Capitola Beach
Capitola Beach
4.5
About
This intimate beach, shielded by the Monterey Bay cliffs, is a favorite spot among city dwellers nearby. There are plenty of things to do for a fun beach day: kayak or surf the gentle waves, play a game of volleyball, or fish at the picture-picture pier. Capitola Village is adjacent to the beach, marked by the vibrantly colored beach houses that add to the appeal of the place. Check out the homegrown stores and restaurants offering everything from tacos to sushi and seafood grill. Visit during the warmer months when there are movie screenings, twilight concerts, and live performances. – Tripadvisor
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4.5
428 reviews
Excellent
227
Very good
148
Average
40
Poor
8
Terrible
5
Lizandra F
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Family
Parking is $40 in the lot so not worth buying a ticket for that. You would have to search for a spot :( However, twin lakes is like 3 miles away, and that would be more convenient especially if you have a dog. Capitals doesn’t allow dogs.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DancinDebbie
Oakland, CA11 contributions
June 2021
This was our second time visiting Capitola Beach. On this trip we stayed overnight up the hill. Our first time here was I think, September 2020, on a great sunny warm day. This time, we spent a few hours in the afternoon, it was a bit breezy but the sun finally came out of the morning fog. It got very busy again, but if you walk towards the RIGHT side of the beach, you can find a good spot usually to place your chairs. We like that you can walk off the beach to check out restaurants, coffee shops, and of course, lots of boutiques. There is also a public restroom towards the Left side/center. This is our second favorite beach in the bay area (our first is Carmel).
Written 21 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dee Traveler
4 contributions
Apr 2023
Visit to Capitola was great, very scenic and plenty to do along the beach and in the town. The beach and quaint village are safe and clean. Loved staying at one of the colorful vacation rental beach houses at the waterfront (email: capitola_nine@yahoo.com), just steps from the village. There are lots of unique shops and many restaurant choices and all but 2 or 3 of the places damaged in the January storm have finished repairs and reopened. Live music and events are starting up again, Capitola survived the winter of '23!
Written 22 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
meyesai
Orange County, CA36 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
Charming little beach town, lined with some cute boutiques, eateries, hotels, and homes. Holiday weekends really draw in a crowd, but there is ample space to set an umbrella and enjoy the views for the day. A quick walk on to the pier will give you another view of the beach, the iconic multi-colored painted buildings, and the coast.
Written 30 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chad G
Monroe, NY452 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
I had forgotten how beautiful Capitola is as it was my first time since I was younger. I recently decided on my last stay in California to take a trek that is outside the norm for my visits. Along the way I did Gilroy and Santa Cruz but decided to stop in capitola. This nice little beach town is just outside Santa Cruz along the coast. Home to about 10,000 residents the downtown area is filled with various surf shops and restaurants. The beach area has fantastic sands and waves. Be sure to check out the multicolored buildings and stay for the nightlife.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David M
2 contributions
June 2021 • Solo
I’ve been sitting in my car enjoying the Beach view for an hour now. I have observed multiple people trying to pay for parking. What a Nightmare. Cmon Capitola! Get it Together and make it easier to pay for parking!
Written 1 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
funinthesun444
California90 contributions
Aug 2022
My sister and I traveled to Capitola at the beginning of this month and had such a great time. We had an ocean view room at the Capitola Beach Suites. We were walking distance to the downtown area for shops, food and wine bars with evening music. I absolutely love this little coastal town.
Written 31 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JJJC_Family
Virginia793 contributions
Dec 2022
Originally, we were going to stop here to eat lunch, but because we got out late, we ate in Half Moon Bay, instead. We thought about skipping Capitola altogether as a stop on the way to the Tickle Pink Inn in Carmel, but in the end, we decided to just see the beach. I'm glad we did. Capitola, at least the part by the beach, has a cutesy vibe. The beach, itself, is just plain good. Nice view, the sand is nice. It's sort of like a circle, as I remember it and it's not super wide, but is fairly deep. It has a feeling of intimacy, to me. And there are stores and restaurants around. Both my wife annd I liked it and thought we might want to come back and stay there for a very relaxing few days. Just veg. Put a towel down on the sand. Take a dip. Read a book. That sort of thing. Go to a nice dinner. Sounds good.
Written 14 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry M
3 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We loved the Capitola Venetian Hotel. It has the perfect location with ocean views, steps from the beach, and walking distance to everything in town. The staff was very friendly. The rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable. Perfection!
Written 6 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
soulefultraveler
Sun City West, AZ1,893 contributions
Aug 2023
After the horrendous storm last year knocked out the wharf and a lot of waterfront restaurants, they have done an amazing job of bringing the beach back to life. Small, quaint. Lovely. A very nice change from rambunctious Santa Cruz.
Written 19 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are typical prices on 2 bdrm
Ocean view houses for sale?
Written 17 August 2019
check with local realtors, ocean views run in the multi millions
Written 17 August 2019
I have seen people bring their own grill and bbq on the beach. Small bonfires are allowed but must be in an enclosed container, not in the sand. Burned coals/wood can't be dumped on the beach.
Written 6 July 2019
Can you rent the colorful beach houses?
Written 11 May 2019
During summer there is a boardwalk which goes out onto the sand and is suitable for wheelchairs. The city also has specially adapted wheelchairs which are made for going onto the sand. To reserve/borrow a chair just ask the lifeguards on duty at the lifeguard stands.
Written 6 August 2019
Does anyone know the beach hours? I know state beaches close at sunset, but I'm not so sure about Capitola City Beach.
Written 5 July 2015
Not sure if they have hours posted. I've been there after 10pm and saw a few other people there also. Most other beaches in the area just don't want campfires past 10pm.
Written 5 July 2015
OakAthletics209
Turlock, California
Are pets alllowed, such as dogs at the beach?
Written 19 March 2015
You will find Seacliff more friendly towards off leash. Of course you are responsible for your pets behavior. Clean up is requested.
I have seen leashed dogs on the promenade at Capitola.
Written 1 April 2018
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