Skip to content

Capitola Beach & Village

ExploreCapitola, South Bay4.6/5

About This Place

A charming protected cove beach in the oldest seaside resort on the Pacific Coast. The calm, mellow waves are perfect for first-time surfers and young swimmers. The colorful Venetian-style village has shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlors.

Info

Age Range

0-2, 2-5, 5-8, 8-12

Venue Type

Outdoor

Price Level

Free

Best Time

Summer for swimming; year-round for village exploring

Parking

Paid parking in village lots. Arrive early in summer as spots fill fast.

Tips

About 1.5 hours from SF. Summer concerts on the bandstand and outdoor movies. Beach is in a protected cove so waves are gentler.

Stroller FriendlyChanging StationDining On SiteReservation Needed--

Tags

beachvillageswimmingshoppingday-trip
Official Website

Location

Capitola, South BayGet Directions

Similar Places

Elkhorn Slough Safari

explore
Moss Landing4.8

A family-friendly 90-minute pontoon boat tour through Elkhorn Slough wetlands featuring playful sea otters, curious seals, and dozens of bird species. A trained naturalist narrates, and complimentary binoculars and refreshments are provided.

2-5, 5-8, 8-12Outdoor$$
boat-tourwildlifesea-otterswetlandsnature

Kirby Cove Campground

explore
Sausalito4.8

An incredibly scenic campground with just 5 sites directly below the Golden Gate Bridge. A small beach offers stunning bridge views. Most sought-after camping near SF.

5-8, 8-12Outdoor$
campinggolden-gate-bridgebeachscenicunique

Lands End Trail & Sutro Baths

explore
San Francisco4.8

A spectacular 1.3-mile coastal trail with sweeping Golden Gate Bridge views, mysterious Sutro Baths ruins, and hidden shipwrecks visible at low tide. The Visitor Center has restrooms, maps, and a cafe for families to refuel.

2-5, 5-8, 8-12Outdoorfree
hikingscenicgolden-gate-bridgeruinscoastal

Monterey Bay Aquarium

explore
Monterey4.8

One of the world's best aquariums with breathtaking exhibits including a massive kelp forest, sea otter exhibit, and Open Sea tank. The Splash Zone area is designed specifically for toddlers with touchpools and interactive play.

All AgesIndoor$$$
aquariumoceanottersday-tripworld-class