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Capitola Village is the adorable beachfront heart of Capitola, California, a small community in Santa Cruz County.
The historic town has been an iconic destination on the Monterey Bay for nearly 150 years, famous for its charming row of pastel-colored houses and more Mediterranean-inspired architecture.
Keep reading for a closer look at Capitola Village…
Sean Barker / Unsplash A brief history of Capitola Village
The area around today’s Capitola Village was originally home to the Ohlone people for more than a thousand years before Spanish missions and Mexican land grants began taking over. In the 1800s it became a shipping point called Soquel Landing, but pioneers including Frederick Hihn and Samuel Hall developed the area into a resort town.
“Camp Capitola” opened in the 1870s as California’s first seaside resort town, welcoming crowds of visitors thanks to the Santa Cruz-Watsonville railroad. It wasn’t until the 1920s that the Venetian Court was erected, most of whose colorful buildings are still standing today.
While other buildings have been demolished and rebuilt, the basic layout of Capitola Village remains much the same as it was in the 1800s.
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Things to do in Capitola Village
If you’re planning to drive down from San Francisco, you can reach Capitola Village in less than an hour and a half. The village itself a compact waterfront area with tons of boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants right on the sand. Some great eateries include Zelda’s, with an all-day menu and great views; and Mr. Toots Coffeehouse, which is tucked up on a second floor with great views of the water.
Beyond the village, the Capitola area has plenty more to explore. You could grab a coffee from Verve and head down 41st Avenue to Pleasure Point to watch the surfers, or book a table at the swanky Shadowbrook restaurant.
🌐 Learn more: Read our full guide to Capitola Village for more ideas.