22 things to do in Capitola with the family
Looking for things to do in Capitola in California?
I’ve visited this quaint beach village in Santa Cruz County for years. I was originally attracted to it because the gentle waves at the beach were good for the girls to play in when they were young. As they got older, they loved body boarding and learning to surf. Plus Capitola is picturesque with the colourful Venetian cottages and restaurants, and shops overlooking the Soquel Creek and Pacific Ocean.
Here are my favourite things to do in this beach town.
1. Hang out at the beach!
Our favourite spot to go is the most southerly section of the Capitola City Beach, by the lifeguard tower and near the inlet where the body boarders and surfers hang out. The waves here are mild and lots of families hang out here. It’s on the Esplanade, so you have easy access to restaurants, shops, bathrooms and outdoor showers.
Parking: Try your luck on the Esplanade, Capitola Ave, San Jose Ave ($1.50 an hour with a 3 hour max) or Cliff Dr. ($1.00 an hour). If you drive around twice and can’t find anything, your best bet is the Village Parking located off Bay Ave (50 cents an hour with a 12 hour max). It’s an easy 5 minute walk down to the beach.
2. Get a slice and T-shirt at Pizza My Heart
This is an absolute must. You’ll need to queue up, but that’s part of the fun. Order a slice of pizza (my favourite is the Big Sur – roasted garlic, organic tomato pizza sauce, pepperoni, sausage, portobello mushroom and green onion) or you could try the Manresa – a white pizza with fresh basil, garlic, roma tomatoes and ricotta cheese. There are gluten-free options too. For $2 extra you can add-on one of their cool cotton T-shirts. Very clever marketing. Take it all back to your beach chair or enjoy on one of the benches overlooking the Ocean. Then take your box back for recycling.
Pizza My Heart 209 The Esplanade Capitola, CA 95010 +1 (831) 475-5714
3. Indulge in Marianne’s ice cream
After your pizza slice, head over to the Beach Break and get Marianne’s ice cream. The original Marianne’s is a Santa Cruz institution – we ALWAYS stopped there on the way back from the beach. Now you can get a more limited selection plus Polar Bear ice cream (54 flavours daily!) of their homemade ice creams in Capitola. When you get there grab a number which they will call when it’s your turn to be served. Try Snickerdoodle cookie dough or the delicate Macapuno (baby coconut). My 14-year-old’s favourite – which is also the most popular ice cream sold – is the 1020, which is caramel ice cream with Oreo’s and brownies.
Beach Break By Marianne’s 104 Stockton Ave, Capitola, CA 95010 +1 (831) 479-8888 http://beachbreakcapitola.com
4. Take photos at Venetian Court
You can’t miss these pastel coloured cottages that sit next to the wharf and overlook the mouth of the Soquel River and Pacific Ocean. Because they are part hotel and part privately owned holiday homes, you can’t walk amongst them, but you can take pictures from the beach side.
Venetian Court 1500 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA 95010 +1 (831) 476-6471 https://www.capitolavenetian.com
5. Rent a surf board
Capitola Beach is one of the best beginner surf spots in Santa Cruz. Visit the Capitola Beach Company to rent a surf board or book lessons. You can get some cool surf wear there too. In season they have a pop up kiosk right on the beach. Very convenient.
Capitola Beach Company 131 Monterey Ave, Capitola, CA 95010 + (831) 462-5222 https://www.capitolabeachcompany.com
6. Try Stand Up Paddle Boarding
The water in Capitola is generally calmer because it’s in a cove, and the Soquel River is a perfect spot for learning how to paddle board. You can rent surf and paddle boards at Capitola Surf and Paddle. They are slighter cheaper than option above, but a longer walk!
Capitola Surf and Paddle 208 San Jose Ave, Capitola, CA 95010 +1 (831) 435-6503 https://capitolasurfandpaddle.com/
7. Go fishing on Capitola Wharf
Right behind the Venetian is Capitola Wharf, a 855 foot wooden wharf that is rarely crowded and a great place to try fishing! You can rent rods or buy everything you need right on Capitola Wharf. You can even rent a boat! The wharf House restaurant is at the end (I’ve never eaten there, but heard it’s a fun place for drinks).
Capitola Wharf 1400 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA 95010
8. Stroll the village
From the Esplanade to Capitola and San Jose Avenues and through the Mercantile, Capitola Village is a local mecca of shops, restaurants, galleries and seaside lodgings.
9. Visit the Village Museum
Capitola is one of California’s oldest seaside resort towns, original in the mid 1800s. To learn more about the fascinating history of this community, look for the little red shack that looks like an old school-house (but wasn’t). Open Thursday to Sun from noon – 4.
Capitola Historical Museum 410 Capitola Ave, Capitola, CA 95010 +1 (831) 464-0322 https://www.cityofcapitola.org/capitola-museum
10. Walk on Soquel Creek
There is a nice, pretty albeit short walk along the Soquel Creek. Take the path left of Armida Winery, and admire the beach homes and gardens.
11. Go wine tasting
Santa Cruz has its own appellation, and Capitola has a few places to taste local wines – plus excellent vintages from around the world.
Armida 103 Stockton Ave Capitola, CA 95010 +(831) 462-1065 http://www.armida.com/
Capitola Wine Bar & Merchants 115 San Jose Ave, Capitola, CA 95010 +1 (831) 476-2282 http://capitolawinebar.com/
Cork & Fork 312 Capitola Ave, Capitola, CA 95010 (831) 435-1110 https://corkandforkcapitola.com/
12. Eat at the iconic Shadowbrook Restaurant
Many Bay Area residents have visited Shadowbrook Restaurant for a special birthday or other occasion. If you are staying within 3 miles they have a vintage 1966 Checker taxi that will come pick you up! Ride the cable car down to the entrance. Even if you just come for appetizers and a drink on the patio. A bit pricey, and definitely not a shorts and t-shirt kind of place – but worth it for a special evening out.
Shadowbrook Restaurant 1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA 95010, USA +1 831-475-1511 https://www.shadowbrook-capitola.com
13. Take a walk in Depot Hill
From the car park on Monterey Ave climb the 86 steps to Depot Hill to explore this 1884 subdivision. A great place to watch the sunrise or to take an afternoon walk or jog.
14. Rent bicycles
Rent a bike from the Family Cycling Centre then take the Pleasure Point bike path. You can cycle all the way to Natural Bridges!
Family Cycling Center 914 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 +1 (831) 475-3883
15. Have a breakfast burrito at The Point
Go to the Point Market, a little corner shop, and pick up “The Barrel” breakfast burrito. Locals say it’s THE BEST. Then grab one of the picnic tables along the Pleasure Point bike path and watch the surfers. Bliss.
The Point Market and Cafe 23040 E Cliff Dr Santa Cruz, CA 95062 +1 (831) 475-3356
16. Watch the surfers at Pleasure Point
Located between Moran Lagoon and 41st Avenue, Pleasure Pleasure Point is a popular surf spot with lots of famous surf breaks. Authentic surf vibe.
Watch the Pleasure Point webcam
17. Walk amongst the Redwoods
For a peaceful afternoon, head over to Nisene Marks, part of the California State Park system, for a picnic and hike. You can pick up sandwiches at one of the delis on Aptos Rd then drive into the park (day fee) and find a picnic area (we suggest Mary’s)
The Forest of Nisene Marks Aptos Creek Rd, Aptos, CA 95003 + 1 (831) 763-7063 https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=666
18. New Brighton State Beach
New Brighton State Beach is a beautiful beach and campground with picnic areas, swimming, fishing, and a Monterey pine forest. Because of the parking fee ($10, which you can use at any CA State Park such as Nisene above) it tends to keep away the masses. Walk to the SS Palo Alto, a concrete freighter, at conjoining Seacliff State Beach. As with all CA State run beaches – no alcohol.
New Brighton State Beach 1500 Park Ave, Capitola, CA 95010 +1 (831) 464-6329 https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=542
19. Check out Low Tide Between Capitola Beach and New Brighton Beach
When the tide is low, all sorts of rock pools appear. On a super low tide (an unusual occurrence) you can walk between the beaches (though the State Beach ranger has told me this can be very dangerous).
20. Indulge in a pastry at Gayle’s Bakery
Pretty much everything in this local favourite is really, really good. Get a number as soon as you get there, then spend your time checking out the pastries and savoury lunch items.
Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria 504 Bay Ave, Capitola, CA 95010 +1 (831) 462-1200 https://www.gaylesbakery.com
21. Relax in a Float spa!
The newest Spa craze is floating in salt-infused water in a distraction-free setting. 900 lbs of epsom salt frees you of the sensation of gravity allows you to totally relax. They have “happy hour” pricing where you can try at a reduced prices.
Sage Float Spa 1395 41st Ave, Capitola, CA 95010 +1 (831) 854-2700
22. Get some cool logo wear at The Boardroom
Teens will love checking out The Boardroom and getting a trendy Santa Cruz T-shirt or hoodie. Home to 2,000 skateboards!
Santa Cruz Boardroom 825 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 +1 (831) 464-2500 https://www.santacruzboardroom.com
Zena's Suitcase | 22nd Sep 19
there’s definitely no way you’d get bored in Capitola. It’s got the perfect mix of activities to keep everyone happy. I’d be happy to spend at least a few days here
bavariansojourn | 13th Sep 19
I actually want to go NOW. It looks amazing, so much to see and do, plus that food!!!
Mini Travellers | 13th Sep 19
I’ve done a fair bit of California but not Capitola, you’ve totally spiked my interest in this place. all the food!!
pigeonpairandme | 11th Sep 19
This all looks so happy and colourful! Mmm yum – I could have somethin nice from Gayle’s right now….. 🙂
mytravelmonkey | 11th Sep 19
I’m there – it looks like a fab place for a trip! Ventian Court looks like the perfect insta spot too!
Cerys | 11th Sep 19
I remember visiting here as a teen and loved it. It’s such a cool place to visit. We didn’t try the surfing (it’s cold and I’m a warm water surfer) but the food and other things. I loved how colourful it was. Would highly recommend it for kids.
TraveLynn Family | 11th Sep 19
What a gorgeous spot, and so special you’ve all returned time and time again. And I love the quirk and colour of Venetian Court!
Claire | 11th Sep 19
How wonderful that you’ve been able to see the kids enjoy Capitola in different ways over the years. It sounds like a wonderful place. I’d love a go at paddle boarding on the river. And all the food sounds divine!!
Cultural Wednesday | 17th Aug 19
Now I need to go back to California to visit Capitola, those pastel coloured houses are beckoning