Capitola combines a wide beach with local history and offerings centered on art and nature. Capitola Village borders the beach next to the mouth of Soquel Creek. Other attractions include the Capitola Wharf, trails at New Brighton State Beach, and rotating exhibits on the city’s history. This gives you different sides of Capitola to consider when planning, rather than focusing your stay on just one theme.

Beach and Trails in Capitola

The beach at Capitola Village and the trails at New Brighton State Beach appeal to different interests. The State Beach is in the city of Capitola and offers hiking trails. To get there, access the park from Highway One via the New Brighton/Park Avenue exit. If you want to include hiking trails, you can plan this visit as a focus of its own; the beach at the Village is another reference point when choosing where to stay.

This distinction can help you decide how you would like to spend your time in Capitola: on the beach near the Village or on the trails at the State Beach. You don’t need to follow a set order. First decide which theme matters more to your stay, then consider the other location as an additional option.

Wharf, Art, and History

The Capitola Wharf brings together a historical perspective and a specific visitor activity. A photograph from 1884 shows the wharf at a length of 1,200 feet. This measurement pertains to the historic photograph. Visitors can stroll along the wharf and watch the sunset—another way to experience the same place, apart from its history.

For a self-guided exploration of public art and historic sites, the Capitola Walking Tour includes a free tour via an iPhone app. Check whether the app is available before your visit. If you would rather walk as part of a group, guided tours of Capitola Village and its surroundings can be arranged for a recommended donation of $50. The main difference between the two formats is whether you explore independently or with a group. Confirm the details of the group tour in advance.

The Capitola Historical Museum features rotating exhibits on the history of Capitola and its surroundings. Exhibits include artifacts, historic photographs, and keepsakes from the region’s past. Since exhibits may change, it’s worth checking what’s currently on display before your visit. This can help you decide whether the museum should be the focus of your day or an addition to a walk and art tour.

The Art & Wine Festival in Fall

Every fall, Capitola Village hosts the Capitola Art & Wine Festival. The festival features wines from wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains and showcases more than 100 visual artists. Art and wine are two distinct focuses of the event, making it especially well suited to visitors interested in both. If you want to plan your stay around the festival, check the dates for that year’s event before you travel.

Which Focus Suits Your Stay?

When choosing a stay in Capitola, you can start by considering what interests you most: the beach at the Village, the Wharf with its history and sunset strolls, trails at the State Beach, or art and local history. These are different points of interest, not a prescribed route. A fall visit can also include the Art & Wine Festival; at other times of year, the other themes mentioned take center stage. If you’re looking for a hotel in Capitola, this selection can help you choose a location based on the interests you want to shape your stay.

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