El Capitan Canyon Exterior photoEl Capitan Canyon Exterior photoEl Capitan Canyon Exterior photo
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Check rooms and rates
From286US$ /night
Check-in
20Apr2026Select date
Check-out
21Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Property overview

11560 Calle Real, Capitan, California, United States, 93117
-
Close to El Capitan State Beach
Very good
7.9
/10
3.8
4.3
/5

Cabins and Yurts

El Capitan Canyon, on the Gaviota Coast, features cedar cabins and adventure yurts. Cabins have standard bathroom facilities, king, queen, or double beds, heating, fine linens and towels, and kitchenettes with a microwave, mini-fridge, and sink. Yurts include comfortable bedding, a domed skylight, and finished pine wood floors. Each accommodation has a picnic table and a fire pit with a grill.

Market and Deli

The Canyon Market offers dining with regional ingredients. The Canyon Market has items for outdoor activities, local wines and beers, and organic groceries. The Deli serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and soup. Barbecue kits are available for grill dining at the cabins. Canyon Wine Tastings are featured on Friday nights.

Activities in Nature

El Capitan Canyon provides outdoor activities. Guests can use a heated swimming pool and complimentary adult bicycles. The Canyon has private hiking trails. The Canyon Market sells trail guides for identifying local wildlife. Guests can watch birds and stars.

Coastal Location

Located off the 101 Freeway, El Capitan Canyon is near El Capitan State Beach (0.5 km). The resort is 25 km from Santa Barbara Municipal. The Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains are near the property.

Amenities and Services

El Capitan Canyon offers amenities and services for guests. Wi-Fi is available. The resort includes a playground, restroom, and shower facilities. Guests can request towel and linen service. The resort provides fire safety and has guidelines for campfires and barbecues. El Capitan Canyon has an electric car charging.

“El Capitan Canyon strikes me as a unique blend of upscale camping and a family-friendly resort, nestled amid the Gaviota Coast and Santa Ynez Mountains. The variety of lodging-from cedar cabins to safari tents-and the extensive daily programming make it easy to unplug and reconnect with nature, while still enjoying a heated pool and on-site market. In my opinion, this is a place where families or groups can find both adventure and relaxation.”
Hotel logo
Michael TurnerEditor, UsCalifornia
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Calendar of room availability and rates

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Facilities

Amenities are designed to ensure comfort and memorable stays
Facilities: Very good
7.9/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free parking
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Wind surfing
  • Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Cycling
  • Fishing

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Car hire
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Shops/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
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Dining Onsite

At El Capitan Canyon, the Canyon Market invites guests on a delightful culinary journey featuring classic American fare. Perfectly designed for families and outdoor enthusiasts, it offers welcoming and casual dining experiences with a variety of options to fuel adventures or simply unwind after a day exploring the stunning surroundings.

Canyon Market

American comfort food
Ambiance
Family-friendly, casual atmosphere
Key Offerings
A diverse menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, perfect for taking a break from outdoor activities or enjoying a relaxed meal with friends over a bottle of wine during sunset.
Reservation
No
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

El Capitan Canyon Location

11560 Calle Real, Capitan, California, United States, 93117
Map view
11560 Calle Real, Capitan, California, United States, 93117
Nearby
El Capitan State Beach Rd
El Capitan State Beach
2600 ft
Explore Capitan
Activities Near El Capitan Canyon
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
El Capitan State Beach
El Capitan State Beach
10 minutes' walk
El Capitan State Beach offers sandy shores and stunning views, ideal for picnics and swimming.
Refugio State Park and Beach
10-minute drive
Refugio State Park features hiking trails and serene beaches, perfect for outdoor activities and wildlife observation.
Hiking Trails
10-minute drive
Hiking trails at nearby Refugio Park offer scenic views and varying difficulty levels, catering to all skill levels.
Kayaking
10-minute drive
Kayaking opportunities are available at El Capitan State Beach with rentals nearby, perfect for thrill-seekers.
The Hitching Post
10-minute drive
Renowned for its grilled steaks and rustic charm, The Hitching Post provides a cozy dining experience.
El Capitan Canyon Cafe
5 minutes walking
Offering casual fare with local ingredients, this cafe features outdoor seating and a relaxed atmosphere.
Live Music at The Santa Barbara Bowl
30-minute drive
The Santa Barbara Bowl hosts concerts and events in an open-air venue, ideal for music lovers.
Comedy Shows at Lobero Theatre
30-minute drive
Lobero Theatre offers a variety of comedy shows in a historic setting, inviting laughter for all ages.
Local transportation
City Centre
Capitan6 min  ·  2.4 mi
Airports
Santa Barbara (SBA)33 min  ·  13.6 mi
Presidente Itamar Franco (iza)77 min  ·  31.9 mi
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-21:00
Check-out
from 08:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs US$20 per person per day. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
117

Guest ratings and reviews

Guest feedback from past stays
Review score
Based on 32 verified reviews
7.5/10
Very good
72%
Recommend
Cleanliness
7.7/10
Comfort
8.2/10
Facilities
7.9/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Location
9.0/10
Paid Wi-Fi
2.5/10
Staff
8.6/10
Value for money
7.5/10
Pros
Gorgeous location
Heated swimming pool
Friendly staff
Well-stocked market
Cons
Cabin repairs
Nonexistent housekeeping
Broken grill
Missing amenities
Guest reviews
based on 49 reviews
7.9/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
FAQs
About El Capitan Canyon
What is the check-in and check-out policy at El Capitan Canyon?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
Is parking available at El Capitan Canyon?
The hotel offers free private parking on-site without the need for a reservation.
What amenities are available at the pool area of El Capitan Canyon?
Guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool open year-round.
What dining options does El Capitan Canyon have on-site?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant that offers an à la carte breakfast.
How far is El Capitan Canyon from Santa Barbara Airport?
The hotel is 17 km from Santa Barbara Airport.
What recreational activities are available at El Capitan Canyon?
Recreational activities include hiking, cycling, snorkeling, divings, and live music performances.
What types of accommodations are available at El Capitan Canyon?
El Capitan Canyon offers cedar cabins, adventure yurts, and safari tents.
Is Wi-Fi available at El Capitan Canyon?
Free Wi-Fi is accessible in all rooms.
What is the distance from El Capitan Canyon to El Capitan State Beach?
El Capitan State Beach is approximately a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
Does El Capitan Canyon provide bicycle rentals?
Bicycle rental services are available at the hotel.
Are there activities for children at El Capitan Canyon?
The hotel features a children's playground and diverse daily activities tailored for families.
What is the closest university to El Capitan Canyon?
The hotel is located 20 km from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
What unique features does El Capitan Canyon offer?
The Canyon includes a llama farm and organic garden as part of its unique experience.

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Check-in
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room