Things to do in Capitola

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Capitola
Capitola
Photo by Tales From the Mutiny
Photo by Tales From the Mutiny
Photo by JenVista
Photo by JenVista
Photo by Ashlie Thornburg Freeberg
Photo by Ashlie Thornburg Freeberg

Capitola Attractions

Smaller cities have a charm about them you won't find in their larger counterparts. Take a note of all the fun things to do in Capitola before you get there so you can make the most of your break. You'll soon see that bigger doesn't always mean better!

If you're ready to explore Capitola, join a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let a local expert show you some of the most popular attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {14 fun activities in Capitola fun activities in Capitola} are also worth looking into.

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Most popular activities in Capitola

Tours & day trips

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Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz

Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $35 per traveler*
Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa CruzOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour

Capitola Friday Night Food Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $129 per adult
Capitola Friday Night Food TourOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities
Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike)

Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike)

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $110 per adult
Santa Cruz Family Friendly Guided Electric Bike Tour (eBike)Opens in new tab

What to do in Capitola

Free Things to Do in Capitola

Some say the best things in life are free. Check out the following around Capitola:

Capitola Historical Museum - Brimming with exhibits and artifacts, this gallery is a paradise for curious minds.

Capitola Wharf - Spend some time here and discover the importance of this place to the community.

Things to Do in Capitola with Kids

There's fun for the entire family in Capitola. Here are some family friendly experiences you can enjoy together that are bound to make your trip a blast:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Capitola? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Capitola

Capitola Beach

Capitola Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Capitola Beach during your travels in Capitola? While in this quaint area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Capitola Beach
Two awesome things to point out in this photo: the crazy camper in front with all the stuffed animals and things on it, and the Lamborghini behind me.

Hooper Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Hooper Beach during your trip to Capitola? Amble around this quaint area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Hooper Beach

Capitola Wharf

Explore the waterfront of Capitola Wharf and enjoy activities such as surfing in Capitola. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches, or seek out the biking trails.

Capitola Wharf

Capitola Mercantile

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Capitola Mercantile during your visit to Capitola. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area, or seek out the surfing spots.

Capitola Mercantile

Esplanade Park Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Esplanade Park Beach during your trip to Capitola? Amble around this quaint area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Esplanade Park Beach

Capitola Historical Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Capitola Historical Museum during your trip to Capitola. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Capitola Historical Museum

Sante Adairius Rustic Ales

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Sante Adairius Rustic Ales during your travels to Capitola. You can seek out the surfing spots and biking trails in this walkable area.

Sante Adairius Rustic Ales

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Capitola

Aptos

Aptos

Santa Cruz featuring rugged coastline, general coastal views and a beach

Santa Cruz

Photo by Timothy Howard

Soquel

Frequently asked questions

Is Capitola worth visiting?
Capitola offers a unique mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or regional cuisine, there's plenty you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Capitola?
When you've checked off popular attractions like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf, spend the rest of your day enjoying Capitola's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Capitola?
The top tourist attraction in Capitola is Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, so don't forget to include it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Capitola?
Three days in Capitola is plenty of time to enjoy the city's major highlights. Many guests stay for two days on average. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Wharf and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park are top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots like San Jose.
Is Capitola a walkable city?
It depends on what you plan to see and do in Capitola. Several attractions, such as Seacliff State Beach and Seabright Beach, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Capitola's neighborhoods, Live Oak is 2 miles away from downtown, while Twin Lakes is 3 miles away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Capitola with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our ideas for what to do in Capitola with kids.

What to do in Capitola for adults?
Soquel Vineyards and Nicholson Vineyards are just a couple of the things to do in Capitola. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Capitola?
In Capitola, Santa Cruz Wharf is a top spot for anyone planning to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the parks and other neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a top way to learn about the best free things to do in Capitola.

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