10 Best Things To Do In Capitola, California

1. Stop by Capitola Historical Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Have a better understanding of this coastal village’s past and present to better appreciate its beauty and culture! Understand how this breathtaking village has been changing over the 150 years of its history as the museum displays a rich collection of the city’s historic photographs. The museum is also filled with little-known facts of the community and is definitely a place to hang out for a relaxing and enriching afternoon.

Capitola Historical Museum

Address: 410 Capitola Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States

Website: Capitola Historical Museum

2. Enjoy a day out in the sun at Capitola Beach

What is a trip to Capitola without visiting the popular Capitola Beach? One of the best beaches in California, Capitola Beach is a must-see destination when you are in this coastal village! This urban beach is filled with a number of restaurants and shopping stores that will keep your tummy and heart filled. It is also popular for its iconic vibrant houses, that, along with Capitola Venetian Hotel, form a beautiful bright-coloured background for the beach! This artsy and secluded beach makes a perfect beach getaway and is guaranteed to feel leave you feeling refreshed. Don’t forget to participate in some of their water activities if you are feeling adventurous!

Capitola Beach

Address: Capitola, CA 95010, United States

Website: Capitola Beach

Opening hours: Sunrise - sunset (daily)

3. Visit New Brighton State Park

New Brighton State Park is one of the most popular sites in California. This 93-acre (37.6 hectares) park is set along the coast of Santa Cruz and provides visitors with a breathtaking view of Monterey Bay. It is also a popular family camping spot where you get to spend an intimate time with your loved ones and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature. You can also swim, paddleboard, and picnic at this beach area - what a perfect stop for all sorts of activities.

4. Go on an evening date at Esplanade Park

Looking for date night ideas after spending the day at Capitola Beach? How about an outdoor movie night at Esplanade Park, which is located near the beach? This is a neighbourhood park with a perfect bay view and is surrounded with lush greeneries, making it an ideal spot to loosen up and have a peaceful alone time with your significant other. Not to forget, the park shows various movies every night after 7:30 pm so bring along your picnic bag and some blankets to have a romantic time.

Esplanade Park

Address: Capitola, CA 95010, United States

Website: Esplanade Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Try the wines at Armida Winery Tasting Room

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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A unique winery with a long history, Armida Winery Tasting Room should not be missed by wine lovers as they serve up handcrafted unique wines that are to die for. Go on a winery tour and get a taste of their award-winning wine with a gorgeous view at their deck. If you are newly introduced to wine, you will surely have a better understanding of various wine as well after the tour with the help of the knowledgable staff.

Armida Winery Tasting Room

Address: 103 Stockton Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States

Website: Armida Winery Tasting Room

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 7pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm

6. Spend an afternoon at Jade Street Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Go people-watching at this calming park that is filled with local communities as most of them are often here for their daily outdoor activities. Expect numerous families visiting with their kids, couples enjoying their picnic date with their adorable pets, or friends hanging out at the park for their friendly basketball match. This is basically an amazing park to immerse in the local culture and to calm your mind.

Jade Street Park

Address: 4400 Jade St, Capitola, CA 95010, United States

Website: Jade Street Park

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

7. Let the little ones have a fun time at The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery

On a family trip with your little ones? This is the place for you to keep them amazed and interested in the trip! The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery is a museum that excites and inspires children with various hands-on exhibits and different spaces for the kids to explore. This museum acts as an eye-opener and enrichment outlet for the kids as they cover topics such as technology, agriculture, health, and so on. The children are also able to attend activities together and socialize with one another!

The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery

Address: 1855 41st Avenue, Suite C-10. Capitola, CA 95010

Website: The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Tue)

Price: From 6 USD

8. Check out the legendary Rispin Mansion

Rispin Mansion was constructed in 1921 and is a historic mansion that used to house 22 bedrooms that are spread across 4 stories. Thisold mansion has been vacant for more than 50 years and is believed to be cursed by Henry Allen Rispin, the owner of the mansion who initially wanted to turn this mansion into a resort. The mansion has remained vacant for many years as many owners have failed to transform the space. Thus, many believe that the building has been cursed. If you’re interested in seeing this legendary home up close, go for a tour here.

Rispin Mansion

Address: 2004 Wharf Road Capitola, California, United States

Website: Rispin Mansion

9. Knock back a beer at Sante Adairius Rustic Ales

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

As the name suggests, Sante Adairius Rustic Ales specializes in old-style, rustic ale inspired by the Belgian tradition. Their beers are done in a traditional approach, aged in a wine barrel with yeast and bacteria. However, they definitely do come with a punch of flavours. They also have a comfy tasting room where you can sit in and enjoy your flavourful ale in a relaxed vibe.

Sante Adairius Rustic Ales

Address: 103 Kennedy Dr Capitola, CA 95010

Website: Sante Adairius Rustic Ales

10. Shop till you drop at Capitola Mall

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A trip can never be complete without a shopping spree. Visit Capitola Mall which has been open since 1977 and has more than 80 specialty stores! With a variety of eating places located in the mall as well, you do not have to worry about shopping on an empty tummy as you have so many food options to turn to!

Capitola Mall

Address: 1855 41st Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, United States

Website: Capitola Mall

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 6pm; Sun: 12am - 5pm

More than just a coastal village

Capitola is definitely a travel destination that has more than just beaches to offer! Look forward to a fulfilling trip where you get to loosen up and get your tummies filled and heart stuffed with happiness. An enchanting and charismatic city, Capitola is sure to be one of the most beautiful and laidback cities you have ever visited! Remember to save this list for your trip.