The picturesque town of Capitola is situated on Monterey Bay, within the Santa Cruz Mountains. Just 70 miles south of San Francisco, this town is best known for the 1961 bird attack that was the inspiration for Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film, The Birds. As the West Coast’s oldest beach resort, the city is a popular tourist area, offering a wide variety of trendy beachfront stores, restaurants, and visitor attractions. The city is also home to a number of historical landmarks and museums, making it a great place to visit for history buffs and culture vultures alike. Some attractions may be closed temporarily or require reservations in advance. Hours and availability may have changed.
Capitola is a small town located in the Monterey Bay area of California. Though it is a small town, there is still plenty to do. Here are the 10 best things to do in Capitola in 2022.
The quality of life in Capitola CA
Capitola, California is a great place to live. The quality of life is good here. With that said, living in this beautiful city does come with some responsibilities. These include checking the local weather forecast and current conditions before heading out, as well as knowing where you are going when you head out. This city is best explored by foot or by bike, as most of the attractions aren’t very far from one another. If you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere and good local food, look no further than Capitola!
Is Capitola worth visiting?
Does Capitola’s really need visits? Capitola is a lovely small town with Esplanade with restaurants, cute shops, and a beach where Soquel Creek enters the Bay.
What is Capitola known for?
Capitola was a coastal city in San Francisco Bay on Monterey Bay about 80 miles south of San Francisco city limits. Probably most known as the scene for a 1961 attack on Shearwater Birds stung by domoic acids, and a film inspired by Alfred Hitchcock called The Birds.
Best Things to do in Capitola
Here are the 10 best things to do in Capitola in 2022:
Visit the Capitola Historical Museum
Planning a trip to Capitola and don’t know where to start? The Capitola Historical Museum is an ideal first stop. Home to one of the largest collections of pioneer-era costumes and memorabilia in the world, the museum’s permanent collection offers an introduction to the rich history of Capitola. In addition, it has a variety of changing exhibits throughout the year and hosts special events, including a haunted house and costume party every Halloween.
The Capitola Historical Museum is open Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the afternoon hours and is located adjacent to Capitola City Hall.
410 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, California 95010, Phone: 831-464-0322.
Capitola City Beach: things to do in Capitola beach ca
Capitola City Beach is a beautiful spot for urban outdoor activities, including volleyball, surfing, sunbathing, and bird watching. The Capitola Wharf pier is a popular fishing spot for its calm water area near Soquel Cove. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months and at other times when the beach is busy, with restrooms and showers available for swimmers.
The beach provides direct access to the restaurants and shops of the Esplanade, as well as historic buildings such as the Venetian Hotel. A variety of public special events are hosted at the beach during the summer months, including free family movies, art shows, and a twilight concert series.
San Jose Ave and Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010
New Brighton State Beach
New Brighton State Beach is a public beach located in Santa Cruz County, offering year-round opportunities for swimming, fishing, hiking, and camping. The main entrance point to the beach is the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center, which offers a gift store and exhibits on the history of the region’s indigenous people and pioneer settlers from around the world.
The nearby coastal live oak and Monterey pine forest offer visitors the opportunity to explore nature at their leisure, while a bluff overlooking Monterey Bay provides stunning ocean views and wildlife watching opportunities. A variety of youth programs are hosted at the beach seasonally, including Junior Ranger programs and campfire storytelling events.
1500 Park Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, Phone: 831-464-6329
Shop at the Capitola Mall
Traveling to Capitola in 2022 can be difficult if you don’t have a car. With its beautiful beaches and shops, the area is a popular tourist destination. If you’re looking for unique shopping experiences, including unique clothing boutiques and gift shops, then the Capitola Mall is the place to be. The mall is home to more than 150 stores, including large-scale retailers such as Target, Macy’s, and Kohls. There are also smaller retailers, where you can get the latest products.
The mall features popular national chain restaurants like Chili’s, Olive Garden, and Five Guys Burgers and Fries, as well as food court favorites like Starbucks, Subway, and Sorabol. The mall also hosts special events monthly, including family fun days, art walks, and book sales benefitting regional charities.
1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010, Phone: 831-476-9616
Capitola Beach Company
Capitola Beach Company is a surf shop in Capitola Village that has been offering surf and stand-up paddleboarding lessons for individuals and groups since 2004.
Looking to learn how to surf or paddleboard? Capitola Beach Company has got you covered! They offer both private and semi-private lessons for all skill levels, with beach and water training time included. Their experienced instructors will have you shredding the waves in no time! We also offer group lessons, with all the necessary equipment provided for all participants.
In addition, our full-service surf shop sells apparel and accessories from top brands such as Billabong, Quiksilver, TOMS, and Lucky Brand. Lastly, we offer surfboard and paddleboard rentals by the hour or day for patrons over the age of 18.
131 Monterey Ave, Capitola, California 95010, Phone: 831-462-5222
Go to eat at Shadowbrook restaurant
Award-winning, locally owned, and operated. When you dine at Shadowbrook Restaurant, you can enjoy “new American” cuisine with a California twist. Whether it’s a romantic night out or a casual gathering with friends, we have the perfect atmosphere to suit your needs.
Ted Burke and Bob Munsey own the restaurant today, which is considered one of the most unique restaurant experiences in the American West. It offers indoor, outdoor, and rooftop dining experiences in restored cable cars and other unique spaces.
The recipient of a variety of national dining awards, including accolades from OpenTable, USA Today, and the Gourmet Diners Club of America. A delicious array of upscale American fare is served for dinner, including mouthwatering entrees like hazelnut-crusted brook trout, Thai-style game hen, and honey-glazed pork chops. For those looking for vegan options, there’s a delicious sunflower seed risotto. The restaurant’s Rock Room offers appetizers, artisan pizzas, and gastropub fare, as well as full children’s and drink menus.
1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA 95010, Phone: 831-475-1511
Caruso’s Tuscan Cuisine
Caruso’s Tuscan Cuisine is a family-owned restaurant located within the Capitola Mercantile. This shopping center is modeled after classic indoor European bazaars and provides the perfect setting for a delicious meal.
The restaurant’s menu features 12-inch wood-fired pizzas, classic pasta dishes, and traditional appetizers like calamari and bruschetta. All dishes are prepared from scratch on-site, using only the highest quality ingredients to give you an authentic Italian dining experience.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, we’re open seven days a week to serve you. Guests are encouraged to make reservations for parties of six or more. However, we do not accept reservations for small groups. After dinner, guests are welcome to explore the rest of the Mercantile, which is also home to a Cava Wine Bar location, popular java spot Seaside Coffee, and a variety of handcrafted artisan product stalls.
115 San Jose Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, Phone: 831-465-9040
Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery
The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery (MOD) is a great place for fun and early education, conveniently located in the Capitola Mall. The Museum is a place where young children can come to learn and be curious. At MOD, your children can explore the world around them through interactive play, while also developing their motor skills and having endless fun. We offer private play dates and birthday parties on Sundays, and welcome children and their families to come and play from Wednesday to Saturday.
Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, 1855 41st Avenue C-10, Capitola, CA 95010, 888 424 8035
Margaritaville, Capitola, CA
Margaritaville has been a Capitola staple for fine dining for more than three decades, recently renovated and overhauled in 2015. Though the restaurant shares its name with the popular Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville national casual dining chain, it is an unaffiliated independent restaurant operated by the Santa Cruz company Sunset Hospitality Group.
It serves an extensive menu of fine Mexican dishes prepared from scratch, with a focus on seafood dishes such as Baja fish tacos and a raw oyster bar. Handcrafted margaritas are also available, along with traditional Mexican favorites such as chicken mole enchiladas. Waterfront seating is offered within a dog-friendly patio area.
231 Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010, Phone: 831-476-2263
Sage Float Spa
At Sage Float Spa, you can relax and float weightlessly in a tank filled with a super-saturated Epsom Salt solution. The float pods are dark and quiet, so you can totally relax. After your float session, you’ll feel relaxed, de-stressed, and re-energized. You’ll also sleep better and be better equipped to handle life’s challenges. In addition, to float therapy, Sage Float Spa also has a sauna and a massage menu to complete your day of relaxation.
Sage Float Spa, 1395 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010, 831 854 2700
Get ice cream at Marini’s Candies
Marini’s Candies is a family-owned candy shop in Capitola, California, with an extensive variety of chocolates, caramels, and other sweets. The store is owned by Marini Grosvenor, who has been working at the shop since he was 18 years old. Marini’s Candies was featured on the Travel Channel’s “The Best Thing to Do in…” series in 2011, 2012, and 2014, ranking in the top 10% of all the places featured in the series.
Get ice cream at Souza Cones
There’s nothing like eating ice cream on the beach to make you feel like it’s summer – as long as you can eat it fast enough before it melts!
I’ve been going to Souza Cones Ice Cream since I was a kid and I still go back there often as an adult. Located right next to Capitola City Beach, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a scoop or two of your favorite flavor.
This is the place to bring the whole family for the best waffle cones in town, as well as plenty of toppings for your scoop (or two or three) of ice cream.
Just make sure to bring cash instead of credit cards since they don’t accept credit cards.
Have Dinner With a View
One of the best ways to experience Capitola is to grab dinner or drinks along the Esplanade at sunset. With the beautiful view of the ocean, it’s the perfect way to relax and unwind.
Most of the restaurants boast great views of the Monterey Bay and the Capitola Wharf, and some even have outdoor patios.
I recommend getting a delicious margarita from Margaritaville to start your night. They also have a great menu of Mexican seafood if you’re looking for dinner.
Some other great places to get a good meal with an even better view are Paradise Beach Grille and Zelda’s on the Beach. Zelda’s is also the perfect place to get breakfast if you’re in the Village earlier in the day.
The CineLux Capitola Cafe and Lounge
This is the perfect spot for a movie night out! You can enjoy comfortable seats, delicious drinks, and the latest films. This is one of the best ways to take advantage of the nightlife.
If you’re looking to save some money, Tuesday nights are a great time to visit your local movie theater. Many theaters offer discounts on some of their most popular movies. So take a look at what’s playing and see if there’s something you want to see!
See also: 17 Best Things to Do in Round Rock, TX for a Great Experience
Best hotels in Capitola
-The Capitola Hotel is the perfect place to stay when visiting Capitola.
-The Santa Cruz Dream Inn is another great option for your stay in Capitola.
-The Best Western Plus Capitola By-The-Sea Inn & Suites is a great choice for your Capitola vacation.
-The Capitola Venetian Hotel is a beautiful and unique option for your Capitola getaway.
-The Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley is a great hotel for those looking for a luxurious experience while visiting Capitola.
Things to do in Capitola this weekend
Things to do in Capitola this weekend for a fun and relaxing weekend, head to Capitola for the annual Shrimp Festival. This weekend-long festival celebrates the area’s fishing heritage and attracts visitors from all over. The festival includes a parade, art fair, kid’s zone, and more. For something a little different, take a ride on the Bikes and Beaches Bike Tour.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing weekend getaway, Capitola is the perfect destination. With its beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and unique shops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And with so many things to do, you’ll never be bored. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Capitola today! Check out the 10 best things to do in Capitola in 2022.