Capitola Day Trip Classic California Beach Town

Fresh seafood cuisine, candy-painted storefronts along the ocean, local boutiques, and quiet beaches wait just a few miles away from Santa Cruz in the relaxing and colorful beach town of Capitola, CA. This town is for you if you’re looking for a classic California beach experience away from the hustle and bustle of more prominent, more tourist-heavy spots.

The town of Capitola is a small but well-appointed place with restaurants, bars, beach rentals, boutiques, and plenty of friendly locals happy to give you their recommendations.

In town, you can check out art galleries like the Thomas Kinkade Signature Gallery and Showroom, enjoy a wine tasting at the satellite tasting room for local label Armida Winery, sip a unique craft beer (with Fido in tow!) at Sante Adairius Rustic Ales, and grab some delicious local seafood at the Paradise Beach Grille.

If the ocean is your primary destination, there’s plenty of fun in the sun in Capitola! Whether you’re already an expert surfer or paddleboarder or are a complete novice looking to dip your toe in the world of watersports.

Capitola was initially called Soquel Landing.  In the 1850s, the town’s wharf was used to ship lumber harvested in the nearby hills. By the mid-1870s, most of the local trees had been felled, and a prominent local landowner decided to create a seaside vacation spot called Camp Capitola. Over the years, the town grew and transformed into “Capitola by the Sea.” Today Capitola is just as popular as it was in the early days, with visitors coming from all over to enjoy the charms of this classic California beach town.

Capitola Beach

The main beach at Capitola is split in half by seasonal Soquel Creek. On the north side, you will find Capitola municipal wharf. It’s not a modern pier by any means, but it is an excellent place for a stroll, watching the sunset, fishing, or having a bite to eat at the Wharf House Restaurant at the end of the pier. The south side of the beach is the best place to relax on the sand and watch the surfers catch a wave.

New Brighton State Beach

To get away from the center of town, you can visit one of Capitola’s nearby beach destinations. New Brighton State beach boasts a beautifully rugged landscape. The natural habitat and wildlife surrounding this beach make it a haven for nature lovers and beachgoers.

Seacliff State Beach

If you want a leisurely walk along a classic pier, head to Seacliff state beach, where it might just be you and the Pelicans! Seacliff is a popular camping spot with a well-traveled walkway between the campground and the beach. Make reservations ahead of time to pitch your tent along the waves.

Capitola Museum

To learn about the town’s history and surrounding area, pop into the tiny but informative museum in the central part of town. The whole thing only takes about 20 minutes to see, and it’s completely free! They also act as a visitor center if you need a map or suggestions on what to see and do in town. Address 410 Capitola Ave. Phone number(831) 464-0322. website

Shadowbrook Restaurant Capitola

Finally, a must-do for first-time visitors is to dine at Shadowbrook Restaurant. You can either take the stairs or ride a six-passenger funicular rail car to the restaurant. Guests can dine in the upper rock room lounge or the main restaurant adjacent to the river. Menu items include fresh seafood, pasta, prime rib, and steak. Address 1750 Wharf Rd. Capitola, CA 95010. (831) 475-1511. website

Capitola is a great escape from the more extensive beaches and attractions you’ll find in nearby Santa Cruz. Indeed a lovely respite for those who want a quiet and lazy day at the beach.

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