Capitola
,Capitola is a charming coastal town in California, known for its colorful buildings and picturesque scenery. It is located near Santa Cruz and is a popular destination for beachgoers and surfers. The town has a quaint village atmosphere with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants lining the streets.
Visitors can enjoy relaxing on the sandy beaches or exploring the nearby state parks and hiking trails.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $150 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Capitola Beach Relaxation
morning
:Start your day with a relaxing stroll along Capitola Beach, enjoying the ocean breeze and scenic views. Grab a coffee at a local café and take in the beautiful surroundings.
afternoon
:Spend your afternoon sunbathing or swimming in the gentle waves of the Pacific Ocean. Grab a bite at one of the beachfront restaurants for some fresh seafood.
evening
:As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a seaside restaurant. Consider taking a walk along the beach to watch the sunset paint the sky.
Art & Culture Exploration
morning
:Visit the Capitola Historical Museum to learn about the town's rich artistic heritage. Spend some time exploring local galleries and shops filled with unique pieces.
afternoon
:Take a sculpture walk through the town, appreciating the outdoor art installations. Stop for lunch at a charming eatery that showcases local flavors.
evening
:Enjoy a cultural performance or live music at a local venue. End your day with dessert at a nearby café, trying their specialty pastries.
Highlights
Good
- Beautiful coastal scenery and beaches
- Pleasant Mediterranean climate
- Rich history and charming architecture
- Vibrant arts community and cultural events
- Access to outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, and kayaking
Bad
- High cost of living and real estate prices
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors
- Tourist congestion during peak seasons
- Potential for natural hazards such as earthquakes
- Limited public transportation options
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Beach Volleyball
Join a game or play a casual match on the sandy beaches of Capitola, perfect for all skill levels.
Kayaking
Explore the coastline and marine life by renting a kayak and enjoying a paddle in the Pacific Ocean.
Hiking
Take a hike in the nearby trails of the Santa Cruz Mountains for breathtaking views and nature experience.
Surfing
Catch some waves at Capitola Beach, suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Fishing
Charter a fishing boat or try your luck from the pier to catch local fish species.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Rent a paddleboard and enjoy the calm waters of the harbor or venture out into the ocean.
Cycling
Bike along the scenic coastal paths or through the picturesque streets of Capitola.
Art and Culture Walks
Explore the vibrant local art scene and historic sites by taking a self-guided tour of Capitola Village.
Picnicking
Enjoy a meal outdoors at one of the many parks or beachfront areas with scenic views.
Whale Watching
During migration season, take a boat tour for a chance to see whales off the coast.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Capitola with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Capitola Beach
A picturesque beach with colorful beachfront houses, perfect for capturing stunning sunsets and vibrant ocean views.
Capitola Wharf
Offers panoramic views of the coastline and the village, ideal for photographs of the ocean and the historic wharf.
Esplanade Park
A scenic park along the beach, featuring walking paths and picnic areas that provide excellent photography spots for beach and surf scenes.
Monterey Bay
From the coastal bluffs of Capitola, visitors can capture breathtaking views of the expansive Monterey Bay, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Soquel Creek
The creek flows into the ocean near the beach, creating a beautiful natural setting for photos, especially during wildlife sightings.
Shadows on the Hudson
An iconic viewpoint in Capitola, perfect for vibrant photographs involving the interplay of light and shadow on the stunning landscape.
Capitola Village
Charming streets filled with unique shops and colorful buildings provide lovely backdrops for capturing the local culture and architecture.
Giant Beach Umbrellas
Look out for the giant umbrellas on the beach, which make for a unique centerpiece in photos along the public beach area.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl
Indulge in a hearty bowl of creamy clam chowder served in a freshly baked sourdough bread bowl at Zelda's on the Beach, overlooking the ocean.
Must-Try!
Fish Tacos
Savor the freshness of locally caught fish in flavorful tacos at Paradise Beach Grille, paired with house-made salsa and a view of the beach.
Artichoke and Avocado Sandwich
Enjoy a delightful combination of marinated artichokes and creamy avocado in a sandwich at Gayle's Bakery, a local favorite for artisan breads and pastries.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Capitola better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Capitola Mercado
Explore a vibrant mix of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local treats at Capitola Mercado held every Sunday, offering an array of street food options from tacos to gourmet snacks.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect the Beach Environment
Capitola is known for its beautiful beaches. It's important to respect the local environment by cleaning up after yourself, refraining from littering, and adhering to any posted rules about beach usage.
Engage with Local Businesses
Capitola has a strong sense of community with many local businesses. Show respect by supporting these establishments, engaging positively with local owners and staff, and understanding that personalized service is part of the local culture.
Participate in Community Events
Capitola hosts various community events and festivals. Participating in these activities not only shows respect for local traditions but also helps you to connect with residents and gain a better understanding of the local culture.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Capitola with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Capitola, as in much of the United States, tipping is a customary practice in the service industry. It is common to tip servers in restaurants 15-20% of the total bill before taxes. Tipping is also practiced for bartenders, taxi drivers, and other service workers. In some cases, gratuity may be included in the bill for larger parties.
Payment
Payment methods in Capitola are varied and modern. Residents and visitors commonly use credit and debit cards for transactions, and mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Cash is still used, especially in smaller establishments or for tips. Most businesses display signage regarding their accepted payment methods.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Capitola.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring
Spring (March to May) in Capitola is characterized by mild temperatures and blooming flowers. This is a great time to visit for outdoor activities, with less crowded beaches. Expect daytime temperatures to range from the mid-60s to low 70s (°F), and occasional rain showers.
Summer
Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season in Capitola. Expect warm and sunny days with temperatures often in the 70s to low 80s (°F). The beaches can be crowded, and there are many events and festivals during this time, making it ideal for those looking to enjoy a vibrant atmosphere.
Fall
Fall (September to November) offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds as the tourist season winds down. Expect pleasant weather with temperatures in the 60s to low 70s (°F) and clear skies. This season is perfect for those who want a more peaceful experience while still enjoying the beautiful coastline.
Winter
Winter (December to February) in Capitola is the quietest season, with cooler temperatures ranging from the 50s to low 60s (°F). While it's less ideal for beach activities, visitors can enjoy the off-season charm, beautiful coastal views, and local cultural events. Rain is more common during this time.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
A beautiful park featuring redwood forests and miles of trails, perfect for a quiet hiking experience.
Wilder Ranch State Park
Offers a variety of trails with stunning coastal views and historical significance, suitable for both hiking and biking.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to Natural Bridges State Beach Trail
A scenic coastal trail that takes you along the beach with views of the ocean and opportunities for tide pooling.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
California's first state park, known for its towering redwoods and diverse ecosystems with various hiking trails.
Camp Tamarancho
A network of excellent hiking and mountain biking trails in Marin County, offering views of the Marin Headlands.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Capitola by plane.
San Jose International Airport (SJC)
The closest major airport to Capitola, located approximately 30 miles northeast, offering both domestic and international flights.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Located about 70 miles north of Capitola, this large international airport serves as a major hub for several airlines and offers a wide range of international flights.
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Situated around 65 miles north of Capitola, this airport provides multiple domestic and international flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
White
The largest racial demographic group in Capitola, accounting for a significant portion of the population.
Hispanic or Latino
The second largest group, which includes individuals of Latin American descent.
Asian
This group includes individuals of Asian descent, including various nationalities and ethnicities.
Black or African American
A smaller demographic group representing individuals of African descent.
Two or More Races
Individuals who identify with more than one racial category.
Native American
A small demographic group consisting of individuals who identify as Native American.
Pacific Islander
This group includes individuals from Pacific Islands.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Surfing
Capitola is known for its beautiful beaches and surf-friendly waves, making it a popular destination for surfers of all skill levels.
Beach Volleyball
With the sandy shores of Capitola, beach volleyball is a favorite activity among locals and visitors, often seen in organized tournaments.
Kayaking
The calm waters around Capitola are ideal for kayaking, allowing participants to explore the coastline and enjoy the scenery.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Stand-up paddleboarding is a popular water sport in Capitola, offering a fun way to navigate the waters while also getting a workout.
Running and Jogging
The scenic beachfront promenade and nearby trails make Capitola a great place for running and jogging enthusiasts.
Biking
The area offers various trails and paths suitable for biking, attracting both casual riders and cycling enthusiasts.
Fishing
Capitola's coastal location makes it a popular spot for fishing, with opportunities for both shore and boat fishing.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Several eateries in Capitola, including The Chopstick, offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, from vegetable stir-fries to plant-based burgers.
Gluten-Free Friendly
Visitors with gluten intolerance can relish gluten-free pizzas and pasta dishes at gayle's Bakery or try the gluten-free options at Zelda's on the Beach.