I was on the verge of reserving a standard hotel when I stumbled upon the idea of family glamping in Santa Barbara at El Capitan Canyon. In hindsight, I can’t imagine the Hilton offering the level of adventure we found at El Capitan.
Get to know us first by reading our introduction blog post: Here
Glamping In Santa Barbara
Nestled in northern Santa Barbara, California, the El Capitan Canyon Resort emerged as the perfect starting point for our winter break adventure. Before delving into the specifics of our stay, let’s paint a broader picture of this amazing place. El Capitan Canyon, is a resort that seamlessly blends nature and comfort. It offers an array of accommodations, including adventure yurts and cabins of various sizes. The resort is recognized for its family-friendly appeal. It recently secured the prestigious Parent’s magazine award for one of the best family resorts in the west.
El Capitan Canyon is approximately 20 to 25 minutes north of the main area of Santa Barbara. The resort promises not only a serene escape but also convenient access to the city’s attractions. With a history rooted in providing a unique camping experience, El Capitan Canyon has evolved into a year-round destination. It offers activities and amenities for every season.
Now, let’s dive into the specifics of our family’s delightful stay at El Capitan Canyon.
Our winter break adventure began in Santa Barbara, Southern California. It turned out to be quite the introduction to our family vacation. Knowing that the rest of our vacation would get pretty crazy in Los Angeles, (view our review of Super Nintendo World here) we opted for the peace and quiet of “glamping” in this beautiful canyon just outside of the city.
Canyon Loft
Our family of five booked the Canyon Loft – Cedar Cabin, specifically Cabin 272, positioned about as far as you could possibly be from the entrance. This was nice as we practically had the canyon to ourselves up there. The cabin, equipped with a king bed below and a loft with three twins, was very comfortable for our three-night stay. Practical amenities such as a mini fridge, sink, microwave, and coffee maker, along with a gas fireplace, made our cabin feel like a home away from home.
Nature and Activities
Days at El Capitan Canyon were a delightful mix of outdoor adventures. We explored the Selma Rubin Trail on the property, embarking on a scenic hike that led us to their farm overlooking the ocean. While the llamas kept their distance, the friendly goats provided a memorable experience for the kids.
The night sky, unpolluted by city lights, treated us to a breathtaking celestial display. This is about of good of a sky as it gets deep in the canyon. An unexpected thrill came in the form of witnessing a SpaceX rocket launch from the nearby Vandenberg Space Force Base. We had no idea this was going to happen but it was a truly amazing sight as the rocket literally flew right over the canyon.
Great Location
El Capitan Canyon is in a great location. It is an easy 20 to 25 minute drive to the heart of Santa Barbara. We took the opportunity to visit Santa Barbara daily, thanks to the resort’s convenient location. Check out our visit to Stearns Wharf here! More on our visit to Santa Barbara in a future post.
Resort Grounds
El Capitan Canyon had everything for a mix of relaxing and fun. There’s a playground for the kids, a heated pool that we opted not to visits because the air was a bit cold in January, and a well-stocked market.
Quick advice for future visitors: plan ahead and pick up your supplies from a nearby grocery store to save some money. If you can, bring your own firewood and s’more supplies. They sell this here but it can get pricey.
Winter Stay
Our winter stay provided a quieter experience, allowing us to enjoy the resort’s natural beauty with fewer visitors. We learned about the livelier side of El Capitan Canyon during the summer months, featuring concerts and wine tastings. I’m sure its a pretty different experience in high season. During our stay, many of the cabins directly next to us were vacant so we did not deal with any neighbors at all.
We’d Go Back
El Capitan Canyon turned out to be a great spot for our family getaway and the perfect place for glamping in Santa Barbara. The surroundings were outstanding and it was better than we expected. We’re into adventure, and we’re definitely planning on coming back. It’s a laid-back place where nature and family time go hand in hand. Whether you prefer a quiet winter or a busier summer, El Capitan Canyon has something for every family trip.
If you need a break from the busy routine or just want to mix city life with some nature, El Capitan Canyon is the place for you. Our trip was all about finding that balance, and this spot delivered. El Capitan Canyon has got you covered. We’d go back!
For more on El Capitan Canyon, visit their website here.
