Capitola By The Sea

"Amazing beaches, friendly locals and great food!"

"The Esplanade & seaside are famously pretty, & deservedly so, & far less crowded than Santa Cruz Beach, but even though the town is over 100 years old, the air feels new & artificial, a Disneyland-style tourist trap, as in: it’s very well done, but it’s not a real place where people live, only rent a few nights at a time to visit. Maybe nice for a date, so long as you realize everyone else there is either on a date too, or selling you something."

"Capitola by the Sea is a charming and picturesque coastal town located just south of Santa Cruz, California. It is known for its colorful beachfront houses, quaint shops, and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. The heart of Capitola is its enchanting Village, with its rows of charming boutiques, restaurants and cafes housed in historic buildings with bright colors and inviting facades. The village also features a beautiful river that flows into the ocean beneath a small bridge covered in colorful flowers. In addition to its delightful village area, Capitola boasts a stunning beach that is a popular destination for sunbathing, swimming, surfing and paddleboarding. The beach has soft sand perfect for lounging and playing beach volleyball with family or friends. Along the beach there are also many benches scattered throughout that offer stunning views of the ocean. At nightfall Capitola comes alive with an array of trendy bars and live music venues for those seeking late night fun or after-dinner entertainment. A visit to Capitola by the Sea is like stepping into a storybook setting, where natural beauty meets history in an atmosphere of distinctive seaside elegance."

"Beautiful small town. They have some great mom and pop shops. And the setting is beautiful."

"The town was very pretty and pleasant to stroll through, but everything is so expensive here. From $10.00 coffee to $40.00 parking, this is certainly not a place for budget travelers. Thankfully, we were able to find some free parking in the residential area. The townspeople still have some Covid paranoia, and the strict and often senseless mask policies might be irritating for some visitors. The beach was ugly and littered with wood, and I didn't realize that the Mediterranean style village is actually a residential area. The residents are usually okay with you entering at least a little ways, but the large amount of junk and sandbags outside the residences, make it a bit difficult to get a nice picture. I thought it was a large shopping district that you could stroll through, but the place was kind of small and looked a bit out of place, amongst the modern architecture. So this spot didn't really live up to the photos, but I still got some nice pictures. Maybe if the place wasn't crowded, it would've had a nicer vibe. Despite the cons however, this town is still worth a visit as it has the vibe of a true California beach town, and it isn't as mainstream as some of the other towns on Monterey Bay."