Earlier this summer I experienced heaven on earth: El Capitan Canyon in Santa Barbara, CA.
I am the world's luckiest duck and got the opportunity to plan a client event at El Capitan (or El Cap, as we decided to call it). For those who are unfamiliar, El Capitan Canyon is the site of the famous glamping (glamorous camping) episode of "The Real Housewives of Orange County" on Bravo. Needless to say, they specialize in one of a kind camping experiences, whether you like to rough it or just make s'mores before hiding in your cabin.
The first time we visited was also the first time I drove on California's Pacific Coast Highway. Sigh.
It was on that drive that I finally understood why people move to California. As we headed up the PCH the ocean was outside our left window and the mountains outside our right. It was gorgeous.
El Capitan Canyon is divided into two separate sections - El Capitan and Ocean Mesa. Ocean Mesa is the actual campground where you can camp in a tent on the ground or rent an RV spot.
The RV spots are very spacious and are surrounded by lush greenery.
Each and every RV spot also has this view of the ocean.
In between the rows of RV spots there is a swimming pool, perfect for cooling off after a hike or a bike ride.
At night, Ocean Mesa has breathtaking sunsets. I was pretty much ready to live in that RV spot for the rest of my life.
A short walk away is the entrance to El Capitan, the more luxurious section of the campus.
The canyon is lined with row after row of cabins. You are allowed to drive your car in to drop off your luggage, but after that, you have to leave your car in a lot. It's a car-free campground.
Here is a photo of my adorable cabin:
I loved the wooden steps.
My front porch had plenty of outdoor furniture including this cozy love bench.
On the opposite side of the porch were two chairs and a little side table perfect for post-adventure wine drinking.
Each cabin has its own backyard including a picnic table and a fire pit (you may remember seeing this on "The Real Housewives").
When I opened the door to my cabin I was completely blown away.
Though I'm just one girl, I had two full size beds. The bed was outrageously comfortable. It made getting up to work incredibly hard!
I also had a table and chairs which I used for spreading out my laptop, airplane magazines and of course, accessories and toiletries for the week.
Though I didn't use it once, the cabin also had a kitchenette complete with mini fridge and coffee maker.
I loved that the wood paneling was not only on the walls, but on the ceiling.
The most shocking aspect of the entire cabin set up was the bathroom. My tub could have easily fit five people. It was enormous!
The bathroom was stocked with more plush towels than I could ever use in a week, all neatly folded.
My absolute favorite feature of the cabin was the wood stove. It made the room warm and welcoming every night when I came home in the pitch black.
Speaking of the pitch black night, when you get your cabin key at check in, it's attached to a flash light because they know how hard it is to see there at night.
In addition to the cabins, El Capitan also has a market place at the bottom of the campground. It's surrounded by picnic tables, encouraging visitors to sit down, stay and relax.
The market is beautifully landscaped and has flowers blooming for an array of pots.
Inside, the market has a full service breakfast and lunch offering.
Behind one of the tables a poster caught me eye . . .
How cute is this retro surfing poster? I need it.
In addition to the breakfast and lunch choices, the market also sells souvenirs - everything from magnets to t-shirts to beach towels and s'mores kits. My favorite item for sale in the shop is a brand of wine called Happy Camper. So perfect!
On both of my visits to El Capitan Canyon this summer I was completely overwhelmed by the beauty of Santa Barbara, the campground itself and the accommodating staff. During my second visit (a full week), I kept fantasizing about bringing my entire family to El Capitan for a vacation. Whether you stay at Ocean Mesa in a tent or RV or you stay in a posh cabin, you are guaranteed to fall in love with the place.
So, who wants to plan a trip with me?
