Nestled on the stunning Santa Barbara coast, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Santa Ynez Mountains, El Capitan Canyon offers a breathtaking backdrop for activities and adventure. Just 15 minutes north of downtown Santa Barbara, this nature resort provides glamping accommodations with all the modern comforts for a cozy stay. Guests can enjoy signature events such as the Summer Concert series and Llama/Goat Farm Open Houses, offering close-up interactions with farm animals while overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Glamping at El Capitan Canyon
El Capitan Canyon offers two types of elevated, resort-style accommodations in Cedar Cabins or Adventure Yurts.
The cedar cabins at El Capitan are fully furnished cabins that showcase vaulted ceilings and French doors that open to views of a meandering creek. Glamping has become increasingly popular as many of our guests like to blend modern amenities, such as Wi-Fi, alongside the escapism and adventure recreation of camping, in accommodations that off all the plush comforts you might want.
Activities, Dining and Other Resort Activities
El Capitan Canyon offers a variety of activities for guests including outdoor activities, stargazing, dining and seasonal events such as the Summer Concert Series.
At trailheads originating from the resort, guests will find 15 miles of private hiking trails that take hikers along the Central Coast. The most popular trail – Selma Rubin Trail – takes visitors to the llama and goat farm, where guests can interact with the farm animals. Download the El Capitan Concierge app to learn about more advanced trails and the best photo spots. For those who would rather bike than hike, El Capitan Canyon provides adult-sized beach cruises to all guests, free of charge. These can be used to explore the resort and surrounding areas. Another popular amenity with families is the heated swimming pool and nearby children’s playground.
The Canyon Market is completely different from your typical campground store. Here guests can find local Santa Barbara wines, candles, organic eats, sunscreen and outdoor/adventure gear. The market also offers convenient breakfast, lunch, and dinner options for dine-in or take-out as well as BBQ (or S’mores!) Kits to cook over the campfire.
Other activities include Sound bath / Silent Yoga classes, guided trail runs, guided stargazing, concerts and wine tastings. Guests can also book off-site Canyon Adventures such as backcountry hiking excursions, mountain biking, ocean kayaking and surf fishing through the resort.
Wedding and Corporate Event Spaces at El Capitan Canyon
The resort’s 350 acres make it an ideal location for a wedding, family reunion, corporate retreat, or other milestone event. Aside from the scenic backdrop, El Capitan offers indoor event spaces ranging from 700 to 2,5000 sq. ft. The yurts and cabins can also be configured for breakout spaces or lodging for groups of various sizes. Contact our sales team to learn more.
Things to Do Near El Capitan Canyon
Surrounding the resort, there are plenty of fun things to do. Below are a few beaches and other outdoor attractions near El Capitan Canyon:
El Capitan State Beach
Refugio State Beach
Arroyo Hondo Reserve
Explore other things to do near El Capitan here.