Looking for a colorful beach town with coastal charm? Head to Capitola, California! Nestled on Monterey Bay near Santa Cruz, Capitola is one of California’s oldest seaside resorts. Known for its pastel beachfront cottages, quaint village vibe, and gentle surf, it’s a perfect destination for a relaxing beach getaway with local flavor.
Capitola, CA Highlights:
- For Beachgoers: Lounge at Capitola Beach – A calm, family-friendly shoreline perfect for sunbathing, sandcastles, and gentle swimming.
- For Strollers: Explore Capitola Village – Walkable downtown with boutiques, galleries, surf shops, and vibrant beachside restaurants.
- For Photographers: Snap pics of the colorful Capitola Venetian Hotel – These rainbow-hued Mediterranean-style cottages are an Instagram favorite.
- For Nature Lovers: Paddle or kayak Soquel Creek – Glide through the scenic waterway that runs right through the heart of town.
- For Wine Fans: Sip and relax at local tasting rooms – Try Capitola Wine Bar or Cork & Fork for coastal wine and bites.
Best Time to Visit Capitola, CA
The best time to visit Capitola is from late spring through early fall (May–October), when the weather is warm and dry. Summers are the most vibrant with events and beach activity, while fall offers quieter streets and lingering sun.
How to Get to Capitola, CA
- By Car: Capitola is off Highway 1, about 1.5 hours south of San Francisco and 45 minutes from Monterey.
- By Air: The nearest major airport is San Jose International Airport (SJC), about 50 minutes away by car.
- By Bus: Santa Cruz METRO provides service between Santa Cruz, Capitola, and surrounding towns.
Where to Stay in Capitola, CA
- Recommended for Couples: Capitola Hotel – Quaint and charming inn right in the heart of Capitola Village.
- For Beach Views: Capitola Venetian Hotel – Stay in the iconic beachfront cottages with Mediterranean flair and unbeatable location.
- For Budget-Friendly Comfort: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz – A short drive away with modern amenities and good value.
Best Things to Do in Capitola, CA
1. Soak Up the Scene at Capitola City Beach
Rating: ★★★★★
Capitola City Beach is a publicly-owned beach located along Monterey Bay's northern end. The beach is a popular spot for a variety of urban outdoor activities, including volleyball, surfing, sunbathing, and bird watching. Fishing is permitted at its Capitola Wharf pier, located near Soquel Cove in a calm water area. Lifeguards are staffed on site during the summer months and other peak times, with restrooms and showers available for swimmer use. The beach provides direct access to the restaurants and shops of the Esplanade, as well as historic buildings such as the Venetian Hotel. During the summer months, a variety of public special events are hosted at the beach, including free family movies, art shows, and a twilight concert series.
San Jose Ave and Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010
2. Stretch Out on the Sand at New Brighton State Beach
New Brighton State Beach is a public beach within Santa Cruz County, offering seasonal opportunities for swimming, fishing, hiking, and camping. Its main entrance point is the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center, which offers a gift store and exhibits on the history of the region's indigenous people and pioneer settlers from around the world. A nearby coastal live oak and Monterey pine forest allows visitors to explore nature at their leisure, and a bluff overlooking Monterey Bay provides spectacular ocean views and wildlife watching opportunities. A variety of youth programs are hosted at the beach seasonally, including Junior Ranger programs and campfire storytelling events.
1500 Park Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, Phone: 831-464-6329
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
3. Step Into the Story at the Capitola Historical Museum
The Capitola Historical Museum details the social and cultural history of the Capitola and Santa Cruz County regions, housed within a restored turn-of-the-century beach resort cottage. The museum is open Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the afternoon hours and is located adjacent to Capitola City Hall. Rotating special exhibits are hosted for a year at a time, covering topics related to the area's art, economy, and social history. Past exhibits have included photography and postcard retrospectives of the city, examinations of the area's tourism industry, and features on the area's famed public beaches. The museum also maintains extensive artifact and photography permanent collections, including a preserved early 20th-century wash house that serves as a living history museum exhibit.
410 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010, Phone: 831-464-0322
4. Sip Something Special at Sante Adairius Rustic Ales
Sante Adairius Rustic Ales is the project of owners Tim Clifford and Adair Paterno, focusing on quality and authenticity in craft old world ale styles. The Santa Cruz County brewery offers a new tasting room facility that is open to the public seven days a week, along with its original Capitola brewery that is open for tours and tastings Tuesdays through Sundays. Popular brews such as the brewery’s Four Legs Good Blond Quad, Love’s Armor American Wild Ale, Maiden Fields Berliner Weisse, Saison Bernice, and Deaf Stewart Witbier are tapped year-round, while limited release brews highlight unique styles and collaborations with other regional breweries. An invitation-only member’s club, SARA’s Cellar, offers access to additional exclusive brews.
103 Kennedy Dr, Capitola, CA 95010, Phone: 831-462-1227
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
5. Shop and Stroll at Capitola Mall
Capitola Mall is Santa Cruz County's only indoor shopping center, home to more than 80 unique stores and restaurants. The mall is managed by Merlone Geier Partners and was originally opened in 1977, expanded in 1988 to offer space for up to 100 retailers. Today, it is anchored by major department stores such as Target, Macy's, and Kohl's, along with specialty women's, men's, and children's retailers such as Victoria's Secret, Express, and the Children's Place. Restaurant options include national chains such as Chili's, Olive Garden, and Five Guys Burgers and Fries, with food court favorites such as Starbucks, Subway, and Sorabol also available. Special events are hosted at the mall monthly, including family fun days, art walks, and book sales benefitting regional charities.
1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010, Phone: 831-476-9616
6. Catch a Wave (or a T-shirt) at Capitola Beach Company
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Capitola Beach Company is a surf shop in Capitola Village that has been offering surf and stand-up paddleboarding lessons for individuals and groups since 2004. Private and semi-private lessons for surfers of all ability levels last approximately 90 minutes, with both beach and water training time included. Group lessons are also available, with all equipment provided for all lesson participants. A full-service surf store is also available, selling apparel and accessories from top brands such as Billabong, Quiksilver, TOMS, and Lucky Brand. Surfboard and paddleboard rentals are also available by the hour or day for patrons over the age of 18.
131 Monterey Ave, Capitola, California 95010, Phone: 831-462-5222
7. Dine in the Trees at Shadowbrook Restaurant
Shadowbrook is an acclaimed romantic dining restaurant in Capitola that was originally opened in 1947 within a restored 1920s-era summer home log cabin. The restaurant is owned today by Ted Burke and Bob Munsey and is considered to be one of the American West's most unique restaurant experiences, offering indoor, outdoor, and rooftop dining experiences in unique spaces such as a restored cable car. It has been the recipient of a variety of national dining awards, including accolades from OpenTable, USA Today, and the Gourmet Diners Club of America. A full dinner menu of clever upscale American fare is served, including entrees such as hazelnut-crusted brook trout, Thai-style game hen, honey-glazed pork chops, and vegan options such as sunflower seed risotto. Appetizers, artisan pizzas, and gastropub fare is available at the restaurant's Rock Room, with full children's and drink menus also available.
1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA 95010, Phone: 831-475-1511
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