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From286US$ /night
Check-in
14Feb2026Select date
Check-out
15Feb2026Select 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
7.8
/10
3.8
/5

Rooms & Accommodation

El Capitan Canyon features cedar cabins and adventure yurts. Cabins include bathrooms, kitchenettes with a microwave, a K-cup style coffee maker, paper cups, a bar-sized fridge, and a small sink. Some cabins have private bedrooms and sleeping lofts. Yurts feature wooden floors, comfortable bedding, electricity, a mini-fridge, and a microwave. Bathrooms and showers are located nearby. Each accommodation has a private picnic table and a fire pit with a removable grill.

Dining at Canyon Market

The Canyon Market offers espresso bar, local wine and beer. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Deli menu includes hand crafted pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and soup. The Canyon Market uses fresh, regional ingredients. Barbecue kits include necessary ingredients for a camp-style fireside dinner.

Activities & Adventures

El Capitan Canyon has a heated swimming pool and a children's playground. Guests can use complimentary adult bicycles. Hiking trails provide views of the Gaviota Coast, Pacific Ocean, and Santa Ynez Mountains. Stargazing and bird watching are options. The property provides custom activities packages, including horseback riding, kayaking, biking, surf lessons, wine tasting, and massage treatments.

Location near State Beach

El Capitan Canyon is located off the 101 freeway, north of Santa Barbara, at the 'El Capitan State Beach' EXIT 117. Santa Barbara Municipal is 25 km from El Capitan Canyon. The property is surrounded by 350 acres of oak and sycamore trees along El Capitan Creek.

Onsite services

El Capitan Canyon offers Wi-Fi. Cruiser bikes are available for rent. Firewood and ice are available for purchase. Guests can access a llama and goat farm.

“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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Choose your preferred room

The property features double rooms, family rooms, and suites, often including breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers
Family Room
2 persons
530 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Standard Family Room
2 persons
250 sq. feet 
6 Single beds
Shower
Coffee machine
Family Room Mountain View
2 persons
465 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
King Suite
2 persons
400 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Shower
Coffee machine
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Calendar of room availability and rates

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Facilities

Amenities are designed to ensure comfort and memorable stays

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • 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
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
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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
Capitan2 min  ·  400 ft
Airports
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)33 min  ·  13.6 mi
Presidente Itamar Franco Airport (iza)77 min  ·  31.9 mi
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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
is available in 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
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
14Feb2026Select date
Check-out
15Feb2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room

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El Capitan Canyon Exterior photo

El Capitan Canyon

7.8
Very good46 reviews
400 ft from center
257 US$
286 US$
per night
Mobile-only price