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Capitola

· Capitola, CA

Why you should go…

Capitola Village is a compact, brightly painted beach town on Monterey Bay, wrapped around a small municipal wharf, a sandy town beach, and Soquel Creek. Its walkable Esplanade is lined with restaurants and shops, backed by the historic Venetian Court cottages, one of California's oldest planned beach resort developments.

  • #beach town
  • #santa cruz county
  • #wharf
  • #shopping

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Capitola, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Eat & Drink
    Date Night

    Shadowbrook Restaurant

    $25–$50

    Romantic creekside fine-dining restaurant in Capitola serving seafood, prime rib and steak since 1947.

    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Stay
    Outdoor Adventure

    Beach RV Pleasure Point

    $50+

    Small full hookup RV park near Santa Cruz's Pleasure Point surf break.

    1.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Stay

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Club Ed Surf School and Camps

    $50+

    A longtime Santa Cruz surf school offering lessons, rentals and camps near Cowell Beach.

    1.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Outdoor Adventure

    Santa Cruz County

    Free

    California coastal county known for its beaches, redwood forests, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

    3.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Downtown Santa Cruz

    Free

    Santa Cruz's walkable downtown shopping and dining district along Pacific Avenue.

    3.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Los Gatos

    Free

    A walkable South Bay town at the foot of the Santa Cruz Mountains with a historic creek trail.

    19 mi awayMore like this