El Capitan Canyon

This place was a lot of fun. For my husband's birthday I took him to El Capitan Canyon.

We originally were suppose to have a safari tent but were upgraded to a Canyon Queen cabin which to my husband's absolute delight had a sleeping loft.

All the cabins and tents come with linens, towels and extra bedding. If you plan to cook you need to bring cooking supplies (cabins do have microwaves and small refrigerators)
Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table.

The cabins have ensuite bath and toilet facilities.

This was such fun, we roasted marshmellows and hot dogs over our firepit. Kept vigil for a persistent skunk who wanted to invade our picnic area. We were able to clearly view the Perseid's meteor shower.

This is an experience not to be missed. Pampered camping is what I call it.

Rates vary for the cabins and the safari tents. Mid week prices are more affordable and note that summer is considered high season. We had an introductory rate for our night's stay which was reasonable especially since it was summer (August).

Unique Quality: It feels like "Out of Africa." You can actually rent safari tents which are canvas flap tents built on raised wooden decks. The tents all have beautiful queen size beds and are outfitted with electricity. The bathouses are well within walking distance.

The Canyon has a "No car in the canyon" policy so shuttles run from 8am to 10pm. The use of bicycles is strongly encouraged.

There is a "no pet" policy as well.

The beach is a good hike away but well worth it.

For those who do not wish to cook you can buy your meals at the Canyon Market and Deli. They have everything there from matches to roasting sticks to bug repellant to snacks of all kind.

They had a lovely gift shop where one could purchase candles, sweatshirts, cards and music. My husband bought me a very cool walking stick which I use a lot.

Directions: Far west end of Santa Barbara off the 101 freeway.