Capitola is a Monterey Bay city located within the Santa Cruz Mountains approximately 70 miles south of downtown San Francisco.
It is best known as the site of an attack by shearwater birds poisoned by domoic acid in 1961, which inspired the iconic Alfred Hitchcock film The Birds.
As the West Coast’s oldest beach resort, the city is one of the best things to do in Capitola California, offering a variety of trendy beachfront stores, restaurants, and visitor attractions. Be sure to call attractions and restaurants in advance of your visit to confirm current opening hours.
What is the best time to Travel Capitola, California?
Best Season of the Year to Travel to Capitola in United States of America. The coolest months of the season are August, September and October when the average temperature ranges from 20 °C (68 °F) to 25 °C (77 °C).
#1: Walk on Capitola Beach
Of course, visitors to Capitola make a beeline for Capitola Beach. This is one of Santa Cruz’s most popular beaches and it’s easy to understand why. The beach is on the Esplanade right alongside the village.
With easy access to the shops and restaurants, there is still plenty of sandy space to enjoy a family picnic and enjoy the lovely views of Monterey Bay. The beach is bounded by the charming and colorful Venetian Hotel that lends the beach a laid-back Mediterranean feel. It was built in 1924 and is the oldest seaside condominium in California.
You can book a stay at the hotel or in the colorful privately owned condominiums in the rows in front of the hotel. Where else will you find comfortable accommodation right on the beach?
There are plenty of benches in Esplanade Park that faces the bay so you can lounge in the warmth of the golden sun and enjoy the view.
#2: Activities Around Capitola Beach
The south end of the beach is good for surfing. If you’re new to surfing, you can book surfing or paddleboarding lessons online or in person at the Capitola Beach Company.
The Soquel Creek that runs across the beach is a safe children’s paddling spot. Popular pastimes on the beach include volleyball and birdwatching.
Expect good weather on most days in Capitola. Here the sun shines 300 days of the year. So, you can expect to see paddlers out on the sparkling bay waters on most days. Paddling is a great way to get up close to marine wildlife like seals, sea lions, sea otters, dolphins, and whales. Hire a kayak or a stand-up board and find your way around the bay.
Fishermen throw a line in at the Capitola Wharf Pier near Soquel Cove. The 855-foot wharf was built in 1857, it makes for a lovely walk. You can hire kayaks or even fishing gear and bait at the Capitols Boat and Boat Shop. You don’t need a permit to fish off the pier.
Wander down to Capitola Beach on long warm summer evenings to enjoy a free twilight concert, movies, and art shows.
#3: Spend the Day at the New Brighton State Beach
If you’re not into crowds, why not take a drive a little way out of the village to the New Brighton State Beach.
The Pacific Migrations Visitor Center, at the entrance to the beach, has a gift store and a small museum. Here, you’ll find interesting displays of historical relics from indigenous people and the colonial settlers that followed.
A Chinese fishing village occupied the site in the 1870s and 1880s but the inhabitants later moved on to Monterey.
The Park occupies 95 acres and has a camping ground located on the bluff overlooking Monterey Bay. Visitors enjoy fishing, swimming, and hiking in the nearby oak and pine forests. There is plenty of wildlife around and the bluff offers splendid views of Monterey Bay.
There is a picnic area complete with barbecue grills in lovely shaded areas, so bring along a basket and enjoy a meal to the sound of the waves and rustle of the salty sea breeze in your hair.
Children can sign up for Junior Ranger programs or campfire stories. They’re free of charge.
The day-use parking lot at New Brighton State Beach will cost you $10 a day.
#4: Visit the Iconic SS Palo Alto at the Seacliff State Beach
New Brighton State Beach is just a short walk away from Seacliff State Beach, famous for the half-sunk concrete freighter, the SS Palo Alto, and the pier that connects to it. The ship was finished too late for war service. So, the state parked it at the wharf in 1929, and it became an entertainment center.
In 2019, citizens celebrated the ship’s centenary. Today the wreck provides shelter for a host of marine species. The ship is closed but you can fish off the pier.
#5: Shopping in Capitola Village
Capitola Village is right alongside the beach so it retains a real beach village feel. Here almost everyone dresses casually in sandals and shorts, enjoying the sea breeze and the laidback atmosphere.
Charming, little boutique shops line the streets of Capitola so you may want to plan a morning browsing the shops. Many of them sell beachwear and swimsuits, but you’ll also find a number of small art galleries and craft shops.
#6: Visit Gayle’s Bakery
Enjoy delicious pastries, cakes and grab-and-go meals at one of the coolest places in Capitola. Their extensive menus change so you’ll have to check online.
Make up a picnic basket at Gayle’s and head off to one of the seashore picnics spots to enjoy lunch. You can also pick up a bottle of wine there.
#7: Visit Armida Winery
While you’re in town make a stop at the Armida Winery. For $20 you can taste some of their best wines. If you buy a bottle of wine you won’t pay for the tasting.
#8: Visit Phoebe’s Fine Jewelry and Art Glass
If you’re into beautiful artworks and jewelry, Phoebe’s has it all. Opened in 1996, this art gallery is filled to the brim with delightful artworks created by a number of talented artisans. The store is open between 11 am and 5 pm daily.
#9: Retail Therapy at Capitola Mall
If you’re into some retail therapy, why not pop into the only mall in Santa Cruz County. The shopping center houses more than 80 shops and restaurants. Most of the big franchises are present in the mall and you’ll find a nice mix of local brands too. The mall has served the community since 1977.
#10: Explore the history of the village at Capitola Historical Museum
Make a plan to pay a visit to the Capitola Historical Museum. It’s in a lovely beach cottage that dates back more than a hundred years and has been lovingly restored. The museum makes an interesting stop that shouldn’t take too long, since it consists of just one room. Still, it’s worth getting to know the history of the village.
The museum keeps visitor interest up by hosting different exhibits throughout the year.
The museum is open in the afternoons on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It won’t cost a cent.
#11: Tranquil Walk Along the Soquel Creek
The headwaters of Soquel Creek come down from the Santa Cruz Mountains. The creek flows through the village and up at Soquel Cove. Interesting and colorful vacation homes line the creek.
Take a walk along the creek. It’s an easy walk through sometimes you may feel as though you’re in the neighborhood gardens, which, indeed you are. Take time out to enjoy the fresh air and get a feel for the neighborhood.
FAQs About 11 Best Things To Do In Capitola California
Is Capitola Worth Visiting?
California is known as the “golden state” due to its brilliant sunshine. Capitola often has great weather, which makes it an ideal city to tour on foot. This beautiful village offers stunning views of the ocean and the white sand beaches and is pleasant to the eye.
What Is Capitola CA Known For?
About 70 miles south of San Francisco, amid the Santa Cruz Mountains, is the Monterey Bay city of Capitola. It is most known for becoming the scene of a vicious attack in 1961 by domoic acid-poisoned shearwater birds that served as the basis for the classic Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds.
Is Capitola Safe?
Capitola has one of the highest crime rates in America when compared to all communities of all sizes, from the tiniest towns to the biggest metropolis, with a crime rate of 43 per 1,000 population. Here, there is a one in 23 risks of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime.
Where Are The Colourful Houses In Santa Cruz?
I never knew Capitola Village existed until I just toured Santa Cruz and stumbled upon its vibrant homes. These Capitola Beach condominiums are almost on the sand and are all decorated in bright pastel shades.
What Is Capitola Village?
One of the first resort towns on the Pacific Coast is Capitola Village by the Sea. More than two thousand years ago, Soquel Indians lived before the resort was constructed. The Soquel Creek’s mouth developed into a shipping hub called Soquel Landing after California’s statehood.
