Capitola

A colorful seaside village offering relaxed coastal living, walkability, and timeless charm

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

Welcome to Capitola

Capitola is one of California’s most beloved coastal towns, known for its vibrant seaside village, Mediterranean-inspired architecture, and laid-back beach lifestyle. Tucked along the northern edge of Monterey Bay, this charming community blends small-town warmth with the natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean. From its iconic wharf and pastel-colored buildings to its sandy beaches and oceanfront paths, Capitola feels both lively and effortlessly relaxed.

Despite its intimate size, Capitola offers a lifestyle that feels like a permanent getaway. Residents enjoy walkable streets, ocean breezes, and a strong sense of community—all while remaining conveniently close to Santa Cruz, Highway 1, and Silicon Valley via scenic coastal routes.

What to Love

A true beach-town atmosphere with walkable village living
Colorful architecture and postcard-worthy ocean views
Local shops, cafés, and dining just steps from the sand
A relaxed, friendly community vibe
Easy access to Santa Cruz, coastal recreation, and Highway 1

Local Lifestyle

Life in Capitola moves to the rhythm of the ocean. Mornings often begin with a walk along the Esplanade, coffee in hand, or a sunrise view from the beach. Days are spent surfing, paddleboarding, browsing local boutiques, or simply enjoying the coastal air. Evenings bring oceanfront dining, live music, and sunsets that draw both locals and visitors to the shoreline.

Capitola attracts a mix of full-time residents, second-home owners, creatives, and retirees who value connection, simplicity, and a slower pace of life. The town’s year-round events and festivals reinforce a close-knit community where neighbors gather, celebrate, and linger a little longer.

Dining and Shopping

Capitola Village is the heart of the community, offering a charming collection of locally owned restaurants, cafés, wine bars, and specialty shops. Dining options range from casual beachside bites to elevated coastal cuisine, many with patios overlooking the water.

Boutiques and specialty stores line the village streets, featuring coastal décor, apparel, art, and gifts that reflect Capitola’s playful, beach-forward personality. Shopping here is personal and unhurried, reinforcing the town’s village feel rather than a commercial atmosphere.

Things to Do and Recreation

Outdoor living is central to life in Capitola. Capitola Beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beginner-friendly surfing, while the Capitola Wharf offers fishing, scenic strolls, and unbeatable ocean views. The nearby coastal trail system connects residents to scenic walks and bike rides with sweeping views of Monterey Bay.

Beyond the beach, residents enjoy nearby parks, open spaces, and quick access to Santa Cruz’s cultural attractions, surfing spots, and redwood trails. Seasonal events such as festivals, art shows, and holiday celebrations bring energy and color to the village throughout the year.

Schools

Capitola is served by the Soquel Union Elementary School District and Santa Cruz City High School District, providing local public school options for families. Schools in the area are supported by strong community involvement and benefit from the town’s close-knit atmosphere.

Families also have access to private and alternative education options throughout the greater Santa Cruz area, offering a range of academic paths within a short drive.

Property Listings

Price

Living Area

For Sale

MLS® ML82022907

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 Kelly’s Deli, Areperia 831, and Sante Arcangeli Family Wines.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Kelly’s Deli page on Yelp Search 2600 41st Ave on Google Maps	Dining	0.76 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Areperia 831 page on Yelp	Dining	4.14 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Sante Arcangeli Family Wines page on Yelp Search Aptos Village Way on Google Maps	Dining	2.94 miles	9 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Santa Cruz Somatic Bodywork & Yoga page on Yelp Search 108 Locust St on Google Maps	Active	4.04 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Paradigm Sport page on Yelp Search 120 Dubois St on Google Maps	Active	4.74 miles	33 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Jenny Putt, PT CMP page on Yelp	Active	4.84 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Holistic Sister page on Yelp	Active	4.14 miles	23 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Spenga page on Yelp Search 335 Soquel Ave on Google Maps	Active	3.65 miles	9 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Awakening Chi page on Yelp Search 1060 River St on Google Maps	Active	4.26 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Cristiano's Personal Training Studio page on Yelp Search 2800 South Rodeo Gulch Rd on Google Maps	Active	1.06 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Manirose Bobisuthi Hair Design page on Yelp Search 540 B Soquel Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	3.51 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Alcinda Walters page on Yelp Search 303 Potrero St on Google Maps	Beauty	4.24 miles	13 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Krishna Leikind, CMT page on Yelp	Beauty	4.63 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Binx Wax page on Yelp Search 1840 41st Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	0.57 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Lash Queen Colleen page on Yelp Search 6892B Soquel Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	0.97 miles	9 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Lara Caldas Hair page on Yelp Search 1220 41st Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	0.75 miles	11 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Beauty By Tanika page on Yelp	Beauty	4.24 miles	5 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