off the 101 freeway, El Capitan Canyon is easily accessible from both Santa Barbara and surrounding areas. Close proximity to the El Capitan State Beach offers additional recreational options, while the surrounding scenery of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains provides stunning backdrops for adventure.
Rooms
The accommodations at El Capitan Canyon include cedar cabins and adventure yurts designed for comfort in a natural setting. All cabins are equipped with standard bathroom facilities, kitchenettes, and outdoor picnic areas featuring fire pits for grilling. The adventure yurts offer a unique glamping experience with raised wooden floors, domed skylights for stargazing, and access to shared restroom facilities, catering to families and groups comfortably.
Eat & Drink
The Canyon Market and Deli provide a diverse menu featuring freshly prepared meals with regional ingredients. Guests can enjoy hearty breakfasts, handcrafted pizzas, and a selection of local wines. Grill dining over a campfire is a long-standing tradition, with barbecue kits available for memorable al fresco meals, complemented by options for take-out or enjoying the surroundings.
Leisure & Business
El Capitan Canyon features a range of activities aimed at immersing visitors in the natural environment, including hiking, stargazing, and seasonal concerts. The resort also supports group adventures with customizable activity packages for corporate retreats or family gatherings. A heated swimming pool, children’s playground, and bike rentals further enhance leisure opportunities for guests.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
What our guests says about facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Parking
- 24-hour reception
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- Baggage storage
- Allergy-free rooms
Sports & Fitness
- Wind surfing
- Diving
- Snorkeling
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Cycling
- Fishing
Services
- Housekeeping
- Car rental
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Stores/Commercial services
- Welcome drink
Dining
- Restaurant
- Snack bar
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Packed lunches
Children
- Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Beach access
- Live entertainment
- Garden area
Room features
- Free Wi-Fi in rooms
- Heating
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
Room decor
- Parquet floor
Location
Reviews and Ratings
Our family had a wonderful time at El Capitan Canyon! The cabins were clean and provided a cozy vibe, perfect for our getaway. The kids had a blast exploring and playing in the safe outdoor spaces. Although it was a little inconvenient that we needed to bring our own kitchenware, the overall experience was just fantastic. We especially loved the llama farm hike, which was a highlight of our trip!
My family had an incredible time at El Capitan Canyon! The cabins felt cozy, and the whole place has a very peaceful and rustic vibe. The variety of activities like biking, hiking, and making s'mores created so many special memories for us. The only downside was that our first cabin was a bit cramped, but once we switched, it was perfect for our needs. Overall, this place is a fantastic getaway for families looking to reconnect with nature.
El Capitan Canyon provides a richly engaging experience for families, with a variety of accommodations and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. The cabins were clean and the market offered a good selection of essential items. However, some areas could be improved, particularly regarding the noise levels and regulations around pets that guests faced during their stay.
Our stay at El Capitan Canyon was absolutely wonderful! The range of activities kept the kids entertained, and we enjoyed the comfort of our cabin. The food options were surprisingly good, especially the Tri Tip BBQ kit. It felt like a glamping experience, which was perfect for our family vacation. However, the cabins are pretty close together, which might not offer the best privacy during busy times.
El Capitan Canyon is a fantastic getaway for families, offering a fun camping experience with plenty of activities for kids. The cabins, while comfortable, are starting to show some wear, and the experience can be a bit noisy due to the close quarters with other guests. Overall, I found it to be a valuable trip for our family, especially with enjoyable activities like llama feeding and a BBQ night.
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