Attractions
Capitola Village
Right in the heart of Monterey Bay is Capitola Village, a quaint seaside attraction that’s packed with things to do. Sporting a European aesthetic, Capitola village is a highly walkable district that’s a joy to explore. You can go shopping at some of its unique stores, grab a bite to eat at one of its many restaurants, enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the cafes, or just sit and take in the natural beauty of Capitola Beach from an open-air patio.
Shadowbrook
Capitola is home to one of the most unique dining spots in the county: Shadowbrook. Since 1947, this restaurant has served fine cuisine, wines, and liqueurs to the Capitola area. The atmosphere is incredible – elegant wood and stone walls line the building with grand windows overlooking the Soquel Creek. In 1958, a red cable car was added to transport diners into the building. This has since become an iconic Shadowbrook feature, and diners can ride in the gondola transport car to this day.
Art & Wine Festival
For over 35 years, the Capitola community has gotten together to celebrate its annual Art & Wine Festival. Over the course of two days, Capitola Village is filled with music, food, art, and wine. Locals explore the festivities, sampling food and beverages while appreciating the work of over 160 artists that are on display. Fine wines from 22 Santa Cruz wineries are available to be sampled, and you can also visit the Local Artisans Marketplace to find homemade crafts and delicious artisanal foods.
