There’s something about Capitola Village that feels timeless. Maybe it’s the way the sun hits the colorful buildings, or the familiar curve of the shoreline that locals and visitors alike have strolled for generations. But the magic of our Village isn’t just in the view; it’s in the history that runs as deep as the tides.
A Coastal Retreat From the Beginning
Long before Capitola became the California coastal destination it’s known as today, the Soquel Native Americans lived along these shores for more than 2,000 years, connected to the land and the water in ways we can still feel. After California gained statehood, the mouth of the Soquel Creek became a bustling shipping point known as Soquel Landing.
In 1856, Santa Cruz County pioneer Frederick Hihn purchased the land and built the first wharf, setting the stage for something truly special. By 1882, Hihn had transformed the area into one of the West Coast’s premier resorts, complete with cabins, a skating rink, hotel, theater, and bandstand. Visitors arrived by car and by train, eager to experience the fresh sea air and a little escape from everyday life.
California’s Oldest Seaside Resort Town
Today, Capitola proudly holds the title of California’s oldest seaside resort town. For more than a century, our Village has been a destination for those seeking a picturesque, quaint, and relaxing escape. The seasons bring their own rhythms: sleepy winter mornings by the fire, bustling summer afternoons on the sand. Yet the heart of the Village remains the same — a place to connect, explore, and savor life by the water.
Our colorful architecture, reminiscent of a Mediterranean village, is more than just beautiful; it’s a reflection of the creativity, culture, and care that have shaped Capitola over the decades. Every street, every storefront, every stretch of beach carries a story.
Celebrating and Preserving Our Story
We’re deeply proud of our history, and thanks to the Capitola Historical Museum, much of it is lovingly preserved. The museum offers an annual major exhibition on the history and art of the area, as well as a rotating selection of artifacts and photographs that bring our past to life. Visitors can step inside a fully furnished 1907 Beach Cottage, explore an early 20th-century Bath House, or browse collections at the Capitola Library.
The museum’s work ensures that the architecture, culture, and stories that built this town continue to inspire future generations and remind all of us why this place is so special.
Why We’re Proud to Call This Home
Capitola Village is more than a postcard-perfect beach town; it’s a living, breathing story of resilience, community, and creativity. It’s a place where history is not just remembered, but woven into daily life. We shop at boutiques in century-old buildings, dine along a creek where schooners once docked, and watch sunsets from the same sand that’s drawn people here for over 100 years.
For those of us lucky enough to live and work here, the pride runs deep. And for those who visit, we hope you feel a piece of that magic too, because once you’ve experienced Capitola, it has a way of finding a place in your heart.
Travel Blog and Photos Courtesy of Opposite of East