In Capitola Village, every storefront tells a story—and together, they weave a tapestry of creativity, passion, and coastal charm. This isn’t a place of cookie-cutter chains or corporate sameness. Our streets are lined with locally owned boutiques, galleries, surf shops, wine rooms, and specialty stores, each infused with the heart of the person who built it.
Shopping here is about more than the transaction. It’s about connection. It’s about walking into a shop and being greeted by someone who knows your name, remembers your last purchase, and is genuinely excited to help you find your next favorite thing. Every display is curated with intention, every product has a backstory, and every sale supports a neighbor’s dream.
Style By The Sea
Fashion in Capitola is as diverse as our waves. From the laid-back surf vibes of Capitola Beach Company and Nubia Swimwear to the coastal elegance of Katalina’s Boutique and Sweet Asylum, our apparel stores offer a wardrobe for every mood—whether you’re chasing the tide or dressing for a sunset dinner. Shops like Big Kahuna, Coastal Life, and Sea Level blend comfort and style.
Gifts You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Capitola’s gift and specialty stores are the kind you stumble into and can’t resist leaving without a bag in hand. Capitola Seashells and Rainbow City Limit capture the whimsy of the coast, while Phoebe’s Jewelry & Art and Latta showcase craftsmanship that could only be born here. Santa Cruz Balsamics tempts taste buds with artisan flavors, and Ethos offers sustainable, mindful goods that make gifting feel even better.
A Gallery of Local Talent
Our Village is also an art lover’s haven. Art Inspired, Lumen Gallery, and Tony Pagliaro Gallery each offer their own perspective on coastal beauty, from abstract to photography to locally made jewelry. These spaces aren’t just stores—they’re little museums you can take home with you.
More Than Shopping
The beauty of Capitola Village is how seamlessly shopping blends with dining and leisure. A day of boutique browsing might lead you to Coco Vino for a tasting flight, or to Mr. Toots Coffee & Tea for a latte with a view. You might grab a sweet treat from Carousel Taffy & Treats before heading back to the beach—or a handcrafted gift from Capitola Mercantile to remember your trip.
An Ecosystem of Support
Our businesses don’t just coexist, they collaborate. Visitors might be sent from a boutique to a restaurant for lunch, from a café to a gallery, from a gift shop to a wine tasting. It’s this flow, this interconnected energy, that keeps Capitola’s economy vibrant and our streets full of life.
When you shop here, you’re not just buying something beautiful—you’re preserving a way of life. Every purchase helps a local entrepreneur keep their dream alive, supports local jobs, and ensures that our Village remains the colorful, walkable, one-of-a-kind destination that so many have fallen in love with.
This is the magic of a town full of local dreamers. Individually unique, collectively powerful. And always ready to welcome you in.
Travel Blog and Photos Courtesy of Opposite of East