Capitola, Santa Cruz | Community Guide

Welcome to Capitola

Coastal Living at its Finest.

Capitola offers the perfect blend of coastal charm and modern convenience. With its vibrant downtown, scenic beaches, and lively community, Capitola provides residents and visitors with everything they need right at their fingertips. From shopping and dining to beachfront relaxation, this picturesque seaside town captures the essence of coastal living in Santa Cruz County.

What to Love

Convenient access to shops, restaurants, and amenities along 41st Avenue.
Quaint seaside charm of Capitola Village with its boutique shops and oceanfront dining.
Annual events like the Capitola Art and Wine Festival showcasing local art, wine, and music.
Culinary delights ranging from fine dining establishments to cozy cafes and bakeries.
Pristine beaches, including Capitola Beach and New Brighton State Beach, perfect for sunbathing and water activities.

Local Lifestyle

Capitola embodies a laid-back coastal lifestyle, where residents cherish the slower pace of life amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Capitola's seaside setting, beautiful beach, and iconic Venetian Hotel, with its colorful, Mediterranean-inspired architecture, offer a unique and picturesque ambiance that many love. The community fosters a sense of camaraderie, with neighbors coming together to celebrate local traditions and events like the Capitola Art and Wine Festival, a beloved annual gathering for over 35 years.

Dining and Shopping

In Capitola, dining and shopping experiences are as diverse as they are delightful. Indulge in freshly baked goods and homey meals at Gayle’s Bakery, a local institution for over 40 years. For a romantic dining experience, venture to the iconic Shadowbrook Restaurant, nestled amidst lush gardens and cascading waterfalls, offering exquisite cuisine and unparalleled ambiance.

Craving the flavors of the South? Head to Roux Dat Cajun Creole for authentic Cajun dishes bursting with spice and flavor. Or savor the cozy atmosphere and delectable fare at Avenue Cafe, where locally sourced ingredients shine in every dish.

The heart of the town, Capitola Village, is filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants, just steps away from the sandy shores of Capitola Beach and the bustling atmosphere of the Wharf House Restaurant on Capitola Wharf. Whether you're seeking gourmet cuisine, casual dining, or artisanal treasures, Capitola promises to satisfy every craving and indulge every whim.

Here are a few more cafes and restaurants to try in Capitola:

Sweet Pea's Cafe is a cozy breakfast and brunch spot known for its hearty comfort food and friendly atmosphere. The cafe's menu features a variety of breakfast classics, including fluffy pancakes, savory omelets, and indulgent French toast.

Castagnola Deli & Cafe is a family-owned establishment specializing in Italian-inspired sandwiches, salads, and deli favorites. From classic Italian subs to homemade lasagna and fresh salads, the deli offers a taste of Italy in the heart of Capitola.

Dharma's Restaurant is a cozy and charming eatery known for its wholesome vegetarian and vegan cuisine. The menu features a variety of plant-based dishes made with organic and locally sourced ingredients, including hearty soups, flavorful salads, and creative entrees.

Entertainment & Things to Do

Capitola offers an array of entertainment options to suit every taste and interest. Spend a day on the shores of Capitola Beach, where you can relax, swim, or fish off the iconic wharf. Explore the expansive stretch of beach at New Brighton State Beach, which is perfect for morning runs or leisurely walks along the shore. Attend local festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Capitola Art and Wine Festival, where art, wine, food, and music come together in the cozy confines of Capitola Village.

With its well-preserved history and the Capitola Historical Museum, the town provides a window into California's past, from its development as a seaside resort to its growth into a modern community.

The town offers a variety of outdoor activities, including surfing, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball, which are perfect for those who love an active lifestyle by the sea. With so much to see and do, Capitola promises endless adventures and unforgettable memories for residents and visitors alike.

Overview for Capitola, CA

10,041 people live in Capitola, where the median age is 47.3 and the average individual income is $54,673. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

10,041

Total Population

47.3 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$54,673

Average individual Income

Around Capitola, CA

There's plenty to do around Capitola, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

91

Walker's Paradise

Walking Score

62

Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Riverview Coffee Roasters, Chicken Foot, and Makse Bar.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Riverview Coffee Roasters page on Yelp	Dining · $$	0.21 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Chicken Foot page on Yelp Search 110 Pearl Alley on Google Maps	Dining	4.02 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Makse Bar page on Yelp	Dining · $	3.01 miles	9 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Dash Hemp Santa Cruz page on Yelp Search 303 Potrero St on Google Maps	Shopping	4.29 miles	10 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Katalina’s By The Sea page on Yelp Search 312 Capitola Ave on Google Maps	Shopping	0.26 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Lola's Gym page on Yelp Search 4061 Soquel Dr on Google Maps	Active	1 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Jennifer Rootes, CMT page on Yelp Search 545 Fredrick St on Google Maps	Active	2.8 miles	47 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the West Fitness Santa Cruz page on Yelp Search 3065 Carriker Ln on Google Maps	Active	1.13 miles	11 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Blue Water Ventures page on Yelp Search 127 Mason St on Google Maps	Active	4.77 miles	52 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Bali Body Pilates page on Yelp Search 303 Potrero St on Google Maps	Active	4.25 miles	14 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Slow Adventure page on Yelp	Active	2.93 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Chi Kinetics page on Yelp	Active	2.49 miles	12 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Centered Surfing page on Yelp	Active	4.25 miles	27 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Elaine's Dance Studio page on Yelp Search 2525 Soquel Dr on Google Maps	Active	1.39 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Alchemy Haus Of Hair page on Yelp Search 1021 Center St on Google Maps	Beauty	4.13 miles	14 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Wild Beauty Cosmetics page on Yelp Search 2901 Park Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	1.19 miles	19 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Beauty Lounge Med Spa page on Yelp Search 151 Aptos Village Way on Google Maps	Beauty	2.95 miles	12 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the SugarSmith page on Yelp Search 1527 Commercial Way on Google Maps	Beauty	1.78 miles	15 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Kelly Jo Makeup & Hair page on Yelp	Beauty	4.26 miles	18 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Saving Face Skin Solutions page on Yelp Search 40 Seascape Village on Google Maps	Beauty	4.55 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Kelly Somerville page on Yelp Search 2165 41st Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	0.68 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Capitola, CA

Population Households Employment

Capitola has 4,656 households, with an average household size of 2.12. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Capitola do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 10,041 people call Capitola home. The population density is 6,297.52 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

10,041

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

47.3

Median Age

45.91 / 54.09%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade
High School Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Graduate Degree

4,656

Total Households

2.12

Average Household Size

$54,673

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married

Single

Divorced

Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes

15 to 29 Minutes

30 to 59 Minutes

60+ Minutes

Schools in Capitola, CA

All ()

Primary Schools ()

Middle Schools ()

High Schools ()

Mixed Schools ()

The following schools are within or nearby Capitola. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Type

Name

Browse Properties

Property Listings

Connect with joe

We strive to educate and empower our neighbors and clients in making one of their biggest investments, purchasing or selling a home.

Contact

Capitola

Welcome to Capitola

What to Love

Local Lifestyle

Dining and Shopping

Entertainment & Things to Do

Overview for Capitola, CA

10,041

47.3 years

High

$54,673

Around Capitola, CA

91

Walker's Paradise

62

Bikeable

Points of Interest

Demographics and Employment Data for Capitola, CA

10,041

High

47.3

45.91 / 54.09%

4,656

2.12

$54,673

Schools in Capitola, CA

Browse Properties

Property Listings

$6,098,000

$5,000,000

$4,400,000

$3,500,000

$2,950,000

$2,800,000

Areas of Expertise

Similar Communities

San Jose

Cupertino

Sunnyvale

Santa Clara

Connect with joe

Get in Touch

Contact Details

Joe Prather | CA DRE# 02001091

Address