Santa Barbara Hotel Guide - El Capitan Lake hotels in Santa Barbara, United States of America.

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Our top choices for El Capitan Lake hotels

Casa Riviera

Casa Riviera
4.0 star property
Laguna, 0.5 km from El Capitan Lake
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (89)
"Nice interior, clean, and convenient location"
United States
Harley
The price is €175
includes taxes & fees
19 Jan - 20 Jan 2026
Casa Riviera

Casa De La Vina

Casa De La Vina
4.0 star property
0.5 km from El Capitan Lake
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (130)
"Very tidy and most comfortable."
United States
Flamingstar
Casa De La Vina

Marina Beach Motel

Marina Beach Motel
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.2 km from El Capitan Lake
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (1008)
"Helpful staff and a charming room with a kitchen. "
United States
Steven
The price is €130
includes taxes & fees
19 Jan - 20 Jan 2026
Marina Beach Motel

Simpson House Inn

Simpson House Inn
5.0 star property
Upper East, 1.4 km from El Capitan Lake
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (692)
"Great place to stay for a quiet romantic stay. The staff was very attentive and helpful. The breakfast was delicious. Would stay again."
United States
Brian
Simpson House Inn

Palihouse Santa Barbara

Palihouse Santa Barbara
4.0 star property
0.6 km from El Capitan Lake
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (374)
"Beautiful hotel, with a subdued vibe, exceptionally friendly staff. Walking distance from anything you might want to do in Santa Barbara."
United States
Jeffrey
The price is €407
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026
Palihouse Santa Barbara

Casa Jardin

Casa Jardin
3.0 star property
Laguna, 0.7 km from El Capitan Lake
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (231)
"It was amazing, I will definitely go again "
United States
Hannah
The price is €151
includes taxes & fees
19 Jan - 20 Jan 2026
Casa Jardin

La Playa Inn

La Playa Inn
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.2 km from El Capitan Lake
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (1000)
"Clean room, kind and helpful staff, great parking, great location, very good breakfast "
United States
Luciana Adgemian Menani
The price is €188
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
La Playa Inn

Harbor House Inn

Harbor House Inn
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.1 km from El Capitan Lake
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (1000)
"Very clean room and nice, hospitable staff. The place has about 10 rooms, bungalows with free parking right on property [U-shape, sitting area in the middle and all the bungalows facing the parking lot]. The room had everything I needed: fridge, water bottles, snacks available in the lobby]. I didn't use the free bicycles because of my itinerary, but was a nice amenity. I would stay again for sure."
United States
Otilia
The price is €135
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
Harbor House Inn

Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages

Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages
3.0 star property
Oak Park, 1.5 km from El Capitan Lake
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (675)
"Wonderful property , charming hosts and great breakfasts!"
United States
Jeff
The price is €202
includes taxes & fees
25 Dec - 26 Dec
Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages

Bath Street Inn

Bath Street Inn
3.5 star property
Oak Park, 1.6 km from El Capitan Lake
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (320)
"Super clean, wonderful staff, beautiful quiet elegant place. Great amenities.."
United States
Donna
The price is €167
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
Bath Street Inn

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1 km from El Capitan Lake
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1303)
"Clean, great room, and amazing staff."
United States
Pedro
The price is €174
includes taxes & fees
15 Jan - 16 Jan 2026
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

The Franciscan Hotel

The Franciscan Hotel
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.1 km from El Capitan Lake
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1013)
"Great hotel"
United States
LEI
The Franciscan Hotel

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.3 km from El Capitan Lake
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1106)
"Great accommodation "
United States
Cheryl
The price is €183
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

The Eagle Inn

The Eagle Inn
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.1 km from El Capitan Lake
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1002)
"Great location and amazing breakfast."
United States
Kristina
The price is €250
includes taxes & fees
1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026
The Eagle Inn

Santa Barbara Inn

Santa Barbara Inn
4.0 star property
East Beach, 2.5 km from El Capitan Lake
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1000)
"Every part of this hotel stay was excellent!"
United States
Richard
The price is €270
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026
Santa Barbara Inn

El Encanto Santa Barbara

El Encanto Santa Barbara
5.0 star property
2.2 km from El Capitan Lake
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (536)
"Impeccable everything, incredible staff and service throughout our stay. They were lovely to our toddler son, we loved every bit of our experience and are already planning our return. "
United States
Lauren
The price is €568
includes taxes & fees
19 Jan - 20 Jan 2026
El Encanto Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara
3.0 star property
Lower State, 0.3 km from El Capitan Lake
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1075)
"Outstanding location."
United States
william
The price is €208
includes taxes & fees
25 Dec - 26 Dec
Hotel Santa Barbara

Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1 km from El Capitan Lake
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1818)
"Love the architecture / courtyard of the hotel"
United States
Ohlisa
The price is €162
includes taxes & fees
14 Jan - 15 Jan 2026
Inn By The Harbor

Lavender Inn by the Sea

Lavender Inn by the Sea
3.5 star property
West Beach, 1.1 km from El Capitan Lake
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1300)
"Clean property walking distance to the beach, very friendly staff, delicious breakfast and happy hour my husband and I we really enjoy riding their bike to the beach. We will definitely go back there "
United States
Farnaz
The price is €162
includes taxes & fees
14 Jan - 15 Jan 2026
Lavender Inn by the Sea

ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel

ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel
2.0 star property
Lower State, 0.9 km from El Capitan Lake
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (173)
"Amazing spot and awesome staff"
United States
Karim
ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Top El Capitan Lake Hotel Reviews

Hotels near other El Capitan Lake attractions

Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around El Capitan Lake?
El Capitan Lake is located in a historic area of Santa Barbara known for its beautiful beaches and picturesque gardens. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, take a look at the 339 hotels and other accommodation options you'll find within a mile.
What's the best hotel to stay near El Capitan Lake?
Adjacent to El Capitan Lake, Hotel Santa Barbara is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveller data, and this hotel offers a 24-hour fitness centre and free WiFi. Other good options within a short distance include Inn By The Harbor and Avania Inn of Santa Barbara.
How many hotels can I expect to find near El Capitan Lake?
Expedia has 339 hotels and other accommodation options within a mile from El Capitan Lake.
If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near El Capitan Lake, will I receive a refund?
Yes, the majority of hotel bookings are refundable if you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline, which often is within 24-48 hours of your arrival date. If you booked a non-refundable reservation, it might still be possible to cancel it and receive a refund within 24 hours of booking. Enter dates in and click on "Search", then filter by "fully refundable" to view the best options available near El Capitan Lake.
What can I see and do near El Capitan Lake?
Santa Barbara Museum of Art, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Santa Barbara Historical Museum feature captivating exhibits. Sights like Mission Santa Barbara, Presidio Santa Barbara and El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park are must-sees while exploring the area. You can watch performances at Lobero Theater, Granada Theatre and Arlington Theater if you're interested in local theatre.