There is something special that happens when you choose to shop small. You feel it the moment you step into our village. The streets are colorful, the ocean breeze is soft, and every storefront is filled with creativity, care, and the work of real people who pour their hearts into what they do.
Shopping locally is more than checking items off a holiday list. It is choosing community. It is choosing charm. It is choosing to support the people who make Capitola feel like a place you want to come back to again and again.
Shopping Local Supports Real People
Every boutique in Capitola Village has a story. Many are family owned. Many were dreamed up by artists, makers, and long-time locals who decided to carve out a little corner of the Village to share what they love. When you shop with them, you help keep those stories alive.
You Find Things You Cannot Get Anywhere Else
Local shopping means discovering pieces that feel meaningful. Handmade jewelry. Coastal home accents. Thoughtfully curated fashion. Gifts that carry a sense of place. These items travel home with you as memories, not just purchases.
Your Dollars Stay Right Here
Every time you shop local, you help the Village thrive. Your dollars support local jobs, local families, and the local economy. It keeps storefronts full, sidewalks lively, and the Village experience warm and welcoming.
You Strengthen the Community
Inside a small shop, you are more than a transaction. You get a hello, a real conversation, and sometimes even a recommendation for dinner or a new beach walk you have never tried. These small connections build the friendly spirit that makes Capitola feel like home.
Local Spots to Explore in Capitola Village
Here are just a few places that capture the magic of shopping small.
Lumen Gallery
A beautiful blend of art, jewelry, and inspiring gifts. Lumen is where you find pieces that feel personal and lasting. Every corner sparks curiosity. Every item has a story. It is the perfect stop for unique gifts that feel elevated and thoughtful.
Capitola Beach Company
A vibrant shop filled with surf inspired apparel, local goods, and coastal essentials. It carries the spirit of Capitola in every hoodie, hat, and handcrafted item. If you want something that feels like a slice of beach life, this is the place.
Craft Gallery
A long time Village favorite that showcases handmade work from local and regional artists. Pottery, glass pieces, jewelry, ceramics, and gifts that feel crafted with intention. You walk in expecting to browse and leave with something meaningful.
Capitola Candy Cafe
A whimsical stop for sweets that feel nostalgic and joyful. From chocolates to caramel apples to classic treats, this shop is pure charm and the perfect place to pick up stocking stuffers or little surprises.
The Village Shines Brighter When You Shop Here
The holidays feel different in Capitola. The streets glow with lights, the stores feel warm and welcoming, and every purchase you make supports the people who make this Village special.
So grab a warm drink, take a slow stroll through our village, and enjoy the experience of finding gifts that support local dreams. When you shop here, you help keep Capitola creative, colorful, and full of life.
Travel Blog and Photos Courtesy of Opposite of East