Capitola Fall Travel Guide: Events, Dining, and Boutique Stays
Capitola has long been a favorite summer beach getaway, but as locals will tell you, early fall is when this seaside village really shines. By September, the fog clears, and the colorful coastal town basks in warm sunshine kissed by cool ocean breezes. With the kids back in school, this is also the time of year when the throngs of tourists disperse, and the village returns to a more leisurely pace.
As California’s oldest seaside resort, Capitola’s nostalgic charm endures in the historic homes and buildings anchoring the village and rising along the hillsides. Stroll the palm-lined village streets to explore local art galleries and boutique shops tucked between cafés and wine bars. A beautiful esplanade curves alongside a row of beachside restaurants and bars before opening to wide, sparkling views of Capitola Beach and the Monterey Bay. In the evenings, couples stroll the esplanade and kick back on park benches to watch the sunset. By day, the soft sand and gentle waves are perfect for building sandcastles, splashing in the surf, or relaxing to the sound of the tide.
Just beyond the beach, explore the quiet waters of Soquel Creek on a stand-up paddleboard or stroll the riverside path lined with colorful homes and flowering gardens. A few hundred yards away, the historic Capitola Wharf offers a prime vantage point for spotting sea otters, seals, and occasional whales.
Fall Festivals & Events
Capitola’s festive fall calendar is packed with even more reasons to visit. At the 42nd annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival, admire the talents of over 150 fine artists while sipping Santa Cruz Mountain wines September 13–14, 2025. Held the last weekend in September, the Capitola Beach Festival is a community favorite featuring sand sculpture contests, paddleboard races, and a twilight boat parade on Soquel Creek. October 18-19, 2025, Women on Waves will take to the water with a surf contest and open-water swim, celebrating women and the local community. November 3-9, 2025, dozens of artists will set up easels to paint the town for the Capitola Plein Air Festival. Visitors can watch works come to life and purchase the paintings at the final exhibition.
Where to Eat
Capitola’s dining scene balances laid-back beach culture with delicious menus. Pete’s Capitola is the newest waterfront restaurant, pairing a seafood-focused, seasonal menu with views of the colorful Capitola Venetians. A relative newcomer, Trestles is a culinary gem celebrated for its seasonal menus showcasing the freshest local ingredients with artful, flavorful dishes. A local legend since 1947, Shadowbrook is built on the banks of Soquel Creek, where a quaint hillside cable car whisks guests to an enchanting fine dining experience. Beloved for its mouth-watering pastries, sandwiches, and prepared foods, Gayle’s Bakery is the go-to for picnic provisions for a day at the beach. La Marea Café & Pizzeria is a tiny, welcoming spot known for its sourdough bagels and indulgent Detroit-style pizza.
Where to Stay
Capitola Hotel
Beneath the swaying palm trees on the esplanade, Capitola Hotel is an oasis of relaxation in the heart of Capitola Village. The small boutique hotel features a courtyard patio with an outdoor fireplace and a trickling fountain. 10 cozy guest rooms are well-appointed with luxurious linens and island-inspired décor. The hotel’s deliciously scented signature bath products add to the appeal and are available for purchase from the front desk. Each morning, the hotel serves a complimentary continental breakfast as well as coffee, tea, and snacks throughout the day. The beach and the village’s charming collection of cafes and shops beckon just outside the door.
Inn at Depot Hill
Perched above Capitola Village, the Inn at Depot Hill was transformed from a vintage train depot to a AAA Four Diamond Luxury Inn showcasing themed rooms and upscale amenities. From the romance of Paris to the serenity of Kyoto, each of the 13 impeccable, lavish guest rooms is decorated in the style of famous travel destinations. The newest guest room, the Depot Suite, is a modern departure with a minimalist color palette, an opulent marble bathroom, and its own private courtyard. All the rooms boast feather beds, Italian linens, and crackling fireplaces. Enjoy an evening wine reception, a full breakfast each morning, and the tranquility of the private garden patio.
Monarch Cove Inn
Set on an oceanfront cliff overlooking the breathtaking curve of the Monterey Bay, Monarch Cove Inn is a two-acre estate filled with century-old flower gardens and a monarch butterfly habitat. A 1895 Victorian mansion houses nine guest rooms, each with its own bathroom and private entrance. The rooms are furnished with a mix of antiques and contemporary amenities, and many feature ocean views. Two pet-friendly cottages tucked behind the main house feature full kitchens and private patios. Stays include a continental breakfast delivered to the room each morning. Guests can stroll the bluffs to Capitola Village or follow the path through the butterfly sanctuary to New Brighton State Beach.