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Overview
Activities
Parking
Fun Fact
Attractions
Restaurants
Hotels
Located in the seaside resort town of Capitola, Capitola Beach (also known as Capitola City Beach) is one of the major beaches of the town and is bustling with visitors. This is due to Capitola’s popularity as California’s oldest resort town, and because Capitola Beach has a waterfront featuring a colorful backdrop of vibrant Mediterranean-themed buildings. Capitola Beach is part of a 3.5-mile-long bay area called Soquel Cove that is located on the eastern Santa Cruz county shoreline. 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.” Rocks near the western part of Capitola Beach ensure that the waters are calm there, making it ideal for a swim along the coast. The eastern part of the beach experiences waves, which makes it popular among surfers. Although the beach area has lifeguards on duty only during special events and tourist peaks, the beach offers a number of amenities, including restrooms, showers, concession stands, boogie boards, umbrellas, chairs, and sitting areas. The beach area does not allow dogs.
Capitola Beach offers a number of activities including, volleyball, snorkeling, wildlife watching, beachcombing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, surfing, and fishing. The waters on Capitola Beach are ideal for beginner surfers to practice their skills – however, be cautious because great white sharks have been spotted in the water.
We recommend using the paid parking lots located near Capitola City Hall, which is a short walk away from the beach, as other parking spots near the beach require a permit that allows parking in a particular spot for only two hours.
Capitola Beach was named after the nearby town of Capitola, which was named after a popular novel, "The Hidden Hand," by Capitola Black, written in the 19th century.
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.
Basic Details
8314646329
258 meters
Entry Fee
Restroom Available
Sunrise to Sunset
Beige
All Amenities at Capitola Beach
Amenities
ATM
Lifeguard
Restrooms
Showers
Activities
Fishing
Hiking
Surfing
Volleyball
Rentals
Bikes
Fishing Boats
Kayaking Canoeing
Food
Bars
Restaurants
Access
Car Access
Disabled Access
Foot Access
Parking - Paid
Parking - Street
Public Bus Stop
Features
Capitola Beach - Beach Map
Top Traveler Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!
Does Capitola Beach have parking? If so, is it free or paid?
Capitola Beach does not have dedicated parking but has street parking near the entrance.
Does Capitola Beach have lifeguards?
Yes, Capitola Beach ensures safety with professional lifeguards on duty throughout the day, offering peace of mind for beachgoers.
Is Capitola Beach a family-friendly beach?
Capitola Beach is the perfect family destination, offering clean restrooms, vigilant lifeguards, and a variety of nearby food options, ensuring an enjoyable day for all.
Is Capitola Beach good for swimming?
Capitola Beach boasts excellent swimming conditions, attracting swimmers of all skill levels with its gentle waves and clear waters.
Does Capitola Beach have restrooms?
Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at Capitola Beach.
Is Capitola Beach a nude beach?
No, Capitola Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.
Is there food near Capitola Beach?
Capitola Beach has multiple restaurant options near or on the beach.
What are the activities at Capitola Beach?
Capitola Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Fishing, Hiking, Surfing, Volleyball.
Does Capitola Beach have accommodations for people with disabilities?
Yes, Capitola Beach offers accommodations for people with disabilities, allowing everyone to relish the coastal experience.
Is Capitola Beach a dog-friendly beach?
Capitola Beach is not dog-friendly.
Is Capitola Beach good for surfing?
Yes, surfing is an activity that is frequently enjoyed at Capitola Beach.
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