Capitola Village
🏘️ Santa Cruz's Most Charming Beach Town
Colorful Venetian houses, waterfront dining, boutique shopping, and small-town beach vibes
Overview & Vibe
Capitola is like a Mediterranean village dropped onto the California coast. The iconic colorful houses lining the beach, the small wharf, the village atmosphere - it's charming in a way that Santa Cruz proper isn't. Just 5 minutes from Santa Cruz, but it feels like a different world.
The vibe is relaxed, family-friendly, and more polished than Santa Cruz. Less surf culture, more vacation town. Great restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries, and a beautiful beach. It's where Santa Cruz locals go for a nice dinner or when they want to show visitors something special.
Top 10 Things to Do
Walk the Capitola Wharf
Small fishing wharf with restaurants, shops, and fishing. Walk to the end for views of the colorful houses and beach.
Tip: Sunset from the wharf is spectacular. Free to walk.
Capitola Beach
Protected cove beach, gentle waves, family-friendly. The colorful Venetian houses are the backdrop.
Tip: Arrive early for parking. Beach gets crowded on summer weekends.
Explore the Village
Boutique shops, art galleries, cafes. Walkable village center with Mediterranean feel.
Tip: Thursday evenings have Art & Wine walks in summer.
Dine on the Wharf
Multiple restaurants with water views. Fresh seafood, upscale casual dining.
Tip: Zelda's has the best patio. Reservations recommended for dinner.
Gayle's Bakery
Local institution. Amazing pastries, bread, prepared foods. Always packed with locals.
Tip: Go early for best selection. Expect a line - it's worth it.
Capitola Historical Museum
Small museum with local history. Free admission, interesting exhibits about the village's past.
Tip: Open limited hours - check before going. Donation-based.
Tide Pooling
Rocky areas at both ends of the beach have tide pools. Best at low tide.
Tip: Check tide charts. Wear shoes with good grip on rocks.
Shadowbrook Restaurant
Unique hillside restaurant reached by funicular or stairs. Romantic, special occasion dining.
Tip: Reservations essential. Expensive but memorable experience.
Begonia Festival
Annual September festival with parade, art show, and begonia-decorated floats on the water.
Tip: Huge event - book hotels months in advance if visiting then.
Esplanade Walk
Waterfront walkway along the beach. Great for strolling, people watching, and photos.
Tip: Early morning or sunset for best light and fewer crowds.
Best Restaurants
Zelda's
Wharf location, best patio, seafood & steaks, local favorite
Shadowbrook
Romantic hillside restaurant, funicular access, special occasions
Gayle's Bakery
Local institution, amazing pastries, prepared foods, always busy
Paradise Beach Grille
Beachfront, casual, breakfast & lunch, ocean views
Margaritaville
Casual beach vibe, margaritas, family-friendly
Mr. Toots Coffeehouse
Local coffee shop, breakfast, cozy atmosphere
Carpo's
Upscale Italian, village location, good wine list
The Penny Ice Creamery
Artisan ice cream, Capitola location, local favorite
Shopping Highlights
🎨 Art & Galleries
Multiple art galleries featuring local artists, jewelry, and crafts
Art & Wine walks on Thursday evenings (summer)👗 Boutiques
Clothing boutiques, beach wear, and unique local shops
Higher-end than typical beach town shops🎁 Gifts & Specialty
Home decor, gifts, local products, and specialty items
Great for souvenirs and giftsParking & Transportation
Parking
- • Village lot: $2-5 depending on season
- • Street parking: Limited, metered
- • Summer weekends: Arrive early or late
- • Bike: Easy ride from Santa Cruz/Pleasure Point
Getting There
- • From Santa Cruz: 5-10 min drive
- • From Pleasure Point: 5 min bike/drive
- • Bus: Metro routes serve Capitola
- • Walk: Village is very walkable once there
Insider Tips
🏖️ Less Crowded Alternative
Capitola is less hectic than Santa Cruz beaches. Great for families or when you want a more relaxed beach day.
🍰 Gayle's Strategy
Gayle's Bakery is always packed. Go early (7-8am) for best selection and shorter lines. Or go late afternoon for discounted items.
📸 Photo Spots
The colorful houses are most photogenic from the wharf or beach. Best light is morning or late afternoon.
🎨 Art & Wine Walk
Thursday evenings in summer, galleries stay open late with wine and snacks. Free, fun way to explore the village.
Best Times to Visit
🌅 Morning (8-11am)
Quietest time, best for Gayle's, easy parking, peaceful beach
☀️ Afternoon (12-4pm)
Busiest time, full village energy, hardest parking
🌇 Evening (5-8pm)
Beautiful sunset, dinner time, Art & Wine walks (Thu)