Capitola, Coastal resort town in Santa Cruz County, California
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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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New Brighton State Beach
2.5 km
Rispin Mansion
276 m
Venetian Court
517 m
Pleasure Point roadhouse
2.2 km
Hihn Building
598 m
Esplanade Park Beach
651 m
Capitola Beach
592 m
Santa Cruz Boardroom
1.7 km
Private's Beach
1.4 km
Sunny Cove Beach
3.5 km
Moran Lake Beach
3 km
Hooper Beach
682 mCapitola Bluffs
771 m
Potbelly Beach
2.3 kmSix Sisters-Lawn Way Historic District
460 mOld Riverview Historic District
229 m
38th Avenue Coastal Access
2.2 kmCapitola Wharf
602 mPotbelly Beach
2.3 kmPotbelly Beach
2 kmPhoebe's Fine Art and Jewelry
534 mSanta Maria's Beach
3.4 kmCampfire Center
1.9 kmCapitola Wharf
748 mTotem Pole
2.8 kmWork of art
2.4 kmScenic viewpoint
675 mWaterfall
1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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