Two days, plenty of stops, and absolutely no reason to rush.
September might be one of the best times to spend a weekend in our village. The summer feeling is still very much alive, but the pace starts to settle just enough to make you want to stay awhile.
And if your ideal weekend involves good food, something sweet, a drink or two, and plenty of time by the water, we’ve got your plans covered.
Here’s another way to eat your way through Capitola Village.
Saturday Morning: Breakfast First
Start the weekend at Castagnola Deli & Café, a family-owned Village spot just across from Capitola Beach. Grab coffee and breakfast, or pick up something to take with you for a morning by the water. Their menu goes well beyond deli sandwiches, with breakfast items, pastries, smoothies, and coffee drinks too.
Then take your time getting wherever you’re going next. This is Capitola. The scenic route is usually the right one.
Saturday Lunch: Keep It Classic
By lunch, head to El Toro Bravo for a longtime Village favorite, or stop into Britannia Arms Pub & Restaurant for pub fare right in the middle of the action. Both are part of the current Capitola Village dining lineup.
The only real requirement for lunch? Leave room for what comes next.
Saturday Afternoon: Something Sweet
A beach town weekend needs an ice cream stop.
Make your way to Polar Bear Ice Cream for an afternoon scoop before heading back toward the beach. It’s one of those simple Capitola traditions that works at any age, especially when September still feels a whole lot like summer.
Take it to go and wander. No schedule needed.
Saturday Night: Dinner Away From the Esplanade
For dinner, venture a few steps away from the beachfront and settle into Trestles Restaurant.
Located near the Capitola Trestle, Trestles is a dinner-focused spot serving seasonal New American dishes in a setting that feels a little more tucked away from the bustle of the Esplanade. It’s a great choice when you want to turn Saturday night into an actual night out.
And yes, dessert is still allowed after the afternoon ice cream.
Sunday Morning: Coffee With a View
Sunday starts upstairs at Mr Toots Coffeehouse.
It’s easy to walk right past if you don’t know where to look, but head upstairs and you’ll find coffee, pastries, and one of the best little viewpoints over the Village. Grab a seat by the window or outside, sip slowly, and watch Capitola wake up below you.
There are worse ways to spend a Sunday morning.
Sunday Lunch: Margaritas by the Water
Now we’re officially in Sunday mode.
Head to Margaritaville for Mexican-inspired coastal fare, seafood, and, naturally, a margarita. Its waterfront location on the Esplanade makes it an easy place to settle in for lunch while taking in the colorful Village scenery.
At this point, checking the time is optional.
One Last Stop Before You Go
You could head home after lunch.
Or you could stay for one more walk, one more drink, one more scoop of ice cream, or one more hour on the sand.
That’s usually how a weekend in Capitola goes.
September Tastes Pretty Good From Here
A foodie weekend in our village doesn’t need reservations at six different places or a minute-by-minute itinerary. Pick a few spots you haven’t tried, revisit an old favorite, walk everywhere, and leave enough room in the day to change your plans.
There are dozens of places to eat, drink, shop, and explore within the Village, so this is only one version of the perfect weekend.
Come hungry. Stay awhile. And save room for one more stop.
Follow @capitolavillage on Instagram and tag #ExperienceCapitola to share your September in the Village.
Travel Blog and Photos Courtesy of Opposite of East