What to do in Capitola, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

You'll be hard pressed to find an uncrowded #beach in the Santa Cruz/Capitola area but New Brighton is a must visit anyway. Beautiful sandy beach, sail boats, parasailing, volleyball, camping and a #lighthouse ! You just can't beat it.
You'll be hard pressed to find an uncrowded #beach in the Santa Cruz/Capitola area but New Brighton is a must visit anyway. Beautiful sandy beach, sail boats, parasailing, volleyball, camping and a #lighthouse ! You just can't beat it.
"There is only one mirror... the mirror inside. Everything you see on the outside is a reflection of what is going on in your mind. It's a powerful tool so use it wisely." {Victoria Grant}
The colorful Capitola Venetian Hotel sits alongside the Pacific Ocean at the end of Capitola Beach.
Nice to chill on this place....

Capitola Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Capitola has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Capitola is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Capitola to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Capitola Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Capitola.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Capitola attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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What to do in Capitola

Discover the most popular places to visit in Capitola

Capitola Venetian beach painted houses; Shutterstock ID 420693280

Capitola Beach

5/5(9 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Capitola Beach during your travels in Capitola? While in this quaint area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Capitola Beach
Capitola Wharf at dawn

Capitola Wharf

Explore the waterfront of Capitola Wharf and enjoy activities such as surfing in Capitola. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches, or seek out the biking trails.

Capitola Wharf
Two awesome things to point out in this photo: the crazy camper in front with all the stuffed animals and things on it, and the Lamborghini behind me.

Hooper Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Hooper Beach during your trip to Capitola? Amble around this quaint area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Hooper Beach

Esplanade Park Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Esplanade Park Beach during your trip to Capitola? Amble around this quaint area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Esplanade Park Beach

Capitola Mercantile

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Capitola Mercantile during your visit to Capitola. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area, or seek out the surfing spots.

Capitola Mercantile

Capitola Historical Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Capitola Historical Museum during your trip to Capitola. Stroll along the seaside or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Capitola Historical Museum

Sante Adairius Rustic Ales

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Sante Adairius Rustic Ales during your travels to Capitola. You can seek out the surfing spots and biking trails in this walkable area.

Sante Adairius Rustic Ales

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Capitola

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Aptos

Santa Cruz which includes a beach, general coastal views and rocky coastline

Santa Cruz

Capitola Village Reflections. Capitola, Santa Cruz County, California, USA.

Soquel

Frequently asked questions

Is Capitola worth visiting?
Capitola has a unique mix of attractions, local charm and culture. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or local culinary flavours, there's a lot you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Capitola?
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Roaring Camp Railroads are two excellent places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Capitola while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Capitola?
The top tourist attraction in Capitola is Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, so be sure to add it to your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Capitola?
Three days in Capitola is more than enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many guests spend two days on average. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Wharf and Natural Bridges State Park are highly rated sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as San Jose.
Is Capitola a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you plan to see and do in Capitola. Several sights, like Seacliff State Beach and Twin Lakes State Beach, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Capitola's best neighbourhoods, Live Oak is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Twin Lakes is 5 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Capitola with kids?
Deciding what to do in Capitola with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're travelling with teenagers or little ones, there are loads of family-friendly activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Capitola for adults?
Soquel Vineyards and Nicholson Vineyards are just a few of the things to do in Capitola. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Capitola?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Capitola. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Santa Cruz Wharf is a top spot for anyone wanting to save on their travel adventures.

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