What to do in Capitola, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Aerial view of Capitola Beach in California, featuring pastel Venetian cottages, a wooden pier, a bridge over an inlet, and the Pacific Ocean.
Capitola Beach Village and Ocean Panorama
Capitola Village. Capitola, Santa Cruz County, California, USA.
Panoramic Capitola Village and Water Reflections during Blue Hour. Capitola, Santa Cruz County, California, USA.
Aerial view of the Capitola beach town lighthouse in California, USA.

Capitola Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Capitola has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Capitola, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Capitola with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Capitola

Capitola is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Capitola, and make it a breeze to explore Capitola and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Capitola to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Capitola, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Capitola.

Capitola attractions

Capitola has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Capitola to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Capitola.

Looking for things to do in Capitola can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Capitola or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Capitola attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Most fun & popular experiences in Capitola

Tours & day trips

See all 15 activities
Redwoods Forest Swimming

Redwoods Forest Swimming

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is £88 per adult
Redwoods Forest SwimmingOpens in new tab

History & culture

See all 4 activities
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £102 per adult
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa CruzOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 4 activities
Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike)

Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike)

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is £81 per adult
Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike)Opens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 3 activities
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £102 per adult
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa CruzOpens in new tab

What to do in Capitola

Popular places to visit

Capitola Venetian beach painted houses; Shutterstock ID 420693280

Capitola Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Capitola Beach during your travels in Capitola? While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Capitola Beach
Capitola Wharf at dawn

Capitola Wharf

Explore the waterfront of Capitola Wharf and enjoy activities such as surfing in Capitola. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches or seek out the cycling trails.

Capitola Wharf
Hooper Beach

Hooper Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Hooper Beach during your trip to Capitola? Amble around this quaint area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Hooper Beach

Capitola Historical Museum

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Capitola Historical Museum during your travels in Capitola. Stroll along the seaside or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Capitola Historical Museum

Capitola Mercantile

You can enjoy retail therapy at Capitola Mercantile during your trip to Capitola. Stroll along the seaside in this family-friendly area or seek out the surfing spots.

Capitola Mercantile

Esplanade Park Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Esplanade Park Beach during your trip to Capitola? Amble around this quaint area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Esplanade Park Beach

Sante Adairius Rustic Ales

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Sante Adairius Rustic Ales during your travels to Capitola. You can seek out the surfing spots and cycling trails in this walkable area.

Sante Adairius Rustic Ales

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Capitola

Scenic panoramic view of Rio Del Mar Beach near Santa Cruz California with a wooden pier stretching into water, flanked by coastal buildings and palms

Aptos

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

Is Capitola worth visiting?
Capitola has a unique mix of attractions, local charm and culture. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or local culinary flavours, there's a lot you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Capitola?
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Roaring Camp Railroads are two excellent places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Capitola while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Capitola?
The top tourist attraction in Capitola is Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, so be sure to add it to your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Capitola?
Three days in Capitola is more than enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many guests spend two days on average. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Wharf and Natural Bridges State Park are highly rated sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as San Jose.
Is Capitola a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you plan to see and do in Capitola. Several sights, like Seacliff State Beach and Twin Lakes State Beach, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Capitola's best neighbourhoods, Live Oak is 3 kms (2 miles) away from downtown, while Twin Lakes is 5 kms (3 miles) away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Capitola with kids?
Deciding what to do in Capitola with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're travelling with teenagers or little ones, there are loads of family-friendly activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Capitola for adults?
Soquel Vineyards and Nicholson Vineyards are just a few of the things to do in Capitola. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Capitola?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Capitola. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Santa Cruz Wharf is a top spot for anyone wanting to save on their travel adventures.

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