Katie Herlihy

The City of Capitola sits on the shores of the Pacific Ocean along Monterey Bay. Located just 35 miles southwest of San Jose and less than two hours’ drive from San Francisco, “Camp Capitola” began as a popular beachfront tourist destination. Today the City maintains those roots and has added a vibrant commercial district and several distinct residential neighborhoods. Nearly 10,000 people call Capitola home, and countless more visit to enjoy both its natural beauty and other attractions. Named one of Sunset magazine’s best beach towns, Capitola has fishing and boating services and a popular surf break. Capitola has an array of restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Capitola Village faces a wide beach, with a breathtaking view of Monterey Bay adjacent to the mouth of Soquel Creek. The Village has welcomed visitors for nearly 150 years and is home to numerous boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Concerts fill Esplanade Park and the beach with music throughout the summer. Each Labor Day weekend, the Begonia Festival brings flower-draped floats to the creek and a sand castle contest to the beach, along with other family-friendly activities. Each fall the Village also hosts the Capitola Art & Wine Festival, which features more than 200 artists and nearly two dozen area wineries. The wharf and Capitola Historical Museum offer year-round diversions. On the opposite side of the creek from the Village, the City has a public library, several well-used parks and established neighborhoods. Further west, the commercial district along 41st Avenue is home to the only indoor mall in Santa Cruz County and more shopping, hotels, and dining.