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Capitola

Welcome to Capitola

Beachfront Village Living on Monterey Bay
 
Capitola-by-the-Sea, often simply called Capitola Village, is one of California’s oldest seaside resort towns and one of the most charming coastal communities in Santa Cruz County. With a population of about 10,000 residents, Capitola combines vibrant village life, picturesque beaches, iconic waterfront views, and a relaxed seaside energy that draws both locals and visitors year-round.
 
Located along the shores of Monterey Bay, Capitola is just a short drive from Santa Cruz and minutes from Highway 1, making it an accessible yet idyllic coastal escape for home buyers seeking everyday beachside living.
 

A Little History

Capitola’s roots stretch back more than a thousand years, beginning as a Native Ohlone village before becoming part of a Mexican land grant in the 1830s. In the mid-1800s, pioneer Frederick Hihn developed the beachfront area — originally known as Soquel Landing — into a resort destination with a wharf, cabins, and hotels. By the late 19th century, Capitola had emerged as one of the Pacific Coast’s first and most beloved seaside vacation spots.
 
The town’s colorful, Mediterranean-style architecture and historic districts — including the Venetian Court, one of the first seaside condominium communities in the U.S. — add to Capitola’s timeless charm.
 

Beach & Wharf — The Heart of Village Life

Capitola Beach stretches along the Esplanade, with soft sand that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, sandcastle building, and beginner surfing. Gentle waves here make it ideal for families and first-time surfers alike.
 
From the beach you can walk out onto the Capitola Wharf, a local favorite for fishing, sunset strolls, and panoramic views of the bay. Kayaks, small boats, and fishing gear are available for rent near the tip of the wharf, and many evenings fill with music and community gatherings during the warmer months.
 
Nearby Soquel Creek Park leads to Soquel Cove and provides access to calm waters, birdwatching, and scenic strolls. Just a short drive away, New Brighton State Beach offers camping, tide pools, and a more forested coastal experience.
 

Village Amenities: Dining, Wine, & Boutique Shopping

Capitola Village is filled with independent shops, art galleries, boutiques, and waterfront restaurants — many with ocean views right from the dining patio. The vibe is casual, friendly, and perfect for leisurely days on foot.
 
Local favorites include:
 
  • Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria — A beloved bakery and café serving fresh breads, pastries, lunch, dinner, and seasonal specials since 1978. Locals and visitors alike consider it a must-visit for breakfast or a picnic lunch.
  • Waterfront restaurants like Zelda’s on the Beach and Paradise Beach Grille, both offering scenic views and relaxed coastal fare.
  • Wine tasting and local tasting rooms in and around the village add mellow afternoons of regional wines to the list of experiences.
 
In addition to eateries and shops, Capitola’s commercial corridors include the indoor mall on 41st Avenue, hotels, cafés, and services that cater to everyday life as well as vacation living.
 

Community & Events

Capitola’s social calendar includes seasonal festivals that bring the community together:
 
  • Capitola Art & Wine Festival — Features local artists and wineries in a lively seaside setting.
  • Capitola Beach Festival — A fall tradition celebrating beach culture.
  • Summer Concerts on the Beach — Free music series at Esplanade Park with ocean views.
These events — along with weekly gatherings, boutique pop-ups, and cultural celebrations — reinforce Capitola’s reputation as a community-oriented coastal town.
 

Schools & Local Education

Families in Capitola are served by the Soquel Union Elementary School District, which covers Capitola and nearby neighborhoods. This district includes public elementary and middle school options, with education tailored to younger students in a close community setting.
 
Key public schools in and around Capitola include:
 
  • Opal Cliffs School — Public elementary offering grades TK–8 within the Soquel Union Elementary School District.
  • New Brighton Middle School — Serving middle school students locally.
  • Main Street Elementary School and Soquel Elementary School — Nearby options that serve the greater community.
Older students typically attend public high schools in the Santa Cruz City High School District, with strong academic and extracurricular offerings available regionally.
 
In addition to public options, a range of private and independent schools nearby adds flexibility for families seeking alternatives or smaller learning environments.
 

Why Home Buyers Love Capitola

Capitola-by-the-Sea offers a rare blend of historic coastal charm, walkable village life, and year-round beach access, all wrapped in a tight-knit community. Its convenient proximity to larger cities like Santa Cruz and easy access to regional highways make it attractive both as a place to live and as a vacation home destination.
 
For buyers seeking beachfront properties, village living with local amenities, scenic sunsets over Monterey Bay, and a community-oriented lifestyle, Capitola holds a special place in California’s coastal real estate landscape.

 

Property Listings

For Sale
MLS® ML82028736

$3,295,000

322 Capitola Avenue, CAPITOLA, CA 95010
3 Beds 3 Baths 2,200 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® ML82022902

$2,650,000

208 Capitola Avenue, CAPITOLA, CA 95010
3,542 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® ML82022907

$2,650,000

208 Capitola Avenue, CAPITOLA, CA 95010
3 Beds 4.5 Baths 3,542 Sq.Ft.
Active Under Contract
MLS® ML82016814

$2,000,000

120 Stockton Avenue, CAPITOLA, CA 95010
3,345 Sq.Ft.
Active Under Contract
MLS® ML82032699

$1,990,000

1790 48th Avenue, CAPITOLA, CA 95010
3,223 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® ML82021372

$1,675,000

4750 Capitola Road, CAPITOLA, CA 95010
3 Beds 2.5 Baths 1,832 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® ML82034147

$1,670,000

1771 44th Avenue, CAPITOLA, CA 95010
3 Beds 1 Bath 1,220 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® ML82033158

$1,550,000

1009 Sir Francis Avenue, CAPITOLA, CA 95010
3 Beds 2 Baths 1,549 Sq.Ft.
Pending
MLS® ML82033355

$1,549,000

1435 47th Avenue, CAPITOLA, CA 95010
3 Beds 2 Baths 1,000 Sq.Ft.
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Overview for Capitola, CA

9,813 people live in Capitola, where the median age is 46.3 and the average individual income is $60,609. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

9,813

Total Population

46.3 years

Median Age

High

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

$60,609

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 Calicoastal Boutique, Dance Santa Cruz / Avila Dance Instruction, and Lola's Gym.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Calicoastal Boutique Logo
Shopping 2.92 miles 9 reviews 5/5 stars
Dance Santa Cruz / Avila Dance Instruction Logo
Active 3.99 miles 22 reviews 5/5 stars
Lola's Gym Logo
Active 1 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Nomad Sailing Charters Logo
Active 2.87 miles 28 reviews 5/5 stars
1911 Looff Carousel Logo
Active 3.56 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars
Olga Mixon Vedic Astrology Logo
Active 3.01 miles 10 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Capitola, CA

Population Households Employment

Capitola has 4,506 households, with an average household size of 2.13. 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. 9,813 people call Capitola home. The population density is 6,154.52 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

9,813

Total Population

High

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

46.3

Median Age

49.98 / 50.02%

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
4,506

Total Households

2.13

Average Household Size

$60,609

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
Category
Grades
School rating
Capitola

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A Smooth Journey Starts Here

Whether you’re buying, selling, or evaluating land, Kathleen Manning is ready to guide you with integrity, organization, and a deep understanding of the region.

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Contact Details

Kathleen Manning | CA DRE# 00885315

Phone

831.566.3127

Email

[email protected]

Address

627 Capitola Ave Capitola, CA 95010

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