Guide to Capitola

Things to Do in Capitola

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Perched at the juncture of Soquel Creek and Monterey Bay, Capitola-by-the-Sea, about five miles east of Santa Cruz, is a beach town with a distinctly European feel. It’s like a jumble of little jewels piled on top of one another—boutiques, restaurants, inns and a lively string of bars on the Esplanade.

Capitola-by-the-Sea draws thousands of tourists every year seeking a relaxing beachside holiday. Visitors can find a wide selection of vacation rentals and guest accommodation, while the esplanade features a variety of restaurants, cafes and live music venues.

Capitola hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Capitola Begonia Festival in the summer, Capitola Art & Wine Festival in the early fall and the arrival of Surfing Santa at the start of the winter holiday season.

Photo Credit: shutterstock / cdrin

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Popular Things to Do in Capitola

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Beaches

Capitola Beach

Monterey Ave., Capitola, CA 95010

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American Restaurants

Paradise Beach Grille

215 Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010

From day one, we have not wavered from our original concept of providing quality service and food in a fun environment for our customers, employees and owners. Located on the water in Capitola Village.

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American Restaurants

Zelda's

203 Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010

Zelda's restaurant has been serving customers for the past 31 years. We offer indoor and outdoor dining with a beachfront deck where you can enjoy Capitola beach and take in spectacular Monterey Bay and wharf views.

Clothing & Accessories

O'Neill's Surf Shop

1115 41st Ave, Capitola, CA 95010

O???Neill Surf Shops continue to service the local community and visitors to Santa Cruz with wetsuits, surfboards, clothing and accessories just as Jack did back in the 1950???s

Beaches

New Brighton Beach

1500 Park Ave, Capitola, CA 95010

The beach features picnic areas, swimming, fishing and a nearby forest of Monterey pine and Coastal Live Oak.

Beaches

Capitola Beach

Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010

American Restaurants

Shadowbrook Restaurant

1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA 95010

Happy hour is short and sweet (Friday, 4-6pm) here at this decades-old Capitola institution, but it appears there's a happy crew here every night.

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Bars

Britannia Arms Capitola

110 Monterey Ave, Capitola, CA 95010

Britannia Arms is a British Pub and Sports Bar located in by the sea in the Capitola Village, with an outdoor patio and views of the ocean. Enjoy live music every Friday night at 9pm, Karaoke Night on Saturday. Happy Hour: Monday - Friday 3pm-6pm.

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Scenes from Capitola
familyCoastal GoldA Bashful PeekSea Foam LatteThe EducatorBurning Alcohol - 3Burning Alcohol - 2Burning Alcohol - 1Then It Draws You In10-Minute  BreakShedding A LayerCoastal Connectiona chain reaction of countermovesWalton Lighthouse on a Stormy MorningConcrete Ship SS Palo Alto