Welcome to Capitola
This alluring luxury beach town has been capturing hearts for decades with its vibrant, coastal elegance
Along the gentle curve of the Capitola Beach shoreline, a sea of historic Venetian beach cottages rests as a colorful demarcation of the romance found within the city. With its salt-scented breezes and charming pastel backdrop, the area paints an enchanting portrait of sublime, effortless luxury.
Capitola is best-known for its clean sophistication and high-end vibe, paired with the crystalline waters beating in from Monterey Bay. Distinctive neighborhoods in the area include Capitola Village, Depot Hill, and Jewel Box, each decked out in a unique style. Jewel Box, for example, has streets named for precious gemstones, while Capitola Village is the city’s central pulse for activity.
Homes in Capitola come in a great range of architectural styles, including but not limited to; cozy coastal bungalows, luxury executive homes steps from the beach, and mid-century modern cottages within walking distance of the village shops. Houses along the stunning bluffs are in high demand, as are those perched near the peaceful Soquel Creek.
What to Love
- Charismatic downtown district that hosts year-round events
- 30 minutes from Downtown Santa Cruz
- Wide-open space and gorgeous views at New Brighton State Beach
Local Lifestyle
Throughout the century, Capitola has retained its nostalgic, romantic aura, born from its original inception as a resort beach town. Days are spent walking along the promenade of tiles that parallel Capitola Beach, indulging in a little retail therapy at local shops, and soaking up the sun.
Dining, Entertainment, Shopping
The shopping district of Capitola Village is a retail enthusiast’s mecca, packed with locally crafted gifts, art, and other collectibles. Pressed against the meandering creek are tasting rooms and upscale restaurants alike, including the
Armida Winery, which produces small-batch, signature bottles. Here, too, are world-class accommodations such as the
Inn at Depot Hill, an award-winning bed and breakfast with themed rooms and lavish amenities.
Another Capitola must-see, the
Shadowbrook Restaurant radiates with a grand, old-world energy, emphasized by a menu of classic California cuisine and a staggering collection of wines. Guests can enter the dining room via a nostalgic cable car, which only adds to the romantic ambiance of this one-of-a-kind restaurant.
When you’ve satisfied your desire for eclectic, high-end boutique shopping and sumptuous eats, the
Capitola Mall is ready with all the basics from your favorite brands.
Things to Do
Capitola thrives in the arena of family-oriented entertainment — whether that’s in the form of festivals or spacious green parks loaded with amenities. The
Capitola Art and Wine Festival, for example, is an annual, family-friendly weekend event that combines the best of local music, food, and art for a fun-filled extravaganza. The celebration takes place in the adorable Capitola Village, giving attendees scenic views of the idyllic Monterey Bay as they enjoy the festivities.
The former is a popular urban beach pressed at the northern end of Monterey Bay, packed on sunny days and replete with a fishing pier for those who prefer swimming or surfing. At
Esplanade Park, beloved community events like
Movies at the Beach, Sunday Art at the
Beach, and
Twilight Concerts take place.
Schools
Capitola is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- Kirby School, 6-12, highly rated private school among the top 100 in the state of California
- Santa Cruz High School, 9-12, highly rated public high school
- Pacific Collegiate Charter School, 9-12, highly rated public high school for driven students
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