Capitola Beach Activities

Santa Cruz County

Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz County, California
Capitola Beach, Santa Cruz County, California

Capitola Beach Activities

Santa Cruz County


Capitola Wharf and Waterfront Storm Damage

Storm Damage: The 166-year-old Capitola Wharf was severely damaged by the January 5, 2023 storm. Plans are underway to rebuild it as early as June, 2024.

Fishing from the Capitola Wharf

The 855-foot long pier at Capitola has been a popular gathering place for anglers, but it never gets overcrowded. Some fishermen rent boats or launch their own, while others line the railing.

Capitola Wharf at Capitola Beach, CA

Closer to the shore in the surf zone anglers are generally after barred and calico surfperch, while out toward the end of the pier they have a good variety of fish ready to strike their bait: sole, flounder, sand dabs, jacksmelt, perch, and California halibut. Occasionally you will see someone land a shark or striped bass.

Wharf Facilities

On the wharf you will find the Wharf House Restaurant and the Capitola Boat and Bait Shop, along with fish cleaning stations and restrooms.

Capitola Boat and Bait Shop:

  • Rents ocean skiffs with 8 HP outboards. The boats hold up to four people.
  • They sell and rent rods and reels.
  • Their tackle shop has everything you need from sinkers and hooks to frozen and live bait.
  • They also rent kayaks and water bikes.


Into the Capitola Surf

Swimming and Surfing at Capitola Beach

Known for is usually light surf, Capital Beach is a favorite place for families to enjoy a relaxed day at the beach. As with virtually everywhere along the California coast, rip currents are always a danger. The gentle surf makes Capitola a good place for launching paddle boards and kayaks. Boogie boarders do well in the area between the small jetty and the large jetty.

Caution: Check with lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities. Avoid swimming in Soquel Creek and close to where it empties into the ocean at Capitola Beach. Water quality in the creek is poor.
Santa Cruz County Water Quality Reports

Surfers find good waves at the far end of the beach near the jetty. The area is popular with beginning surfers, although at low tide rocks can be a danger. Often the water is flat, but at times it can produce 3 to 5 foot waves.
Capitola Beach Cameras

Capitola Beach Company

Rentals for Stand-up Paddle Boards, Surf Boards, Body Boards, Wetsuits, Beach Chairs, and Beach Umbrellas. Look for their rental trailer at Esplanade Park next to the beach.
Surf and Stand-up Paddle Board Lessons
131 Monterey Ave., Capitola, CA
(831) 462-5222 Capitola Beach Company

Capitola Surf and Paddle

Personalized instruction for private or group standup paddle board lessons.
318 Riverview Ave., Capitola, CA
(831) 435-6503 Capitola Surf and Paddle

Art & Wine Festival

September 14-15, 2024
In Capitola Village, two days of fine art, wine, gourmet food, entertainment, children's art. 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (5:00 PM on Sunday)
Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce: Art & Wine Festival

Mermaid Triathlon and Duathlon

October 5, 2024
At Capitola Beach, a women and girls' triathlon and duathlon event beginning at 7:20 AM. (Confirm starting time on Mermaid website.}
Mermaid Series


Capitola Junior Lifeguards - 2024

The Capitola Junior Lifeguard program for ages 9-15 provides instruction in the basic fundamentals of ocean water safety, first aid, lifesaving, fitness and good sportsmanship. Little Guards is offered for ages 6-8.

Junior Lifeguards must be able to swim and be comfortable in the ocean before enrolling in the program. Activities include open water swimming, paddle boarding, body surfing, mock rescues, beach & water games, calisthenics, and work-outs.

Registration Online Only

Returning Resident Guards registration opens in March. Check the website for dates and times: Junior Lifeguards Registration - 2024.

Morning Sessions are from 9:00 AM to Noon, Afternoon from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

2024 Program Schedule

  • Session 1 - June 10 - July 5, 2024 (excluding July 4)
  • Session 2 - July 8 - August 2, 2024

Capitola Junior Lifeguards


Capitola Beach map, Santa Cruz County, California


Capitola Beach Annual Events


Capitola Beach Festival 2024

September 23-24, 2024
The new Capitola Village Beach Festival replaces many of the festivities from the retired Begonia Festival. Events usually include a sand castle contest, rowboat contests, horseshoe tournament, rowboat races, a 3-mile run, fishing derby, and children's art events. Because of winter storm damage, the traditional boat parade has been moved to the beach and rowboat races have been cancelled.

"Expect four lighted barges on the Capitola Beach sand in front of the colorfully tiled seawall. The parade begins at dark with each barge individually lit, performing to their selected music and narration. Winners will receive a donation to their favorite local charity. At sunrise on Friday, the barges arrived and decorating begins."


Capitola Village Events



Annual Capitola Rod & Custom Classic Car Show

June 8, 2024
Held on the Esplanade next to Capitola Beach, features over 300 cars, vendors, music, trophies.
Capitola Rod & Custom Classic

Wharf to Wharf Race

July 28, 2024
Runners follow the traditional course from Santa Cruz wharf to Capitola. Read details about registration on their website:
Wharf to Wharf Race

Art and Music at the Beach

Sundays through the summer
Live music on the Esplanade Stage with local artists' works displayed in the Esplanade Park next to the beach.

Twilight Concerts

Wednesdays, July - September TBA, 2024
On the Esplanade Stage from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, enjoy a variety of music such as western, swing, rock and roll, Latin, jazz, and orchestra. Bring a picnic dinner and chairs and sit at the park or on the beach. Bring warm coats or a blanket as it can get chilly in the evening if the fog rolls in.
Twilight Concerts 2024

Movies on the Beach

September TBA, 2024
Enjoy a movie on the beach. Bring a chair, flashlight, and blanket. Seating begins at 6:30 PM, movie starts at 7:30 PM. Free popcorn from 7:00 to 7:30 PM.
Movies on the Beach



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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety