Welcome
EL CAPITAN guests!
Friday 11/15 - Sunday 11/17
Get ready for
some fun
THE ADDRESS
El Capitan Canyon
11560 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93117
THE ROUTE
Our recommended route (104 miles from Santa Monica):
PCH to 101
Check in is 4PM on Friday 11/15 but you can come enjoy the front area of the property anytime on Friday. The party officially starts at 4:30PM. Need something, call or text Karen: 973-715-0076
If you want to know if your room is ready early, please call the front desk at: (805) 685-3887
When you arrive, pull up to the front kiosk and they’ll direct you to the front desk. When your room is ready, they’ll escort your car to your accommodation for you to unload and then show you where to park. After you get settled, meet us anytime after 4:30pm at the Mesa Hall (map provided). Beverage anyone?
What to Bring
Road trip packing tips: Bring snacks, drinks and car fun like games, sticker books and audiobooks. I like to make a dollar store trip for some fun car surprises for the kids.
Dress is casual, comfy and warm. Break out your flannels and boots! There will be a photographer on site Saturday and you’ll get free access to download all photos. Also, bathing suits; we’ll be across from the beach plus there’s a heated pool on the property (too cold for us, but we’re guessing your kids are braver)! You may want sneakers for walks or hiking, too.
Weather is cool in the mornings & evenings (as low as mid 40s!) and mid 60s to low 70s during the day - pack layers.
Kids bikes / scooters: El Capitan is a largely car free resort, and a kids’ biking and scooting dream land. Please also bring helmets! Complimentary adult bike rentals are available on site. Plus, thanks to Micro Kickboard, we’ll have adult scooters available for use, too!
Food and drink. Breakfast, happy hour and dinner (with alcohol) are included (see updated menu) and lunch will be during family free time. Please bring additional snacks and beverages if you’d like. Cabins have small kitchens. Cabins and yurts have mini fridges, tents do not (we will provide you a cooler though! Just grab ice at the market). The onsite store & restaurant, The Canyon Market, is available for all of your lunch and snack needs from deli items to picnic groceries and wine & beer. If you’re feeling ambitious each accommodation has its own fire pit with a rack to grill on, but you’ll need to bring your own cooking supplies (like cast iron skillet and cooking utensils). Please bring a water bottle for your child(ren).
Camping Gear. We took most of the load off, but it’s still “camping!”.
Please bring the following:
- Flashlights, headlamps, or lanterns (it’s dark in there!)
- Bug spray and sunscreen
- Beach towels
Optional:
- Camping or beach chairs for around your own personal fire pit (or just use the upright ones from your accommodation).
- Cooking utensils (if ambitious, see above)
Aside from fun, we will also be providing: kid flashlights, glow sticks, matches, firewood, s’mores supplies and camping chairs for around the larger communal fire pits plus some other treats that you’ll just have to wait and see.Road trip tips
To kick things off enjoy this kid friendly, parent approved Spotify roadtrip playlist.
Here are some great places to get out and stretch or have lunch along your journey
Carpinteria (75 miles from LA)
Beautiful beaches, small shops and cafes, right off the highway
Santa Claus Lane - Santa Claus Lane is a popular local’s favorite for its wide stretch of gorgeous white sand and its sweet cafes and shops, perfect for exploring.
Padaro Beach Cafe 3765 Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria, CA 93013
Fish tacos and a sand pit for the kids to play in with an ocean view. Right on the beach for a little beach walk before or after a bite. http://padarobeachgrill.com/
The Spot 389 Linden Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013
A hamburger stand that has been serving burgers and fries for more than 50 years. There’s nothing fancy about the burger: ground beef, American cheese, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, a dill pickle and thousand island dressing. But there it is — the classic beach burger. http://www.facebook.com/TheSpotCarpinteria
Across from The Spot is a playground and a beautiful walkway along the Carpinteria State Beach.
Santa Barbara (85 miles from LA)
Beautiful coastal views on one side, striking Santa Ynez Mountains on the other
Santa Barbara Zoo 500 Ninos Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Located on 30 acres near the ocean, and with more than 500 animals on the premises, the Zoo offers many attractions for the family. Meet the animals, feed a giraffe, take a ride on the zoo train, and watch a live stage show.
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation 125 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
This museum is devoted to science, technology, and the arts, and is filled with interactive and hands-on exhibits and experiences. Be sure to visit the rooftop level which includes water exhibits, observation scopes, and sweeping views of Santa Barbara. This is an awesome place for kids and adults alike!
Welcome to El Capitan
you made it
The most important thing to do now is relax and enjoy your family vacation - we have it all covered. But if you do want additional things to do outside of our itinerary, that’s all below. (All of this info and maps will be provided to you on-site). Are you relaxed yet?
El Capitan Canyon has so many family friendly amenities that you may not even bother leaving the 350 acre property. The beach, hiking trails, pool, restaurant, spa and outdoor areas are all right there.
El Capitan Canyon activity recommendations
TO DO
Bike or Walk to El Capitan State Beach
El Capitan Canyon provides complimentary adult bikes on a first-come first-serve basis. Take advantage and cruise down to the beach, just across the street from the property.
Follow the El Capitan Beach Trail, a mile-long path that passes through a mix of sandy and rocky coastline and along steep sea cliffs. Stop along the way to build a sculpture with the beach driftwood, scramble over the rocks, and enjoy the expansive ocean views!
Explore the stands of sycamore and oaks along El Capitan Creek.
Unwind at the On-Site Canyon Spa - At El Capitan Canyon
The one of a kind Canyon Spa is nestled in a serene mediation garden where calming lavender, healing sage, and many more native botanicals grow. A stay in the Canyon allows access to your own custom combination of body treatments and unique surrounding, allowing the healing presence of nature to rejuvenate your body and mind. Book your massage through us or check out their full list of services here.
$125 / 55 minute massage
Relax, Read, Chat on the Lawn of the Safari Cabin
We have the Safari Cabin reserved for our private use (see map). This is the location of the adult events (yoga and wine tasting), but feel free to come up and enjoy the deck and lawn at any time. With the panoramic ocean, mountain, and canyon views, this is the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Bring a book or a picnic lunch, and enjoy the fresh air and open outdoor space.
Enjoy the Heated Pool & Adjacent Playground
Have some fun on the playground, complete with a slide, swings & jungle gym.
Enjoy the centrally located, heated (however, in our opinion, still quite chilly) swimming pool, open from 10:00am to 10:00pm.
WALKS AND HIKES
El Capitan boasts a rugged coastline and ridges with spectacular views. Below is a guide to the best hikes in the area. Be sure to bring a bottle of water, hats, bug spray, and sunscreen.
The Selma Rubin Trail (in El Capitan Canyon)
This trail offers spectacular views of the Channel Islands and Pacific Ocean. This trail can be trekked as a 1-mile up and down or a 2 mile loop. It is rated moderate to strenuous. The trail head starts directly across from the Canyon Market. This hike begins with a vigorous climb to the organic produce fields, then continues in a steep incline to the picnic table at the top of the ridge (elevation 750ft); here you’ll find the best views of the channel. To finish the hike in a loop, follow the firebreak along the ridge top towards the mountains and then drop back into the canyon. The loop usually takes about 1 - 1 1/2 hours, and the up and down about 30 - 45 minutes.
The Lower Bill Wallace Trail (in El Capitan Canyon)
This hike is about a 4-mile loop and is rated moderate to strenuous. The trail head is located adjacent to our Ocean Mesa RV Resort: where you will find the State Park sign in sheet and trail maps. The hike starts with a vigorous climb to the ridge (elevation 964ft), and continues along the ridge line before dropping back into the canyon. This hike usually takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
The Llama Trail (in El Capitan Canyon)
This is by far the most popular for kids. This is about a 1.25 mile hike that starts with a short moderate climb, then flattens out for an easy walk. The trail starts right across from the Canyon Market, and continues along the dirt road paralleling the produce fields.
Join us on Sunday at 12:00pm after you’ve checked out of your room for a private guided hike and llama feeding tour on this trail!
