Capitola Beach(Capitola City Beach)

Capitola Beach is a popular spot in the charming seaside town of Capitola. Known as California’s oldest resort town, Capitola has a lively atmosphere with a beach that features colorful, Mediterranean-style buildings. Capitola Beach is part of Soquel Cove, a 3.5-mile bay on the eastern Santa Cruz County coast. The beach has been named the 16th Best Beach in the Top 50 Beaches in the United States list in 2022 by Randall Kaplan, the world's foremost beach expert who is known as "Mr. Beach.”

The western side of Capitola Beach has rocks that make the waters calm and perfect for swimming. The eastern side has more waves, which attract surfers. Lifeguards are only present during special events and busy times. Visitors can use restrooms, showers, concession stands, boogie boards, umbrellas, chairs, and seating areas. Dogs are not allowed on Capitola Beach.

Capitola Beach offers a number of activities including, volleyball, snorkeling, wildlife watching, beachcombing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, surfing, and fishing. The calm waters on the western side are great for beginners learning to surf, but be careful as great white sharks are sometimes seen in the area.

It’s best to use the paid parking lots near Capitola City Hall, which are a short walk from Capitola Beach. Other parking areas close to the beach have permit rules that only allow parking for two hours.

Capitola Beach got its name from the nearby town of Capitola, which was named after a character, Capitola Black, in the 19th-century novel The Hidden Hand.

There are many attractions at Capitola Beach. You can head to an 855 feet long as Capitola Wharf where you can watch whales, dolphins, and seals present in the waters around the beach, along with offering a great opportunity for pier fishing. The Capitola Wharf also houses restaurants, tourist shops, and art galleries. In addition, there is a lagoon formed by Soquel Creek near the beach that provides an excellent spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography.

The beach is well known for hosting festivals and spectacular events throughout the year. During summers, the beach area hosts a weekly concert series every Wednesday night. Movie buffs can attend the open-air movie screenings also held on the beach during summer nights.

Between late August and early September, the town of Capitola hosts a colorful four-day festival honoring the local Begonia Flower which involves organizing boat ‘parades’ of colorful barges decorated with begonia flowers being held on the beach.

You can also check out Esplanade Street near the beach, which is dotted with small gift shops and restaurants worth checking out. Other attractions near the beach include Capitola Museum, which history aficionados can visit in order to learn more about Capitola’s interesting history.

If you're looking for a restaurant, The Wharf House Restaurant offers a great and upscale oceanfront dining experience – it’s famous for its seafood omelets and its lively music. For a more family-friendly experience, head to El Toro Bravo which offers delicious Mexican food and is known for its burritos and ceviche. For a budget dining experience, head to MyThai Beach Restaurant which serves fabulous Thai dishes such as peanut chicken at modest prices. For other options, The Sandbar offers fresh seafood and oceanfront dining, and Paradise Beach Grille offers a variety of California-inspired cuisine.

If you are looking for a hotel near Capitola Beach, there are several great nearby options. The 3-Star Capitola Hotel has Caribbean-themed deluxe suites and is located close to some of the best restaurants in Capitola. You could also head to Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By The Sea for a more affordable accommodation option – the 2-Star accommodation offers well-furnished rooms along with amenities including an onsite pool. You can also check out Hotel Solares, which is a short drive away and offers great rooms at reasonable rates.