Planning a trip, but you’re not certain about the fun things to do in Capitola (CA)? You’re in luck, as this article covers all of that and more.
Capitola is a small city in Santa Cruz County, California; it has a population of about ten thousand (10,000) people.
It is a beautiful town with many attractions that intersect with beaches, restaurants, museums, and more, making it a popular destination for tourists.
If you want to vacation in a place with lots of exciting options to explore and memorable experiences, Capitola is an excellent place to consider.
Here is a well-curated checklist of things to do in Capitola (CA) to help you plan your trip:
Fun Things To Do In Capitola (CA)
1. Attend the Capitola Art & Wine Festival
The Capitola Art & Wine Festival gives you a chance to sample various amazing original dishes, including Hawaiian poke, falafels, and many more. You wouldn’t want to miss this.
There are also various wine flavors around for you to taste as well. Alongside the food and wine, exhibitions that showcase various artwork of local artists are also displayed to promote local content.
It also features various street performers, dancers, live music from the best local and international bands, and more.
Address: Mall, 1855 41st Ave J06, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
2. Go for Some Pizza Time at Pizza My Heart
It is safe to say Pizza My Heart is one of the best in town, if not actually the best. True to its name, it makes your heart relax whenever you grab a bite here.
They have a gluten-free option for those with special dietary needs. You may want to try out the Meaty Big Sur Pizza; it is delicious.
Alternatively, you can go with the Manresa, a white pizza with ricotta cheese, Roma tomatoes, garlic, and basil. It is usually full here, so you may want to wait for a little to get your order, but it is worth the wait.
Address: 2180 41st Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
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3. Indulge in Marianne’s ice cream
What’s better than cold ice cream on a sunny day? Try a scoop of Marianne’s ice cream, and you’ll be glad you did.
Check out their homemade ice creams of over 54 different flavors. You should also try Snickerdoodle cookie dough or soft Macapuno (baby coconut); just something to go with the ice cream.
You can either sit there and have yours or buy and take it home. They also have a website, so you don’t have to leave your house if you don’t want to. You can simply place an order, and it will be delivered right to your doorpost for a minimal fee.
Address: 1020 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States
Things To Do In Capitola (CA) At Night
1. Enjoy a Meal at Bay Bar and Grill
Bay Bar and Grill ranks high among the best places to go in the city. It has a pool and jukebox.
It also offers delicious food, from burgers and tacos to grilled fish, chicken, or beef. There’s also an in-house bar with local and assorted drinks.
This bar is quite popular among locals and tourists because of the meals and great customer service from the staff.
Address: 209 Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
3. See a Movie CineLux Capitola Cafe & Lounge
Seeing movies has also been a fun way to hang out with family and loved ones. CineLux Capitola Cafe & Lounge in Capitola gives you a chance to do that while you’re here.
CineLux features a cinema with an amphitheater seat arrangement, a large flat-screen TV, and a great sound system for a fantastic movie experience. There’s an in-house cafe too, which offers delicious meals, desserts, local beers, and wines.
Movie tickets are reasonably priced, nothing outrageous, and they will fit well into your budget. Come along with loved ones to create a memorable experience.
Address: 1475 41st Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
Things To Do In Capitola (CA) For Couples
1. Make a Trip to the Capitola Historical Museum
Why not learn about local history while you’re here? Visit the Capitola Historical Museum and see various artifacts that tell the story of Capitol City.
Pieces here include photographs, maps, historical artifacts, and more. Guided tours are also allowed, so you can book today. Come with a camera to capture the moment.
Exhibitions and educational programs are organized from time to time; it’s something you don’t want to miss.
Address: 410 Capitola Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
2. Feel the Thrill From Shopping at Capitola Mercantile
With numerous quality products such as beauty products, handmade jewelry, unique seashells, artisan sweets, surf gear, recreational wear, and much more, Capitola Mercantile remains s one-stop-shopping location for tourists.
There is a lovely wine bar called ‘Cava Wine Bar’ where you can enjoy incredibly flavored wines and a coffee shop.
There is something for everyone at Capitola Mercantile, be sure to stop by as there’s also an Italian restaurant that serves delicious Italian cuisine.
Address: 115 San Jose Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
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3. Spend a Weekend at the Venetian Hotel
Away from home, you’ll need a hotel; check out the Venetian Hotel, one that makes luxury affordable.
Built in a Mediterranean style, the hotel is one of the best in town. It is located by the seaside, giving you a relaxing and beautiful view when you look out of the window of your room.
The room service here is just perfect. They make you feel at home. From free Wi-Fi and large Tv with cable subscriptions to comfortable sofas and beds and a wide balcony.
Venetian keeps you safe and treats you like royalty.
Address: 1500 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
Things To Do In Capitola (CA) For Kids
1. Take Them to Rainbow City Limit
Rainbow City Limit is just the place to satisfy your retail cravings. It specializes in local tourist items, beautiful ribbons, yellow submarine mugs, the latest Beatles merchandise, Abbey Road T-shirts, and other beautiful stuff.
This great shop is open all through the week. It would be best if you visited to get a souvenir for your trip to Capitola.
Their prices are quite fair. You don’t have to worry about spending so much.
Address: 116 San Jose Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
2. Get Them Some Cake Gayle’s Bakery
Gayle’s Bakery offers excellent pastries, desserts, and a good selection of tasty breakfast foods, including salads and sandwiches.
The Bakery is known for specialty cakes such as Salted Caramel Cake, Orange Chiffon, Blackberry, Chocolate Mousse, and Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake. It also serves soups, roast meats, deli sandwiches, and more.
Visit Gayle’s Bakery to try some of their signature cakes, pastries, and amazing desserts and meals.
Address: 504 Bay Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
3. Stop by the New Brighton State Beach
Don’t miss the recreational activities New Brighton offer; camping, hiking, fishing, surfing, swimming, and more.
The State Beach is home to many wildlife, including rock crabs, starfish, dolphins, sea lions, sea otters, pelicans, and many more.
The shore is perfect for swimming and picnicking, too, because of the water’s beautiful view. There’s a gift shop on-site where you can buy souvenirs to remember this town by.
Address: California, United States
Indoor Activities To Do In Capitola (CA) For Adults
1. Shop at Capitola Mall
Capitola Mall offers you a memorable shopping experience with more than eighty stores and restaurants; there’s absolutely nothing you won’t find here.
Some popular stores here are Kohl’s, Target, and Macy’s. While the restaurants are Subway, Five Guys Burger and Fries, Starbucks, Olive Garden, and several others.
You will be surprised just how fair their prices are. Visit them today and get something good for yourself while you’re in town.
Address: 1855 41st Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
2. Stop by for Dinner at the Paradise Beach Grille
Paradise Beach Grille is a great restaurant with several prices to its name. It serves delicious American dishes.
Paradise Beach is one of the best places to hang out with your loved ones.
There are various vegetarian-friendly meals as well as gluten-free options too, from salads to steaks and more. Their wines are just top-notch; it is generally an experience you wouldn’t pass up.
The beautiful interiors surely complement the meals, a relaxing and bright backdrop.
Address: 215 Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
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3. Enjoy a Relaxing Spa Treatment at Violet Blossom Massage
A massage at Violet Blossom is all you need to cool off and relax. The pampering from their professional staff makes you feel light and fresh.
They offer amazing body treatments using only the most refined therapeutic-grade essential oils and organic products.
They are the best in body massages, fitness, and total wellness therapy. Good music is also played at intervals, as it helps you relax.
The massage center is open all day of the week.
Address: 716 Capitola Ave suite a, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
Romantic Things To Do In Capitola (CA)
1. Have a Fun Time at Capitola Beach
What better place to have outdoor fun, relax and bond with friends and family?
Capitola Beach offers great surfing because of the continuous waves present at the beach. It also has benches and picnic areas in case you want to sit and binge on snacks.
There’s a fishing pier where you can try fishing and see what luck you have. Or you can try your skills at volleyball as there is a court also on the beach.
There are shops and restaurants nearby if you get hungry; you can get tasty meals and snacks there.
Address: Capitola, CA 95010, United States
2. Shop at Phoebe’s Fine Art and Jewelry
There’s no crime in looking good; get some jewelry while in town. Visit Phoebe’s Fine Art and Jewelry; they offer rare and beautifully designed artwork, jewelry, and hand-blown glass.
From stunning earrings, rings, pendants, beautiful vases, and ocean-inspired custom gifts made by hand fusion and blowing, Phoebe is the real deal.
They also exhibit mind-blowing paintings by local artists. It is just a place you can see and appreciate art and beauty.
Address: 107 Capitola Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
3. Feel the Art at Armida Winery
We bet a glass of wine at Armida Winery will be the best you’ve had your entire life! They’re the best winery in Capitola.
They offer tours to visitors to experience how these tasty wines are locally made and crafted. No matter what your preference may be, Armida has lots of flavors that will interest you.
You also get the chance to sample these flavors like PoiZin, popularly called “Wine to die for,” The ANTIDOTE, Bacigalupi Vineyard Pinot Noir, Durell Vineyard Chardonnay, and several others.
They also host numerous events all year round, so you should attend one.
Address: 103 Stockton Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
Free Things To Do In Capitola (CA)
1. Experience the Capitola Food tour
One thing about the Capitola food tour is that it’s usually exciting and fun.
During the tour, your guide will tell you stories about history and take you to the locations of four popular restaurants.
You can relax in a calm and friendly atmosphere while enjoying delicious food in the fantastic restaurants.
The Capitola Food tour educates visitors about the history of the places visited and the type of food they specialize in.
Address: 529 Chestnut St, Suite 12, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States
2. Stroll In the Californian Sunshine
The golden state of California is known for its bright and scorching sun. The weather in Capitola is usually very pleasant, making the city ideal for exploring on foot.
This beautiful city offers incredible views of the ocean and sandy beaches. You can discover new shops and cafes and even try some California street food.
It is a place you should visit.
3. Fishing at the Capitola Wharf
Capitola Wharf is a unique one; it has various holiday homes and restaurants nearby where you can relax while enjoying the beautiful view and cool breeze of the Pacific Ocean.
You can also try fishing, as there is a pier that is never crowded, which is a good thing.
You can enjoy long and peaceful walks here while enjoying the beauty of the dotted coastline and pastel buildings.
Be sure to catch a sunset or sunrise at Capitol Wharf, and you’ll thank us later.
Address: 1400 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
Cheap Things To Do In Capitola (CA)
1. Enjoy Wine at Capitola Wine Bar & Merchants
Capitola Wine Bar & Merchants is a popular destination for tourists and residents. They offer high-quality drinks at a very fair rate.
It is best visited with friends and family. Spending an evening here will be one of the nicest things to do in the city.
Guided and non-guided tours are allowed, which allows you to explore the facility. You should visit.
Address: 115 San Jose Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
2. Shop at Brown Ranch Marketplace
Brown Ranch Marketplace consists of bars, beauty salons, offices, restaurants, and more. It is a delight to visit because there’s literally nothing you can’t find here.
Some stores here are Nothing Bundt Cakes, Robbie’s Sandwiches, Roux Dat Cajun Creole Cuisine, T-Mobile, Taqueria Tepeque, Westside Beauty Supply & Salon, and Zizzo’s Coffeehouse & Wine Bar, WorkSpace Office Furniture, Jacuzzi Hot Tubs, Jamba Juice and more.
It is open every day of the week. Their stores and collections are easy to identify because of their orderly arrangement.
Address: Suite “WW, 3555 Clares St, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
Cool Places To Visit In Capitola (CA)
1. Thomas Kinkade Signature Gold Gallery of Capitola
Thomas Kinkade Signature Gold Gallery of Capitola exhibits paintings by an American artist, Thomas Kinkade, who is quite famous in America. And through his fame and artistic prowess, he earned the nickname The Painter of Light.”
The gallery contains several portraits of pastoral settings and idyllic subjects.
Also available are many Thomas Kinkade collectible items, such as calendars, nightlights, gift prints, and much more.
Stop by and feel free to ask us some questions; the Gold Gallery prides itself on quality customer service and support.
Address: 121 San Jose Ave, Capitola, CA, United States,
2. The Shadowbrook Restaurant
Shadowbrook is a great spot to have delicious American dishes. They also offer outdoor, rooftop, and indoor seating according to your preference.
The Shadowbrook is an amazing restaurant that offers a complimentary shuttle service; if you are within 3 miles, you can call them, and they will pick you up and drop you off at the restaurant for free.
Can you beat this top-notch service? What’s stopping you? Visit them today!
Address: 1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
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3. Avenue Cafe
Avenue Cafe offers extraordinary beverages such as fruit juice, milk, tea, coffee, sodas, beers, and wines to complement your chosen meal.
The cafe has a pleasant environment with a stone fireplace that creates a warm and peaceful atmosphere to relax and enjoy food and drinks.
Various events and parties can also be hosted here, as it is expressly allowed. All you need do is book a date.
The interior is just beautiful and relaxing.
Address: 427 Capitola Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
Conclusion
This article details exciting things to do in Capitola (CA) on arrival so you can have the best time on your vacation.
No matter what your preferences are, this thriving city has something for you. Don’t miss out on all it offers; theaters, gardens, green spaces, high-end restaurants and diners, galleries, shopping malls, and bars; let our checklist be your guide as you plan your trip.
Let us know in the comments below which attraction you will try first. Happy vacation!