Capitola: California's Most Charming Beach Town
Capitola is a small, attractive coastal town in Santa Cruz County, California. It is on the northern shore of Monterey Bay on the Central Coast. This famous beach town has extended its magic to attract visitors worldwide. Its multi-colored houses, shoreside shops, and sandy beach have become its hallmark. This blog post will explore Capitola's historical origins, must-visit attractions, and most celebrated things to do in town.
History of Capitola
The site that would become Capitola had been a small harbor and shipping point called Soquel Landing as early as the 1850s, serving the lumber and lime-producing town of Soquel up the hill. In the 1860s, tourists, drawn to the mild climate and scenic landscape, began visiting the area, and the Bay View Hotel was built, soon to become a tourist attraction in its own right in 1874.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Capitola was reshaped by the presence of a group of artists such as Xavier Martinez and Gottardo Piazzoni, who came to visit the area and were inspired by its natural beauties. They started painting scenes of Capitola, and the city gained a new reputation for being an artists’ colony. People used to go to Capitola to witness the beauty of the place, just like the painters had portrayed it. The city was (and still is) full of vivid colors and peculiar buildings, which reflect those years of intense activity by the artists who came to live and work there.
Attractions in Capitola
Capitola Beach: The best thing to do in Capitola is enjoy the beach. With its gentle sea, soft sand, and admirable scenery, Capitola Beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Capitola Beach even has a long pier called the Capitola Wharf, where fishing, sightseeing, and dining options are available.
Capitola Village: Another great thing to do in Capitola Village is to walk adjacent to the beach. The village is filled with shops, restaurants, and galleries. A bit of Capitola history: the town was a haven for Bohemian artists in the 19th and early 20th Centuries, and their artistic spirit remains evident in the colorful buildings. Song-filled minstrels bring the village to life, luring visitors to pop their heads inside and browse the shops. Capitola Village is a great place to spend most of the day shopping and dining.
Capitola Art and Cultural Museum: If you’re interested in Capitola's history, stop by the Capitola Art and Cultural Museum. Housed in a former historic building, it exhibits the town’s history, including an artist’s colony, the history of those who came to live as artists, and examples of some of their artwork.
Shadowbrook Restaurant: Another of Capitola’s top attractions is Shadowbrook Restaurant, perched on a hill overlooking the little town. It’s picturesque, with wooded gardens, lovely views, and delicious food. Patrons can dine outdoors or ride the famous cable car from the parking lot to the restaurant.
Capitola Historical Museum: History buffs should visit the Capitola Historical Museum, which is housed in a picturesque historical building and displays exhibits on Capitola’s harbor and shipping days.
Things to do in Capitola
Behind the town’s best-known spots are plenty of other high-value things to do in Capitola. Here are some of the best:
Surfing: Gentle waves and pretty scenery make Capitola Beach a good spot for surfing. You can rent a surfboard and wet suits from one of the local surf shops and enjoy surfing.
Moreover, paddleboarding can be a great way to explore the beautiful coastline of Capitola and exercise simultaneously. You can rent a paddleboard from the numerous shops on the beach and around the pier.
Capitola Pier, California
Fishing: Fishing is also an option, but you can go right with Capitola Wharf. There are many types of fish to catch in the ocean, such as perch, rockfish, or salmon. The pier offers rentals for your fishing equipment. You can make your basket to take to the dock or bring your equipment and fish throughout the day.
Kayaking: Kayaking is another significant water activity in Capitola; everybody can rent a kayak and paddle around the beach, pier, and Soquel Creek.
Hiking: If you prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of hiking trails around Capitola. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is a popular hiking spot with trails that run through the redwood forest and up and down Aptos Creek.
Biking is another excellent way to see the area. You can even rent a bike and cycle along the coastline or through the surrounding hills at one of the many local bike shops.
Wine Tasting: The scenic Santa Cruz Mountains are a short drive west from Capitol. Home to some of California's prized vineyards, this area is excellent for those wanting to take a wine-tasting tour of the finer vintages that S C M is prized for.
Golfing: Golf lovers can also play at the nearby Seascape Golf Club, which has an excellent course with a coastline view. It is a beautiful place to play golf and enjoy the scenery.
Events in Capitola
Capitola hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including:
Capitola Art and Wine Festival: This event, held in September, features over 150 artists, live music, and wines from local wineries.
Capitola Begonia Festival: ‘This town was founded on a crop, with about a million begonia blossoms going out on ships by 1860. We’re reminding people about that with a parade, sandcastle contest, and stuffed begonias on floats every Labor Day weekend.’
Twilight Concerts: Seasonal series of free, outdoor concerts in Capitola featuring local bands and performers every Wednesday evening from late June through August.
Capitola Fishing Derby: The Capitola Fishing Derby is held each fall when we have so many fish in the ocean. Children and adults can enter the fishing tournament, with prizes for the biggest fish.
Final Thoughts
Capitola is a picturesque town by the beach on the central coast of California. There are many things to do in Capitola that match your taste. The beach is beautiful, and the buildings are colorful. Many shops in the city serve authentic food. You can find various cultural and outdoor activities and relax and admire the beauty of Capitola.
Tips for visiting Capitola
Please check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Even in the summer, it can be pretty cool and foggy.
If you want to visit the beach, bring a ball, blanket, sunscreen, and a beach umbrella or tent to protect you from the sun's heat.
Stroll along the East Coast Esplanade, a wide boardwalk alongside the second beach that offers spectacular ocean views.
Stroll through Capitola Village's shopping and dining district, which features shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
Take an informative guided kayak or stand-up paddleboard tour of nearby Soquel Creek for a different perspective on the area.
Enjoy some delicious seafood at one of the many seafood restaurants in the area.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk nearby is an excellent destination for family activities if your companions include kids.
Overall, Capitola is one of the best places to visit for a relaxing vacation and has plenty of activities for all age groups.
