Things To Do
in Capitola
Capitola is a small, picturesque seaside village on Monterey Bay known for its colorful beachfront houses, relaxed atmosphere, and scenic wharf. The town blends classic Californian surf culture with family-friendly shops, cafes, and a compact village center that draws day-trippers and locals alike. Capitola sits just east of Santa Cruz and serves as an accessible base for beach activities, coastal walks, and nearby redwood and agricultural landscapes.
Its mellow vibe, public beach, and proximity to bigger attractions make it a popular stop on any Central California Coast itinerary.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk along Capitola Beach, feeling the soft sand beneath your feet and breathing in the fresh ocean air. Grab a delicious breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh pastries and coffee with a view of the waves. Take some time to relax and soak up the sun before embarking on your day's adventures.
Spend the afternoon exploring the charming Capitola Village, filled with unique shops and art galleries. Indulge in a leisurely lunch at a seaside restaurant, savoring the local seafood while taking in stunning ocean views. After lunch, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard for a fun experience on the water.
As the sun begins to set, find a cozy spot on the beach to watch the spectacular display of colors in the sky. Head to a beachfront restaurant for dinner, enjoying fresh, locally-sourced dishes paired with fine wine. Wrap up your day with a stroll along the shore, listening to the calming sound of waves and the distant laughter of fellow beach-goers.
Begin your day with a hike in the nearby redwood forests, immersing yourself in the beauty and tranquility of nature. Breathe in the fresh, pine-scented air and take photos of the towering trees that surround you. After your hike, enjoy a hearty brunch at a local eatery, refueling for the day's activities.
Visit the nearby Natural Bridges State Beach to explore the tide pools and learn about the diverse marine life. Spend some time at the beach, sunbathing or playing volleyball with friends. As the afternoon light softens, capture beautiful photos of the iconic natural bridge formations.
Dine at a welcoming bistro, indulging in delicious farm-to-table cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the beach to watch the stars appear in the clear night sky, with the sound of the ocean as your backdrop. Consider attending a local live music event to enjoy the vibrant local culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $150-300 |
| 🚕Short rideshare/taxi | $10-35 |
| 🛒Groceries (basic weekly) | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, walkable beachfront village with iconic colorful houses
- Close to excellent hiking, redwoods, and marine wildlife viewing
- Relaxed atmosphere ideal for families and low-key getaways
- Good access to Santa Cruz attractions while being less hectic
- Can be crowded and parking limited during summer weekends
- Limited late-night entertainment compared with larger nearby cities
- Accommodations can be pricey in peak season
- Weather can be foggy or cool even in summer due to marine layer
Places to Visit in Capitola
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic row of colorful beach cottages and shops along the sand — especially photogenic at golden hour and during low tide reflections.
Wooden pier with panoramic views of Monterey Bay, fishing boats, and sunsets — good for long-exposure shots and seabird activity.
Coastal bluffs and trails offering dramatic ocean vistas, wildflowers in spring, and opportunities for coastal landscape photography.
Redwood groves, fern-lined creeks, and mossy trails—excellent for atmospheric forest photography and dappled-light scenes.
Famous rock formations and tidepools a short drive away, best at low tide and during migrations or sunset for dramatic images.
Food in Capitola
Capitola Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Locally caught rockfish, lingcod, or seasonal varieties served grilled, fried, or in tacos — widely available at casual counters and seaside restaurants.
Must-Try!
Creamy New England-style clam chowder is a West Coast staple and popular at beachfront eateries and the wharf.
When in season (late fall into winter), Dungeness crab appears on menus and at markets — sweet, local, and often simply prepared to highlight flavor.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market with local produce, baked goods, and prepared foods — a good place to try artisanal items and grab a picnic to enjoy on the beach.
A short drive away, this larger market offers a wide selection of produce, cheese, seafood vendors, and street-food options.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Follow posted rules on beaches and parks: pack out trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, and obey leash laws for dogs. Stay on designated trails to protect vegetation and wildlife habitat.
The area is laid-back; casual, beach-appropriate attire is normal. For nicer restaurants or events, smart-casual is acceptable.
Respect residents—Capitola is small and locals value quiet evenings; keep noise down late at night and follow local parking rules.
Basic U.S. courtesies—please, thank you, and friendly small talk—are appreciated. Service staff rely on tips and value respectful interaction.
Safety
Tipping in Capitola
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard U.S. tipping norms apply: 15–20% for restaurant service, $1–2 per drink for bartenders, and rounding up for takeout or leaving a few dollars for counter service. Tip taxi and rideshare drivers around 10–15% or a few dollars for short rides.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) are common. Carry small cash for street vendors, parking meters, or markets that prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with cool mornings and evenings, occasional marine layer ('June gloom') that burns off by afternoon. Peak tourist season brings crowds and limited parking; reserve accommodations early.
Often the warmest and sunniest period with calmer seas — great for beach time, outdoor dining, and clearer photography conditions.
Cooler, wetter weather with storm swells and powerful surf; good for storm-watching and seafood season but less predictable for beach activities.
Mild temperatures, wildflowers inland, and transitional weather—good for hiking and quieter visits before summer crowds arrive.
Capitola at Night
Hiking in Capitola
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal trails with cliff-top views, historic ranch buildings, and wildlife viewing—good for day hikes and biking along rolling paths.
Redwood forest with miles of shaded trails, creekside routes, and opportunities for longer backcountry hikes.
Close to Santa Cruz, offers bluff and valley trails with panoramic views and is popular with locals for short hikes and trail running.
Coastal trails near iconic rock formations and tidepools—excellent for scenic seaside walks and seasonal monarch butterfly viewing.
Historic redwood park within reasonable driving distance offering towering trees, waterfalls, and extensive trail networks for day trips.
Airports
How to reach Capitola by plane.
Small regional airport about 40–60 minutes south by car (traffic-dependent), convenient for connections and shorter drives to Capitola.
Major regional airport roughly 50–70 minutes away by car, often the most convenient for a blend of airline options and drive time.
Large international hub approximately 1.5–2 hours away by car depending on traffic; offers many domestic and international flights and public-transport connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Year-round residents include families who value the beach access and community events; family-friendly amenities and schools serve locals.
A strong community of surfers, paddlers, and outdoor hobbyists who take advantage of coastal and nearby mountain recreation.
Many retirees and people who own vacation homes in the area enjoy the quieter coastal lifestyle and scenic views.
Proximity to the University of California, Santa Cruz brings students and young adults to the region for education and seasonal work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Surf culture is strong on the Central Coast with breaks suited to a range of abilities; lessons and rentals are available nearby.
Casual beach volleyball games are common on popular beaches during warmer months.
The bay is suitable for small-boat sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding when conditions are calm; rentals and tours operate seasonally.
Inland parks and state reserves have trails for running and mountain biking with varied terrain and scenic views.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Capitola.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at cafes and many restaurants—look for salads, grain bowls, veggie tacos, and seasonal produce dishes.
Vegan-friendly cafes and menus are common in the area; ask about dairy-free alternatives for chowders or sauces and check for plant-based menu labels.
Gluten-free options are increasingly offered but cross-contamination can occur in busy kitchens—notify staff and choose dedicated GF items when possible.
Because many local menus emphasize seafood, always inform servers of shellfish or fish allergies and confirm preparation practices.