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Capitola Beach

By Betsy Malloy, About.com

About Capitola Beach:

Capitola Beach is one of California's prettiest city beaches, always busy. It has beautiful views of the Monterey Bay and sailboats moored offshore, and a string of colorfully-painted cottages along the water add a festive touch.

Capitola Beach Fees:

    Entrance Fee: None
    Parking Fee: Pay to park at a meter in downtown (many have a two-hour limit) or for free in the visitor's lot above the railroad track on Monterey Ave.

Creature Comforts at Capitola Beach:

  • Restrooms
  • Outdoor showers
  • No pets allowed
  • Food is available from restaurants in town
  • No fires on the beach
  • Alcohol and glass containers are not allowed on the beach

Capitola Beach Activities:

  • Surfing
  • Volleyball (nets near the pier, portable nets not allowed)
  • Swimming (seasonal lifeguard)
  • Fishing from the pier (where you can rent fishing boats)
  • In the summer, Capitola Beach Co. sets up a stand near the end of the beach where they rent boogie boards, wetsuits, umbrellas and beach chairs, plastic buckets, etc.

Lodging Near Capitola Beach:

The nearest lodging to Capitola Beach is in town.

Highs and Lows at Capitola Beach:

  • Pretty beach with a festive atmosphere
  • Nice place to watch surfers
  • Hard to find parking in town

Beachgoer Beware:

Santa Cruz beaches can be foggy in early summer, sometimes all day long.

How to Get to Capitola Beach:

Capitola Beach is along the waterfront in downtown Capitola. Exit CA 1 at Soquel Avenue or 41st and drive toward the ocean, following the signs toward downtown Capitola.

More Santa Cruz County Beaches:

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