Photo courtesy of the Capitola Village

The Capitola Village is one of the oldest seaside resorts on the Pacific Coast and remains a mecca for travelers looking for a picturesque, quaint, and relaxing vacation destination. With a front row seat to the Monterey Bay, the Capitola Village offers a variety of shops and eateries, historical and colorful architecture, and exciting coastal activities. The Village undoubtedly has year-round appeal, but this spring and summer there are some new additions, seasonal favorites, and fun events you won’t want to miss!

WHAT’S NEW

The Village boasts many long-standing Capitola favorites. From beachfront Bloody Marys at Zelda’s to drippy ice cream cones from Souza’s, the Village has a mouth-watering selection of eateries and treats – all in the walkable oceanfront promenade. And a couple new insta-hits to the scene: Santa Cruz Poke and Capitola Wine Bar. At Santa Cruz Poke enjoy some “Hawaiian soul food” made with the freshest catch of the day, all organic veggies, and house made sauces. Wine meets the waves at Capitola Wine Bar and this cozy welcoming atmosphere will have you feeling the comfort of your best friend’s living room. Sip on wines from around town and across the world, plus they’ve got beer on tap! The ideal pit stop for the 21+.

After a few delicious bites and glasses of wine, stroll the sidewalks and duck into the many charming shops lining the village avenues. Fun ocean-inspired treasures, home decor, art, bathing suits, and beach gear, there’s no way you’re going to want to leave empty handed. Stop in the newly opened, Jade Allen Boutique, located on Monterey Avenue where you can find gorgeous contemporary women’s clothing with a flair for those vacation vibes. Find decor, gifts, books, art, homewares, and more at the Carmel Bay Company at the Village – a slice of the Carmel Bay Company located in Carmel, California.

EXPLORE THE SHORE AND BAY

Spring and summer can qualify any day as a beach day. Sunny skies (or even occasional foggy ones) draw visitors and locals to the gorgeous coast and the Capitola Beach is the perfect locale to sink in that beach umbrella. Surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, tidepooling, wave splashing, and sandcastles, the beach draws all levels of adventurer. Take a scenic walk above the village and see the flower blanketed cliffs that overlook the Monterey Bay and Capitola Wharf.

Get even more adventurous and walk the wharf to Capitola Boat and Bait where you can rent poles and go fishing right off the wharf, or rent a boat and get out on the water. If you’re looking to glide over the bay by board, rent a SUP or surfboard from Capitola Beach Company in the Village. Lessons are available along with board and wetsuit rental, so no need for experience or to lug around gear!

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW – VILLAGE EVENTS!

The relentless beauty and charm of the Capitola Village makes it a picturesque backdrop for some of the year’s best events. A Custom Car Show, weekly (and free) Twilight Concerts, Movies on the Beach, Music and Art on the Beach, and more – you’ll want to mark your calendar and watch for announcements on these signature Capitola Village events!

• Twilight Concerts
• Capitola Rod & Custom Classic Car Show
• Sundays Art and Music at the Beach
• Wharf to Wharf Race
• Movies at the Beach – Esplanade Park
• Capitola Art and Wine Festival
• Capitola Beach Festival

Ready to escape to Santa Cruz County? Starting planning today!

Updated September 2021