Nestled along the shores of Monterey Bay, Capitola is a coastal treasure that transports visitors straight to the Italian Riviera without leaving California. This colorful seaside village, established in 1874 as California’s first beach resort, combines Mediterranean-inspired architecture with laid-back coastal charm. From its iconic pastel-colored Venetian Court to its vibrant waterfront scene, Capitola offers a slice of European elegance with a distinctly Californian twist.
Venetian Court: A Rainbow of Mediterranean Splendor
Standing proudly along Capitola’s beachfront since 1924, the Venetian Court apartments represent the crown jewel of this seaside village’s European aesthetic. Their pastel facades—painted in cheerful pinks, yellows, blues, and greens—create a postcard-worthy panorama that mirrors the colorful fishing villages of Italy’s Cinque Terre. Architect Henry Allen Rispin designed these Spanish Colonial Revival condominiums as part of his vision to transform Capitola into a premier resort destination. The complex earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, cementing its historical significance. Visitors can rent some of these historic units for an authentic stay, waking up to ocean views and the sound of waves just steps from their door. Few American beach towns boast such a distinctive architectural landmark that so perfectly captures Mediterranean romance.
Capitola Village: Charming Streets and Seaside Shopping
Wander through Capitola Village and you might forget you’re in California altogether. Narrow pedestrian streets lined with boutiques, art galleries, and sidewalk cafés create an atmosphere reminiscent of a European coastal town rather than a Pacific beach destination. Local shops sell everything from handcrafted jewelry to coastal-inspired home décor, perfect for bringing a piece of Capitola’s magic home with you. The village’s layout encourages unhurried exploration, with hidden courtyards and unexpected ocean views around many corners. Esplanade Park offers a lovely spot to relax with gelato while watching surfers catch waves. During summer evenings, free concerts fill the air with music as the setting sun paints the village in golden light. The absence of major chain stores preserves the authentic character that makes Capitola feel worlds away from ordinary beach towns.
Culinary Delights: Mediterranean Flavors Meet Fresh Seafood
A meal in Capitola offers the perfect marriage of California’s bounty and Mediterranean culinary traditions. Seafood restaurants perched above the waves serve locally-caught fish with Italian and Spanish-inspired preparations—think cioppino brimming with Monterey Bay treasures or paella studded with local shellfish. Shadowbrook Restaurant, accessible by its famous hillside cable car, has been a romantic dining destination since 1947. Its terraced gardens and creek-side setting create an ambiance worthy of any European riviera restaurant. Wine lovers appreciate the proximity to Santa Cruz Mountains vineyards, with many local restaurants featuring regional wines that pair beautifully with coastal cuisine. For a casual experience, nothing beats enjoying wood-fired pizza or fresh oysters at a beachfront café while watching the sunset paint Capitola’s colorful buildings in even more vibrant hues.
Capitola Beach: A Sheltered Bay of Mediterranean Blue
Unlike the rugged, dramatic beaches typical of Northern California, Capitola’s main beach nestles within a protected cove that creates gentler waters reminiscent of Mediterranean bathing spots. The sandy crescent curves beneath the colorful Venetian Court, framed by the Capitola Wharf extending into waters that shift between deep blue and turquoise depending on the light. Families appreciate the relatively calm swimming conditions, while surfers find consistent waves at the beach’s eastern end. Soquel Creek meets the ocean here, creating a picturesque lagoon where children often paddle in shallow waters. Summer weekends bring a festive atmosphere with beach volleyball games, sandcastle building, and musicians occasionally performing impromptu concerts. The absence of high-rise buildings preserves the intimate scale that enhances Capitola’s European village feel, making this beach an essential part of the town’s Mediterranean-inspired identity.
Seasonal Festivals: Celebrating the Riviera Spirit
The Begonia Festival once transformed Capitola into a floating garden each September, with flower-adorned floats drifting down Soquel Creek in a tradition that captured the festive spirit found in many Mediterranean coastal towns. Though this beloved event ended in 2017 after nearly 65 years due to the closure of the begonia growing facility, its legacy lives on in Capitola’s festival culture. Today, the Capitola Art & Wine Festival continues the celebratory tradition each September. Local vintners pour their finest selections while artists display works that often capture the town’s distinctive coastal beauty. Live music fills the village streets as visitors stroll between tasting stations. The Wharf to Wharf Race, running from Santa Cruz to Capitola, brings thousands of participants each July in a festive atmosphere that rivals any Italian coastal celebration. These events reinforce the community bonds and joie de vivre that make Capitola feel like a Mediterranean village transplanted to California shores.
