Capitola is the Pacific coast’s oldest seaside resort town. Radiating the charisma of a vintage beach community, galleries and boutiques decorate the quaint streets of Capitola Village. The esplanade curves alongside a row of beachside restaurants and then bursts open into a magnificent view of the sea. A Mediterranean essence flavors the air, from breezy cafes to the relaxed atmosphere of this treasured town.
Centrally located within Capitola-by-the-Sea, Capitola Beach is the de facto playground for the charming village. Gentle waves provide plenty of warm weather fun, and the ideal conditions for pint-sized surfers learning the sport. Capitola Beach Company offers the gear and lessons to get your grom on a board, and riding waves into shore. Wednesday evenings during summer, twilight concerts at Esplanade Park’s outdoor bandstand are an enjoyable way to end the day. Bring a picnic dinner and a beach blanket or shake your groove on the plaza dance floor. Or take a stroll on the Capitola Wharf and watch the sunset.
Housed inside a charming schoolhouse in the village, the Capitola Historical Museum features changing historical exhibits and self-guided walking tours. Beyond the village, Capitola boasts a day spa, tea room and endless shopping.
Other year-round crowd pleasers throughout the year include fall’s Capitola Art & Wine Festival, Surfin’ Santa kicking off the holidays, and the Capitola Rod and Custom Classic Car Show.
The 161-year-old town of Soquel lies just inland from Capitola. Within just a few blocks of this tranquil village, you’ll find over a dozen antique dealers specializing in everything from heirloom jewelry to early American furniture and one-of-a-kind finds.
The hills up above the town are draped with vineyards, and Soquel serves as an ideal starting point for self-guided wine tasting tours. Bargetto Winery is located a few blocks from the heart of town. Scenic two-lane roads wind up through the mountains to many more wineries north of Soquel.
Enjoy a wide range of dining options in Capitola. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Gayle’s Bakery. Cheers to a waterfront view at Zelda’s on the Beach. Experience a setting with tropical drinks, décor and vibrations at Paradise Beach Grille.
