From the seaside vistas of
Capitola to the small-town appeal of nearby Soquel, this cozy region just minutes south of Santa Cruz is reminiscent of another time in history. Founded in 1869, Capitola is California's oldest seaside resort town and draws visitors every year for the Capitola Begonia Festival, the Capitola Art & Wine Festival, shopping in Capitola Village near the beach, the Capitola Mall and beyond. The historic town of Soquel lies just inland from Capitola, complete with antique stores, family-operated wineries and plenty of options for shopping and dining.
Capitola is an intimate beach village tucked in a river valley in Santa Cruz County on the Monterey Bay. Located an hour away from San Jose and an hour and a half from San Francisco, Capitola enjoys a lively population full of tradition and an interesting history.
The City’s wharf and riverside areas remind one of a village in France or perhaps a Mediterranean coast in Italy. Capitola Village is located along a wide beach with a breathtaking view of Monterey Bay and is home to numerous craft galleries, boutiques and restaurants. It is here where the Begonia Festival takes place each Labor Day weekend, featuring flower-draped floats and the must-see sand castle contest. Each fall the village also hosts the Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival, which brings in over 170 artists, 10 wineries and numerous food vendors. Other visitor attractions include the Capitola Historical Museum, Capitola Wharf, and the Capitola Mall.
