Top Hotels Near El Capitan Lake in Santa Barbara from NZ$246

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Our top choices for El Capitan Lake hotels

Executive Apartment, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Balcony, Mountain View | Terrace/patio
Casa Riviera

Casa Riviera

Casa Riviera
4.0 star property
Laguna, 0.5 km from El Capitan Lake
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (90)
"Was a 5-Star experience across the board! We will certainly be staying here again!"
United States
Kevin
The price is NZ$362
includes taxes & fees
19 Jan - 20 Jan 2026
Casa Riviera
Premier Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, City View
Casa De La Vina

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
Exterior
Marina Beach Motel

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, (1004)
"Helpful staff and a charming room with a kitchen. "
United States
Steven
The price is NZ$259
includes taxes & fees
19 Jan - 20 Jan 2026
Marina Beach Motel
Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
Palihouse Santa Barbara

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 NZ$580
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
Palihouse Santa Barbara
Premium Studio, 1 Queen Bed, Kitchenette
Casa Jardin

Casa Jardin

Casa Jardin
3.0 star property
Laguna, 0.7 km from El Capitan Lake
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (233)
"It was amazing, I will definitely go again "
United States
Hannah
The price is NZ$297
includes taxes & fees
6 Jan - 7 Jan 2026
Casa Jardin
Reception
Hotel 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, (1085)
"Outstanding location."
United States
william
The price is NZ$422
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
Hotel Santa Barbara
Front of property – evening/night
La Playa Inn

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, (1002)
"Clean room, kind and helpful staff, great parking, great location, very good breakfast "
United States
Luciana Adgemian Menani
The price is NZ$347
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
La Playa Inn
Front of property
Harbor House 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 NZ$251
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
Harbor House Inn
Garden
Simpson House Inn

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, (694)
"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
Outdoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

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, (1312)
"Great looking property and very friendly staff"
Canada
Marco
The price is NZ$358
includes taxes & fees
15 Jan - 16 Jan 2026
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
Front of property
The Franciscan Hotel

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, (1026)
"Great hotel"
United States
LEI
The Franciscan Hotel
View from property
West Beach Inn, a Coast 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, (1107)
"Great accommodation "
United States
Cheryl
The price is NZ$314
includes taxes & fees
14 Jan - 15 Jan 2026
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel
Front of property
The Eagle Inn

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, (1004)
"Great location and amazing breakfast."
United States
Kristina
The price is NZ$420
includes taxes & fees
2 Jan - 3 Jan 2026
The Eagle Inn
Restaurant
Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages

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 NZ$536
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages
Exterior
Inn By The Harbor

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, (1828)
"It was a beautiful place to stay"
United States
Joseph
The price is NZ$327
includes taxes & fees
29 Jan - 30 Jan 2026
Inn By The Harbor
City view from property
ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel

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, (175)
"Amazing spot and awesome staff"
United States
Karim
ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel
Front of property
Lavender Inn by the Sea

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, (1299)
"Pleasant stay!"
United States
Bala Yamini
The price is NZ$329
includes taxes & fees
19 Jan - 20 Jan 2026
Lavender Inn by the Sea
Front of property
Castillo Inn at the Beach

Castillo Inn at the Beach

Castillo Inn at the Beach
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.2 km from El Capitan Lake
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1001)
"Perfect location, great value, cute rooms"
United States
Stan
The price is NZ$246
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026
Castillo Inn at the Beach
Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony (Deluxe King with Balcony)
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
2.5 star property
West Beach, 1.1 km from El Capitan Lake
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2020)
"Definetly would stay here again!"
United States
David
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Front of property
Mason Beach Inn

Mason Beach Inn

Mason Beach Inn
3.0 star property
West Beach, 1.2 km from El Capitan Lake
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1006)
"Clean, comfortable, and really pleasant stay. "
United States
Paul
The price is NZ$608
includes taxes & fees
31 Dec - 1 Jan 2026
Mason Beach Inn
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.
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Top El Capitan Lake Hotel Reviews

Marina Beach Motel

Marina Beach Motel

10/10 Excellent
"Nice clean rooms. Great location. Good service. Very good for a small motel. "
Conrad 2-night trip
Posted 18 hours ago
Marina Beach Motel

Hotels near other El Capitan Lake attractions

Sant Barbara. USA
Photo by Melanie Hartshorn
Open Photo by Melanie Hartshorn

Paseo Nuevo Mall

You can enjoy retail therapy at Paseo Nuevo Mall during your stay in Santa Barbara. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
See properties
Chapel of El Presidio de Santa Barbara

Presidio Santa Barbara

You can study the exhibits at Presidio Santa Barbara, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's waterfront or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
See properties

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 340 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 The Milo.
How many hotels can I expect to find near El Capitan Lake?
Expedia has 340 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 Natural History 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.