When you're ready to take a rest from all that exhausting sightseeing, get some fresh air and sunshine at El Capitan Lake. Bring a few snacks or a good book ... Whatever helps you relax!

This Historic Downtown Santa Barbara body of water is an interesting place to start your day of sightseeing. There's plenty to explore in the vicinity, such as Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Mission Santa Barbara, and Presidio Santa Barbara. Wander around at your leisure at El Capitan Lake before heading to these other fine sights.

Plan a trip to see El Capitan Lake

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Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Santa Barbara Beach

per person

Oct 27 - Oct 30

found 10 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Chicago (ORD) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

8/10 Very Good! (42 reviews)

Fun and close to beach

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Hotel Californian

Santa Barbara Beach

Save 100% on your flight

per person

Sep 12 - Sep 17

found 12 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Denver (DEN) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (892 reviews)

It was a lovely hotel

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2025

Riviera Beach House

Santa Barbara Beach

Save 100% on your flight

per person

Sep 12 - Sep 17

found 12 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Denver (DEN) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)

I actually really liked the small rooms. They had a certain charm — cozy, unpretentious, almost endearing in their simplicity. That said, I do wish they were better soundproofed. You’ll hear everything that goes on in the hallway, and I mean everything. The sweet, tender moments between families. The hushed giggles of lovers sharing a private joke. The guttural symphony of someone purging their late-night choices into a wastebasket. It’s all part of the ambiance, I suppose — an unexpectedly intimate glimpse into the lives of strangers. If you're a light sleeper or value privacy, pack earplugs. But if you don't mind a little audio theatre with your stay, there's something oddly human about it.

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Browse tours and tickets to explore El Capitan Lake

Tours & day trips

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Los Angeles Day Trip to Santa Barbara via Oxnard-Amtrak Coast Starlight

Food, drink & nightlife

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Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Free cancellation available

Adventure & outdoor

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Santa Barbara: Zipline Tour with 4x4 Humvee Ride

Free cancellation available

Water activities

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Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

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Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Free cancellation available

Popular places to visit

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Old school theater now featuring Joe Bonamassa!

Arlington Theater

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