★ Spotlight 2027
Capitola
Esplanade & beach
Capitola packs a surprising amount into a few walkable blocks, from pastel seaside cottages and a historic wharf to a sheltered beach at the mouth of Soquel Creek. Wander the Esplanade for ocean views and village shops, then head east to a quiet state beach with bluffs and tide pools.
Bakery to Beachfront to Bluffs
- Start the morning at Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria on Bay Avenue with a pastry or breakfast sandwich.
- Walk down into Capitola Village for lunch on the sand at Zelda's on the Beach, where the patio faces the bay and the wharf.
- Drive a few minutes east to New Brighton State Beach and walk the bluff trails or the shoreline toward sunset.
Eat & Drink
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Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria
A longtime Capitola bakery and deli counter near the Village, with pastries, breads, cakes and made-to-order sandwiches. Cases of baked goods sit beside a rotisserie kitchen, so breakfast, lunch and dinner are all covered.
504 Bay Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010
Website for Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria (opens in a new tab) ↗
Locally owned · Checked
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Paradise Beach Grille
A waterfront restaurant on the Esplanade with an outdoor patio, fireplace and bay views toward the colorful Venetian cottages. Lunch, dinner and cocktails are served daily in a relaxed, casual setting.
- Outdoor seating
- Ocean view
215 Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010
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Locally owned · Checked
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Pizza My Heart (Capitola Village)
The Esplanade slice shop where Pizza My Heart began in 1981, steps from the sand. Big pies by the slice and a limited menu keep it a quick, casual stop before or after the beach.
- Family-friendly
209 Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010
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Locally owned · Checked
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Shadowbrook Restaurant
A timbered hillside restaurant above Soquel Creek, reached by walking garden paths or riding a red cable car. Dining rooms, a rock-walled lounge and a rooftop terrace make it a Capitola landmark since 1947.
Local tip: Walk-ins are welcome in the Rock Room lounge and on the rooftop terrace each night; the dining room is best reserved ahead.
- Reservations recommended
- Outdoor seating
1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA 95010
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Locally owned · Checked
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Zelda's on the Beach
A beachfront Esplanade restaurant with a patio on the sand and views across the bay to the wharf. Open since 1978, it serves brunch and dinner to a mix of locals and visitors.
- Outdoor seating
- Ocean view
203 Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010
Website for Zelda's on the Beach (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to Zelda's on the Beach (opens in a new tab) ↗
Locally owned · Checked
Shops & Local Makers
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Capitola Mercantile
A village complex near the beach that gathers an arcade, salt water taffy, a wine bar, a craft beer garden and small shops under one roof. Games and sweets make it a popular stop for families.
- Family-friendly
115 San Jose Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010
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Locally owned · Checked
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The Hook Outlet (Capitola)
The Capitola store of a locally owned dispensary group, on 41st Avenue and open daily from 9 am to 9 pm. Sister shops sit on Mission Street in Santa Cruz and Hangar Way in Watsonville.
2175 41st Ave, Capitola, CA 95010
Website for The Hook Outlet (Capitola) (opens in a new tab) ↗ Directions to The Hook Outlet (Capitola) (opens in a new tab) ↗
Locally owned · Checked
Arts, Culture & Entertainment
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Capitola Historical Museum
A small, free museum beside City Hall that tells the story of Capitola from its seaside resort days to the present, with a new exhibition each year. An easy, low-key stop on a foggy afternoon.
Local tip: Open Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 pm.
- Free
- Rainy-day pick
410 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010
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Checked
Parks, Beaches & Outdoors
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Capitola Beach and the Esplanade
A sheltered crescent of sand at the mouth of Soquel Creek, lined by the Esplanade's cafes and the Venetian cottages. Good for wading, people-watching and an easy walk from the Village.
- Coastal walk
- Ocean view
Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010
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Checked
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New Brighton State Beach
A bluff-top state park with a long sandy beach, hiking trails and a campground above Monterey Bay. Walk the bluffs, beachcomb along the shore or settle in for a night of camping by the sea.
Local tip: Day-use parking is $10 per vehicle; dogs are welcome on leashes six feet or shorter.
- Dog-friendly
- Coastal walk
1500 Park Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010
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Checked
Landmarks & Local Highlights
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Capitola Wharf
One of the oldest wharves on the California coast, first built in 1857 and rebuilt with a wider deck, new railings and lighting. Walk out over the water for views of the Village, the cottages and Soquel Creek's beach.
- Coastal walk
- Ocean view
1400 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA 95010
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Checked
Spotlight 2027 edition. Places are checked against their own websites, most recently in November 2026. Hours and seasons change, so check before you go. Every business listed is locally owned.
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