What to see in Capitola Village By The Sea
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Wondering what to do in Capitola besides stare at the ocean and wonder if you should quit your job and move there? I get it. This ridiculously charming beach town in Santa Cruz County has been my happy place for decades. My extended family had a house here when I was growing up, so Capitola was basically my version of summer camp (if summer camp had pastries, surf shops, and zero mandatory crafts).
Over the years, I’ve come back for solo getaways, family weekends, and those “I-just-need-to-hear-waves-and-not-people” kind of trips. And every single time, Capitola delivers. It’s cute without being kitschy, relaxing without being boring, and full of the kind of moments that make you say, “Why don’t I do this more often?”
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly what to do in Capitola: what’s actually worth your time, what’s secretly overrated, and the spots I always hit up when I want that perfect blend of beachy ease and local flavor. I’ll also share my favorite places to stay, so you can enjoy all of it without stressing over hotel spreadsheets. Let’s dive in.
Go to the Beach!
Growing up, I’d run straight to the benches with a paper bag full of taffy and watch surfers tumble in the waves. These days, I’m more of a ‘bench and latte’ girl, but the magic’s still the same.
Capitola Beach is cradled on both sides by cliffs. The Soquel Creek ends at Capitola Beach. In the summer the river is “corralled” to form a lagoon in front of the restaurants on the Esplanade, in the winter it cuts through the beach out to the ocean.
Capitola City Beach is pretty well maintained year-round. Clean (sometimes lots of seaweed though), nice sand, decent public bathrooms, and showers. You can see lots of surfers, kids playing in the ocean, and paddleboarders! If you don’t want to get yourself sandy, there is a row of benches all along the esplanade park so you can sit there and people/ocean watch and think about how great your life is since you are sitting on a bench in Capitola!
Tip: Bathrooms here (to the far left if you’re facing the ocean) are shockingly decent for a beach, bring your own TP just in case, but you probably won’t need it.
Shop Local
Capitola has several streets lined with shops! No chain stores to be found here. You’ll find a variety of clothing, surf, jewelry, art, candy, t-shirt, and gift shops! So fun to see something different in shops and to support the local merchants! Here are a few of my favorite shops (click their names in the photos to see their sites, if they have one):
Climb Depot Hill for Killer Views and Dreamy Homes
If you’re standing on the beach facing Capitola Village, Depot Hill is on your right. There’s an insane set of 86 cement stairs you can climb to get up there. Chances are a maniac exerciser and/or late-night talk show host will be running up and down the stairs. Those 86 stairs have seen me in flip-flops, beach sandals, and once, tragically, wedges. I made it. Barely.
But, once at the top you will be rewarded with a stunning view of Capitola Village!
Then you can take a delightful stroll through the charming neighborhood there, full of 1900s cabins and new fabulous beach houses. The magical Monarch Cove Inn is on the east end of Depot Hill, and you can find the elegant Inn at Depot Hill if you take the road back down to Capitola instead of the stairs.
If stairs aren’t your thing, be sure to take the road, it’s gentler and still scenic. I usually walk up the road and come down the stairs so I can pretend I’m athletic.
Psst… wondering where to stay?
I put together my go-to Capitola hotels: charming, cozy, and actually walkable.
Check out my faves here →
Learn the Town’s Backstory (and See a 1907 Cottage!) Capitola Historical Museum
The Capitola Historical Museum is a fun little spot to learn about the history of Capitola! I popped in here one cloudy morning with a coffee in hand and ended up staying nearly an hour chatting with the sweetest volunteer docent, who knew everything about Capitola’s beach past, including some juicy stories from the 1920s.
They also have a little separate building, the 1907 Beach Cottage, set up with decor as it would have been at that time. It feels like you’re snooping in your quirky great-aunt’s beach cottage.
The Museum is free, open limited hours (usually weekends) and just a short walk from the beach. It’s perfect for a quick visit between shops or while waiting for your lunch reservation. And if you love local history or vintage decor, you’ll totally geek out here.
Capitola Restaurants Worth Every Calorie
I’ve got a whole post with the best places to eat in Capitola: tested, tasted, and obsessively reviewed. You’ll find everything from beach bar bites to cozy dinner spots perfect for solo travelers or food-loving friends. Read it here.
Tip: you must visit Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria before you can consider yourself having truly experienced Capitola! Do not leave Capitola without going there. That’s not a suggestion – it’s a rule.
Relax in your charming hotel
See my post on Capitola Village hotels to get the low down from the horse’s mouth! (I am a horse in this scenario).
Capitola Wharf
After a tough goodbye in 2023 (thanks, storm), the Capitola Wharf has officially made its comeback, and it brought snacks, music, and ADA-compliant viewing stations with it. I visited recently and can confirm this isn’t just a rebuild, it’s a glow-up.
Capitola Boat and Bait has returned to its rightful place on the wharf, offering kayak and boat rentals, plus fishing gear for pros, beginners, or anyone who just wants to say, “I caught a fish in Capitola.” They also offer drinks, snacks and souveniers.
The new public restrooms are actually clean (I know!), and the upgraded entryway, lighting, and seating areas make it feel like the wharf’s throwing a low-key party every evening.
What makes it really special? Community-funded touches like public art, cozy picnic spots, and even a color-blind-friendly viewing station. That’s the kind of detail that makes Capitola… well, Capitola.
There’s also a rotating lineup of live music, food, and local events so you can end your beach day with a sunset concert and maybe a fish taco. If you ask me, it’s now one of the best places in town to just sit, breathe, and soak up the “I’m really here” feeling.
Capitola Travel Tips You’ll Actually Use
Parking in Capitola (A Sport Unto Itself)
Parking in Capitola can be… let’s say character-building. Especially during events. If you’re visiting on a weekend, pack a little patience and maybe a granola bar. There’s metered parking in the Village and a few paid lots. Just be sure to read the signs, they will ticket you.
👉 Check the city’s parking map here
Tip: I usually aim to arrive early or late afternoon for easier street parking. And wear comfy shoes, you might end up walking a bit.
Events That Make Capitola Even More Magical
Capitola knows how to throw a party, from surfboard Santas to free beach concerts that feel like small-town magic. I’ve stumbled into some of these while just grabbing coffee and ended up staying all day. Here are some favorites (dates vary, so check before you go!):
- Twilight Concert Series – free concerts each Wednesday evening in the summer
- Movies at the Beach – free movies in the summer. Bring your own chair/ blankets.
- Wharf to Wharf Race – Run, walk, or cheer from the Santa Cruz to Capitola Wharf in July
- Capitola Art and Wine Festival – September
- Surfin’ Santa Visits Capitola – Santa arrives on a surfboard at the end of November!
Want a Sneak Peek?
If you’re the type who likes to check the vibe before showing up, Capitola’s live beach cam is your new best friend. I check it sometimes just to daydream when I’m supposed to be working. Click the video’s pause symbol, then Play, if it’s not automatically playing. Watch it live here
Where to Stay in Capitola (Because You’re Going, Right?)
If you’re anything like me, one visit to Capitola turns into many. It’s the kind of place that sneaks into your heart with colorful houses, sea air, and that one perfect bench you mentally claim as your own.
Whether you’re heading there next week or just dreaming for now, I’ve got you covered on the logistics, starting with where to stay.
Click here for my go-to Capitola hotels: charming, comfy, and personally vetted
Now go pack that sunhat you never wear but always bring anyway. Capitola’s waiting.
