Capitola, Coastal resort town in Santa Cruz County, California
Capitola sits along the northern edge of Monterey Bay, combining beaches, cliffs, and a central village built around the mouth of Soquel Creek. The town center holds restaurants, shops, and rental outfits for water activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing.
The area grew from Soquel Landing, which had a wharf in the 1850s, into a resort town after Frederick A. Hihn developed it as a destination for visitors. This transformation shaped its path as a coastal retreat.
Local galleries throughout the village display work by regional artists, and the community hosts art shows and gatherings that happen regularly across the year. These events shape how people connect with one another and with visitors passing through.
The weather stays mild year-round, though the water can be cold, making a wetsuit useful for water activities. Summer months offer calmer conditions for paddling and swimming.
In the early 1960s, the town experienced an unusual event when hundreds of seabirds gathered over the area, creating scenes that inspired a famous filmmaker. This local moment connected the place to a Hollywood production in an unexpected way.
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