There are many different Californias. There's the glitz of Hollywood, and the gritty cityscape of L.A. There is wine country, mountains, and forests. But, arguably the one iconic landscape of the state is its coastline of beaches.
The beach at Capitola, CA with the mountains in the background. (Image by A Wassenberg)
Capitola is out of the usual tourist melee, and offers a mile of sandy beach with a picturesque small town feel. While it may seem off the beaten path, it's only five miles to the city of Santa Cruz and its famous beach boardwalk, and another hour or so through the mountains to San Jose. The beaches of Monterey Bay lie about 40 miles to the south along the coast.
It's the right place for a classic California beach holiday.
Capitola, CA - towards the boardwalk (Image by A Wassenberg)
The beach at Capitola, California
Everything is within walking distance in Capitola, including shops, restaurants, art galleries, and more, focused along the waterfront. Surfing is naturally a popular local sport, and beginners will find it a good place to learn.
The beach features soft sand suitable for walking, with a long wharf, and bluffs that create a unique landscape. Hooper Beach is located at the west end of the town, with the Capitola State Beach at the town's centre. New Brighton Beach Park is at the west end of the town of just under 10,000. Located on Soquel Cove on Monterey Bay, the main beach looks out to the opposite end of the Bay, including the mountains and the city of Monterey.
Among the annual events that draw visitors and locals are the Begonia Festival, Art and Wine Festival, and the famous Wharf to Wharf race. Capitola offers the friendliness of a laid back small beach town with an artistic flair, and a dash of hippie surfer culture added to the mix.
Capitola, CA - beach (Image by A Wassenberg)
Area attractions include:
* Capitola Historical Museum
* Armida Winery
* Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Capitola, California with the colourful Venetian in the background (Photo by A Wassenberg)
The Capitola Venetian
This historic hotel property overlooks the beach and the wooden wharf. Built in the 1920s, the Capitola Venetian is about five minutes walk from the Esplanade, Capitola's main shopping and dining area.
The colourful boutique hotel on the beach offers a range of accommodations. The decor features hand carved doors from Venice, and modern amenities for a casual beach vacation.
The beaches are open to the public, with long stretches suitable for walking.
Capitola, CA beach (Image by A Wassenberg)
