Capitola Beach and Town
Capitola town has a very different vibe to downtown Santa Cruz. If you don't like the edgy, seedy vibe in downtown Santa Cruz (almost like a campground for drug addicts), head to Capitola! Here you will find adorable, tidy stores in pastel-colored historic houses along Capitola Ave. Because it is back from the beach, Capitola Ave is warm and pleasant. It's fun to browse the gift, clothing, toys, and souvenir stores, or sit in a coffee shop. Once you hit the oceanfront it is cold! It's lovely to eat at Zelda's on the Beach, behind glass, enjoying the ocean without feeling how cold it is! From there you can see the brightly colored Capitola Venetian houses across the creek. There are also cafes with balconies over the creek that look alluring, such as Margaritaville.
I would like to spend more time in this charming beach town! It reminded me of Avila Beach town in the San Luis Obispo area.
While in the area, make sure you visit Land of Medicine Buddha Retreat Center, a memorable and magical spot.
A white storefront.
Looking up at Grand Ave.
Colorful tiles along the beach promenade.
Zelda's on the Beach, with blue umbrellas and views of the pier.
Heat lamps and ocean views at Zelda's on the Beach.
It's nice to sit indoors away from the cold and still see the beach, at Zelda's on the Beach.
The bar area with vintage lighting and ocean views, at Zelda's on the Beach.
View of the sparkling creek and Venetian houses, at Zelda's on the Beach.
View of the pier from Zelda's on the Beach.
A seagull flies by.
Teens feeling a bit cold at the beach.
Kids running toward the sea at Capitola Beach.
A paddleboarder at Capitola Beach.
Some barstools at Zelda's on the Beach, with the Venetian houses in view.
Dining right by the sand.
Creekside cafes, like Margaritaville, look nice.
There is live music almost every night at The Sand Bar.
Ice cream shop on the corner.
Vines and flowers.
A shop along the street, with palms in front.
A winetasting room with blue pots.
Flowers outside a winetasting room.
Palms along Capitola Ave, and blue sky a bit back from the beach.
Blue sky along Capitola Ave.
Cute stores in little houses.
Beach clothing stores in adorable houses, along Capitola Ave.
A charming street with a hill behind.
Pretty architecture.
A pastel-colored gift shop with flower pots.
The main area of Capitola town is located around the 100 to 300 blocks of Capitola Ave, and the 100 and 200 blocks of Esplanade, the beachfront road. I want to explore these more!
Last Updated: Mon, 28 Jul 2025 16:40:04 GMT
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