If you are looking for a small city with perfect weather for an exquisite experience, you’ll appreciate a visit to Capitola, CA.
The city is just two hours drive from San Francisco.
Although there are many other popular tourist centers worldwide that one could choose to explore, Capitola stands out for its remarkable restaurants and natural attractions, which keep tourists returning to the city every year.
The lovely parks and sandy beaches this city offers are not even compared to other numerous entertainments this city brings. Capitola, CA, although small, has a population of 9,000.
Interested in all Capitola has to offer? Here’s a list of the best things to do in Capitola, CA.
Things To Do in Capitola, CA
1. Explore Capitola city
A friendly and relaxing time on the beach is what we crave whenever we get to a new city with a burst of bright, golden sunshine that makes perfect weather for the eyes.
This beach is exceptional because it has incredible views.
One of the best parts of this beach is that people love to take walks midday because of its sandy palm-lined street.
During walks, one can stop by to try some Californian dishes.
What more to expect from a beach with great surfing views?
Location: Capitola, CA 95010, United States.
2. Plan a Visit to the Historical Museum
Nothing is as exciting as knowing the history of a place you wish to visit.
Capitola Historical Museum is an exciting place to visit in Capitola, CA. The museum has maps, photos, and staff embedded that reflect the history of Capitola.
People travel around the world to learn about the history of Capitola as you can never get enough. With artifacts, this museum describes the ancient history of this city.
If you want to know more about the History of Capitola, CA, this historical museum is a place to visit.
Location: 410 Capitola Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States.
3. Enjoy Exceptional Wines
Everyone deserves a taste of good wine, and Exceptional Wines in Capitola offers the best wine in the region.
One of the best things to do in Capitola, CA, is to enjoy tasty wine while relaxing on the beach or walking on the palm-lined street of Capitola.
You can bring your family to this location since much food is available here too.
If you’re a lover of wines and would like to try out different and exceptional wines, then ensure to attend Capitola’s wine festival.
The festival features many wine collections, and there are also lots of food and art displays at the event.
This city offers wines from over 221 wineries and historical crafts.
Location:116 Stockton Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
4. Go Shopping at Capitola Mall
Malls come in different sizes and the availability of other items.
A city is never complete without a place to get everything you need.
One of the best things to do in this city is shopping at the Capitola mall.
The good thing about Capitola mall is that it comes with the availability of everything you’ll need to purchase.
The mall is so big that it can accommodate all items on your shopping list. Also available at the mall are different eateries and mini stores that sell famous brands of clothing like Nike, Versace, Gucci, and several other sporting wears.
There is also a museum built right inside the mall.
The mall has several local stores to shop for art and historical crafts.
The mall has been open since the ’90s, with more than 100 mini stores for sports, games, entertainment, eateries, fashion, beach wear, and much more.
Location: 1855 41st Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States.
5. Capture the Sunrise at Capitola Beach
The sunrise and sunset have always proven to be beautiful sights to watch.
If you desire to watch the sunset, a trip to Capitola Beach shouldn’t miss out on your literary list.
As refreshing as the beautiful sunrise and sunset view, Capitola beach offers central coast weather, where you can sit and enjoy the incredible scenery.
Restaurants around the beach serve excellent Californian dishes. Visitors can also enjoy great surfing at the beach, which is quite popular as surfers enjoy surfing here because of the great ocean waves.
Bird watching is also popular on this beach.
Location:Capitola Beach, Capitola, CA 95010, United States.
6. Thomas Kinkade Gold Gallery of Capitola
Did you know that Thomas Kinkade is America’s most collected artist?
Thomas has a very modest background, so he emphasized simple pleasures and inspirational messages.
Thomas’s work can be found in one in five houses in America. He is well known as the “painter of light.”
Thomas Kinkade Gold Galley possesses lovely paintings from Kinkade. What better place to see beautiful pictures from this artist than Thomas Kinkade Gold Galley?
Thomas Kinkade Gold Galley contains original works signed by Thomas, so ensure to include a visit to this beautiful gallery on your literary list.
Location: 381 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
7. Pastry at Gayle’s Bakery
Who doesn’t love pastries?
Well, Gayle’s Bakery offers the best pastries in Capitola, CA.
After a long day at the beach, if you ever need a place for some good pastries, head down to Gayle’s Bakery.
Gayle’s bakery gets an astounding number of people flooding in to have a bite of its exceptional pastry.
Famous cakes in this bakery include chocolate mousse, salted caramel cake, blackberry, bramble, orange chiffon, multi-fruit tart, and old-fashioned chocolate cake.
Location:504 Bay Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
8. Get relaxed at Sage Float Spa!
Sage Float Spa releases you from the feeling of gravity and allows you to relax comfortably.
They do promos from time to time, with prices reduced.
Owners of Sage Float Spa care about your relaxation and comfort. A few hours of float in this spa without distraction helps for meditation, giving you quiet time to address difficult experiences inwardly.
Sage Float Spa uses a highly concentrated salt solution, and if you ever want to be pampered, visit Sage Float Spa for a massage section.
Location: Sage Float Spa 1395 41st Ave, Capitola, CA 95010
9. Boardroom T-shirts and Hoodies.
We all love a good T-shirt and hoodie.
Are your teens and kids looking for where to try one?
I’m sure they will love to check out this boardroom because they are sure to find some trendy Capitola T-shirts and hoodies. And also available for sale in the boardroom are skateboards.
Location: Santa Cruz Boardroom 825 41st Ave, Capitola, CA 95062
10. Go fishing at the Capitola Wharf
Ever been to a pier? Would you like to see one?
Since the Capitola Wharf connects to the Pacific Ocean, the banks of the river and the canal where the ships dock to load and unload cargo and passengers are a delight to watch.
The night view of Capitola can be very illuminating, with various vacation homes situated around restaurants where you can enjoy the view while dining.
Here you can enjoy a wide range of views of the Pacific Ocean and its blue sky.
For those who find fishing interesting, Capitola Wharf is Perfect for fishing while enjoying the area’s beauty.
The Capitola Wharf is about 280 meters in length and is never jam-packed.
You can stroll here while enjoying this view and even catch the stunning sunset or sunrise at the Capitola wharf. You’ll appreciate your presence in the City of Capitola, CA.
Location:1400 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
11. Learn to Ride the Waves with Capitola Beach Company
With great waves and well-trained instructors, surfing becomes an adventure for those with zero surfing experience.
Whether you have experience in surfing or desire a place to learn how to surf, you’ll surely enjoy spending time at Capitola Beach Company.
Capitola Beach Company features a boardroom with several surfboards, and also available in the area is a shopping mall to shop for vintage wear and buy new items.
Location:Capitola Beach, Capitola, CA 95010, United States.
12. Meal at Paradise Beach Grille
Paradise Beach Grille features a variety of seafood, including American cultural foods.
Running since 1999, Paradise Beach Grille is one the best restaurant in Capitola, CA. The restaurant is the perfect place to have lunch while enjoying ocean views.
Other delicacies like continental dishes, sushi, barbeque, Californian dishes, and grills are available on their menu.
Their staff is also well-trained and welcoming. You could also grab a glass of wine to complement your meal at the restaurant.
Location:215 Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
13. Spend the Night at Monarch Cove Inn
Do you desire a place where you’ll spend all night having fun?
Monarch Cove Inn is the perfect place for all-night entertainment in Capitola, CA.
Monarch Cove Inn, located on Depot hill, has many butterflies and flowers surrounding the hotel.
The Monterey Bay’s sweeping curve is a nice view from the inn’s balcony.
This location can also be a perfect place for weddings and vacations, So if you need a spot for weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays, you can call to reserve a spot at the inn.
Location:620 El Salto Dr, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
14. Movie at Capitola Cafe and Lounge
Everybody loves a good movie time at the cinema, and one of the best places for a movie treat in Capitola, CA, is Capitola Cafe and Lounge.
With a very nicely decorated building, and a variety of snacks to kickstart your film, this is another way to spend a good night.
Tuesday nights are usually special at the lounge because tickets sell at a discounted rate for movies and popular shows.
If you need an excellent way to spend your night, Check the variety of movies and pick any of your choices.
Location:1475 41st Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
15. Go Hiking at West Cliff
We all love good pictures, especially when we find ourselves in a new city.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take a picture during your tour on the West cliff, as it is just the perfect place for a good shot.
Parts of the west cliff are used for hiking, bike racing, and walking.
If you are not touring the city of Capitola and find yourself around San Francisco, find your way to the cliff for a good view and some sightseeing.
After a good drive, you can stop by the float spa for relaxation or at the beach.
Location: Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States
16. Wine Tasting at the Armida Winery Tasting Room
A glass of wine makes the day feel even more refreshing than a glimpse of sunrise or sunset.
How would you feel walking into a room filled with different collections of the best kinds of wines with excellent taste, all reserved for you with different varieties?
You can find wines from all over this city at their best reserved for you at Armida Winery Tasting Room.
The exterior of the Armida Winery Tasting Room is lovely and attracts tourists, although there are many more exciting things in the room.
You can buy exceptional wines made with berries from around the country and relax in their spacious area while enjoying the lovely scenery.
Armida Winery Tasting Room is close to the Beach Grille, so you can enjoy its top view while sipping wine.
Location:103 Stockton Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
17. Meal Treat at Shadowbrook Restaurant
A restaurant with indoor, outdoor, and rooftop options is the best choice for dining, and this is why Shadowbrook Restaurant shouldn’t miss out on your bucket list.
Shadowbrook Restaurant is the perfect place for lunch with family. Couples also book the rooftop area as a surprise for their partners.
The shadow brook restaurant, founded in the 90s, features tasty dishes, vegetarian options, and American cuisines on their long-time, never disappointing menu.
With their complimentary shuttle service, you can call them, and they will pick you up and take you to the restaurant for free if you’re around the pier since the Shadowbrook restaurant is close to wharf road.
Location:1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
18. A Unique Stay at the Capitola Venetian Hotel
Do you crave the best hotels to reside in for a while in Capitola, CA?
Why not stop by at Capitola Venetian Hotel to secure a quality room at an affordable price?
The Capitola Venetian hotel resides inside Capitola city beach and offers several pleasant and wowing views.
It is one of the best boutique hotels in California, and Its entrance has a glaring sight as it offers different suites for different classes of guests and sizes for other families.
You can find this hotel on Wharf Road so that you can enjoy views from it and free rides to the shadowbrook restaurant for a nice meal.
Location:1500 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
19. Order Pizza at Caruso’s Tuscan Cuisine
A bite of Caruso’s Tuscan Pizza is all you need to make your day s remarkable. You’ll surely appreciate every bit of time spent in Caruso’s Tuscan Cuisine.
If you need some refreshments, you can order Caruso’s Tuscan Pizza, and since it offers other Italian foods, you can pick lunch from a variety of them.
Their pizzas come in 12-inches, and their menu also contains pasta, salads, sandwiches, and appetizers.
Would you prefer your meals to be prepared right in front of you?
When you order any combos on their menu, they are made right in front of you, and this restaurant is open 24hrs.
Ensure to book reservations at this restaurant when planning your trip to Capitola, CA.
Location:15 San Jose Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
20. Take Your Kids to the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery
It is never complete without fun for the kids. Every kid craves entertainment while on tour, and it never gets boring for them as long as you take them to the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery.
Over here at the Children’s Museum of Discover, Kids get the chance to learn and improve their curiosity for knowledge. In addition, the museum creates a lasting interest in the kids’ hearts.
If you need a place to celebrate your child’s birthday or to book a playdate for your children, then take them to this museum to have fun in a clean and safe environment.
Children will experience the world people live in via interactive play while developing their motor skills.
Location: 1855 41st Ave, Capitola, California 95010, United States.
21. Eat Margaritas and Mexican Dishes at Margaritaville
Do you love Mexican dishes?
Would you love a place that serves Mexican dishes in Capitola, CA?
Margaritaville is the perfect place to cook on-site Mexican meals like chicken mole enchiladas.
After the renovation of Margaritaville in 2015, it became a 3-star restaurant.
You can never get tired of the unending meal options this place offers.
Location:231 Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
22. Drink Crafted Ales at Sante Adairius Rustic Ales
If you are a wine lover searching for quality and naturally brewed beer in Capitola, CA, you should prioritize a stop by at Adairius Rustic Ales on your bucket list.
Adairius Rustic Ales isn’t as large as other breweries, but it offers one of the best Ale in the city of Capitola.
Location:103 Kennedy Dr, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
23. New Brighton State Beach
Capitola is filled with numerous beaches to make your stay in California remarkable. Nature lovers flood into this city to experience the beautiful beaches in Capitola, CA.
New Brighton State Beach covers about 95acres of the city of Capitola, CA.
The view of the beach is breathtaking, and families come here to enjoy programs made for the youths. Because of its sandy nature and atmosphere, you’ll find many people walking barefoot on the beach.
New Brighton State Beach allows guests to go on wildlife catching, swimming, hiking, and camping.
If you are traveling with your kids, it will be a good idea to sign them up for campings and junior games.
Just in case you are in this city and you’ve not visited New Brighton State Beach, now is the best time to check out this fun-filled beach.
Location:1500 Park Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
24. Grab a Scoop of Ice Cream in Souza Cones Ice cream
Summer is never complete without ice cream on the beach. Of course, it melts fast, but that’s the fun because you need to be fast with it and get another cone of ice cream.
Souza Cones Ice cream is well known in Capitola as it is right next to the Capitola City beach and has been there for decades.
If you need a place to grab ice cream with family and friends, Souza cones ice cream is the best place for you.
Location:200 Monterey Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
When is the Best Time to Visit Capitola, CA?
The best time to Visit Capitola, CA, for ideal weather is between May 21st to October 28th.
The average weather temperature in Capitola, CA, differs significantly.
If you’re looking for the warmest time to visit Capitola, the hottest months are August, September, and July.
The month of July is the busiest, followed by August and May, and prices of hotels inflate within this period.
September seems to be less crowded, so tourists planning on a vacation with a low budget can schedule their visit within these days as the prices of hotels are less expensive this time.
How Much Does it Cost to Travel to Capitola, CA?
Regardless of where you are around the globe, the Average worldwide flight cost to Norman Y.Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is between $773 and $1,417 per person (economy flights)
And $2,426 to $4,447 per person for a first-class flight.
If you need a budget for transportation, we recommend $82 to $162 per person daily.
How Much Does it Cost to Live in Capitola, CA as a Guest (Visitor)?
The average cost of living for a 7-day trip in Capitola, CA, is as follows:
$2,493for a solo traveler
$4,477for a couple
And $8,394 for a family of 4.
A solo traveler looking to visit Capitola, CA, is expected to budget $82 to $162 per day for feeding and transportation.
The average hotel price for a solo traveler is $93 to $426 per night for a 1, 2, or 3-star hotel room
$240 to $660 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental.
Couples, on the other hand, are expected to have a budget of $70 to $142 per day for food, sightseeing, and transportation.
For couples, hotels range from $75 to $93 per night for a 1,2 or 3-star hotel room. $160 to $180 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental.
The average budget for a family of 4 is between $140 to $284 per day for food and transportation.
While for lodging, the average price for two or 3-star hotels is $152 to $186 per night. $252 to $ 256 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental.