Overview
Capitola is a small, charming town on the coast of Monterey Bay in California. It is approximately 6 miles east of downtown Santa Cruz.
1 sights · 5 things to do · 6 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 6 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Capitola
New Brighton Beach
A scenic state beach about two miles from Capitola Village. There is a campsite above the beach.
Capitola Historical Museum
Provides a physical history of Capitola with its collections of photographs and artifacts important to Capitola's history. It also features exhibits on the art or history of Capitola.
Capitola City Beach
In the village is a wonderful family beach - lots of clean sand and small but regular waves for anyone learning to surf.
The Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz
Gathers to play at the gazebo beside the City Beach on Sundays from 10-11:30AM. Great fun and music in a glorious setting.
Capitola Art & Wine Festival
An admission-free event held in Capitola Village. It features music and food, as well as art and wine; many local wineries, artists, and restaurants participate. This has been a Capitola tradition since 1983. In 2019, 16…
Wharf to Wharf
This six-mile race from the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf to the Capitola Wharf is known as "The best little roadrace in California." It began in 1973 and has gained popularity ever since. Cash prizes are doled out to the t…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–Nov. Summer highs reach about 77°F; winter lows dip to about 41°F. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby Santa Cruz)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SJC Mineta San Jose International Airport, San Jose — 27 mi away (major hub). Directions
- MRY Monterey Regional Airport, Monterey — 28 mi away. Directions
Take Santa Cruz Metro bus lines 66, 68 or 69 from Santa Cruz Metro Center towards Capitola Mall. The cost is $2.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $75–$179 a night (typical $144), from 4 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$120, mid-range ~$220, comfortable ~$340.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Capitola Historical Museum, New Brighton Beach
- Lunch Zelda's on the Beach
- Afternoon Capitola Art & Wine Festival
- Dinner My Thai Beach
- Evening Britannia Arms - Capitola Village
Day 2
- Morning Capitola City Beach, The Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz
- Lunch Shadowbrook Restaurant
- Afternoon Wharf to Wharf
- Dinner The Sand Bar Capitola
- Evening Mr. Toots Coffeehouse
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Take Santa Cruz Metro bus lines 66, 68 or 69 from Santa Cruz Metro Center towards Capitola Mall. The cost is $2.
If you're driving, Highway 1 and use 41st Avenue, Park Avenue or Bay Porter exits.
Get around
By bicycle, skateboard or bus. You could also call a taxi or an Uber.
See
Do
Do Capitola City Beach
In the village is a wonderful family beach - lots of clean sand and small but regular waves for anyone learning to surf.
Do The Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz
Gathers to play at the gazebo beside the City Beach on Sundays from 10-11:30AM. Great fun and music in a glorious setting.
Events
Capitola hosts events year-round, including Twilight Concerts, Art at the Beach, the Capitola Begonia Festival, Movies at the Beach, and the Capitola Art and Wine Festival.
Do Capitola Art & Wine Festival
An admission-free event held in Capitola Village. It features music and food, as well as art and wine; many local wineries, artists, and restaurants participate. This has been a Capitola tradition since 1983. In 2019, 160 artists and 22 wineries participated.
Do Wharf to Wharf
This six-mile race from the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf to the Capitola Wharf is known as "The best little roadrace in California." It began in 1973 and has gained popularity ever since. Cash prizes are doled out to the top three winners. The race is for all types of runners and is on a very scenic route. The race is limited to 15,000 runners.
Buy
Capitola Village offers a variety of shopping and dining options. The shopping area consists of a number of retail art galleries, jewelry stores, and cute boutiques that will satisfy even the most discerning shopper.
Eat
Eat The Sand Bar Capitola
Located right on the beach and offers casual, stick-to-your-ribs style meals. Serves breakfast through dinner. Blues bands entertain in the evenings.
Eat My Thai Beach
Thai restaurant serving delicious food on the beach.
Eat Tortilla Flats
Very good Mexican food, including moles, and margaritas. Weekly tapas special (Monday and Tuesday) and special events menus. $6-15.
Eat Shadowbrook Restaurant
Gorgeous setting overlooking Soquel Creek and reached by a "cable car" tram. Fine dining, Old-World charm.
Eat Paradise Beach Grille
Overlooking the water in Capitola Village, offers great atmosphere and island fusion cuisine. Full bar.
Eat Zelda's on the Beach
Located on the beach with spectacular views of the Monterey Bay and Capitola wharf. Thursdays are Lobster Night. Fridays are Prime Rib Night. Live Music every Friday and Saturday nights. Patio dining, bar, restaurant, full espresso bar. Free WiFi.
Drink
Drink Britannia Arms - Capitola Village
Drink Mr. Toots Coffeehouse
Small coffee shop on the 2nd floor, upstairs from Margaritaville. Balcony in back with an ocean view. Has a good spicy chai.
Sleep
Go next
- Santa Cruz - Located six miles west of Capitola, Santa Cruz is best known as a countercultural hub, with a fun bohemian feel and youthful vibe, and weekend tourist attractions like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a historic mission, and the dubious Mystery Spot. The beaches north and south of Santa Cruz are considered some of the more pristine areas of natural beauty in central California, and while conditions generally make them impractical for swimming, several are considered an expert surfer's cold cold paradise.
Nearby
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Boulder Creek
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My experience
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