Capitola: Beach, History and Art

Capitola combines the broad beach of Capitola Village with history, public art, and special experiences by the water. Capitola Village borders a broad beach next to the mouth of Soquel Creek. Other highlights include the Capitola Wharf, historical exhibits, hiking trails, and an annual art and wine festival. This creates a diverse mix for planning your trip: You can combine relaxing hours at the beach with cultural discoveries, a stroll, and an excursion to a hiking trail.

Beach, Wharf, and a Historical View of Capitola

The Capitola Wharf is a prominent landmark in the town. Visitors can stroll there and watch the sunset. At the same time, its history goes back further: A photograph from 1884 shows the Capitola Wharf measuring 1,200 feet in length. The historical image makes the wharf an interesting destination for anyone who wants to shape their stay not only around the water but also with a glimpse into Capitola’s past.

Anyone looking for a vacation apartment or vacation home in Capitola can consider their preferred focus when planning their trip. Do you mainly want to spend time at the beach, watch the sunset at the wharf, or include cultural activities? Capitola offers different options for this, without every day of your trip having to look the same.

Discover History and Art for Yourself

The Capitola Historical Museum presents changing exhibitions on the history of Capitola and its surroundings. It also displays artifacts, historical photographs, and memorabilia from the region’s past. This makes the museum a worthwhile standalone activity for travelers who want to learn more about the town and its development.

Another option is the Capitola Walking Tour. A free, self-guided iPhone app leads visitors to public art and historic sites. You can set your own pace and include the tour as a cultural discovery in your daily itinerary. For groups, guided walking tours through Capitola Village and its surroundings can also be arranged for a recommended donation of 50 US dollars.

Art & Wine Festival in the Fall

Every fall, Capitola Village hosts the Capitola Art & Wine Festival. The festival features wines from wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains and showcases more than 100 visual artists. Art enthusiasts and wine lovers will find a clear seasonal focus here, while families can combine their visit with other experiences in Capitola. Since the festival takes place every fall, this period can be specifically considered when planning a vacation.

Hiking Trails at New Brighton State Beach

New Brighton State Beach is located in the city of Capitola and offers hiking trails. The beach can be reached via the New Brighton/Park Avenue exit from Highway One. This allows you to combine the cultural attractions with time spent enjoying outdoor activities. The hiking trails provide a distinct excursion option; specific trail lengths or difficulty levels are not necessary for this travel decision if you first want to choose between the beach, history, art, and walks.

Those who want to explore several cultural attractions can include the museum, walking tour, or festival in their itinerary. Anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors can combine their stay with the Capitola Wharf, the sunset, and the hiking trails at New Brighton State Beach. For a family vacation with children, this selection opens up various opportunities for shared discoveries, without every day having to follow the same pattern.

Choose More Destinations

If you would like to compare more places for your trip planning, you can find additional destinations here: Watsonville, Felton, Freedom, Santa Cruz, Rio del Mar, Boulder Creek, Soquel, and Scotts Valley.

To the main travel overview: Santa Cruz.