Capitola Beach

Capitola Beach is a sandy beach at the north end of Monterey Bay in Capitola, California. It’s a popular urban beach that can be jam packed on sunny days and during the town’s organized beach events. The brightly colored hotel behind the beach is unmistakable so photos of Capitola Beach are easy to place.

This south-facing beach has a large fishing pier, Capitola Wharf, that extends out into Soquel Cove where the water is usually calm due to protection from land west of here. The area beyond the jetty at the east end of the beach gets bigger waves and is a popular surfing area.

Behind the beach a lagoon is formed by Soquel Creek which has birds at times putting on a show for tourists. If you have a SUP, this is a calm place to paddle around. When the creek is flowing it will divide up the beach.

Next to the creek there are townhome-style hotel units in an area called the Capitola Venetian Hotel that was built right on the sand. This picturesque “hotel” has bright multi-colored facades that form a perfect backdrop to this excellent beach.

Several restaurants and shops are also behind the beach along the creek and Esplanade (street).

In the evenings during the warmer months at Capitola Beach they show movies, have twilight concerts, and host art shows while live music plays on the Esplanade Stage.

At extreme minus tides it’s possible to walk south to an area called Capitola Bluffs where you might spot ancient whale fossils in the rocks.

For parking, metered spaces can be found next to the beach on Esplanade and the adjacent side streets.

Address

Esplanade & San Jose Ave
Capitola, CA 95010

Park Name

Esplanade Park

Other Names

Capitola Bluffs

Owner

City

Pet Details

No dogs allowed on the beach

Fees

Metered street parking

Activities

Volleyball, Fishing, Sunbathing, Birdwatching, Surfing, Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Amenities

Fishing Pier, Volleyball Courts, Lifeguard, Restrooms, Showers, Driftwood, Shops, Creek, Restaurants, Benches

Links

Water Quality
Water Temps
Tide Chart
Capitola Surf Report