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A Day in Capitola, CA

Capitola offers Surfing, Shopping and Sandwiches

Mar 31, 2009 Sharael Kolberg

In summer, Capitola is filled with sunbathers slathering on sunscreen as they catch some rays and waves. However, winter days offer a sleepier side of this seaside town.

Seagulls swoop through the salty air while children run along the beach trailed by colorful kites. As the sun slips over the horizon, turning the sky a multitude of oranges and reds, the beachside benches host a variety of pizza-loving fanatics enjoying a slice of gooey pizza pie. This is Capitola.

If you're lucky enough to be in Northern California and are looking for a day at the beach that is less known than it's boardwalk-filled neighbor Santa Cruz, be sure to spend a day in charming Capitola.

Some fun ways to enjoy a day in Capitola:

A Relaxing Morning Stroll

9 a.m.

Mr. Toots:Grab a cup of Joe or, if you prefer, a large, non-fat, sugar-free, soy vanilla iced Latte.

10 a.m.

Swimsuit Shopping:Whether you're in the mood for a new bikini or a little more coverage, there are bikini shops abound. Pick up a new suit and head to the sand. If you're already the proud owner of a bikini, browse the many other shops in the village. From art galleries to souvenir shops, it's worth a gander around town even if you're just window shopping.

11 a.m.

Build a Sandcastle: Hit the beach and release your inner child by building a sandcastle, frolicking in the waves or just lounging in the sun.

Yummy Seaside Lunch

Noon:

Pizza on the Beach: Grab a slice of pizza from the local favorite Pizza My Heart and perch yourself on a beachside bench for a million-dollar view of the Pacific Ocean.

1 p.m.

Catch a Wave: Rent a surfboard and charge the waves.

2 p.m.

Cool off with a Scoop of Ice Cream: Saunter over to Souza's Ice Cream and indulge in a chocolate-covered waffle cone filled with jamocha almond fudge.

3 p.m.

Walk the Wharf: Take a stroll to the end of the Capitola wharf for picturesque views of the village. Standing at the end, enjoy the sea breeze as sailboats glide past. In summer, relax with live music on the deck of the Wharf House Restaurant while enjoying lunch or dinner.

A Lazy Afternoon

4 p.m.

Wine Tasting: Check out the selection of Zinfandels at the Armida Winery tasting room. The Somoma-based vineyard is most known for its Poizin wine. The skull and crossbones-decorated bottle sells for $60-$90 and comes in a mini wooden coffin. For another unique label, check out their Surf Zin--appropriate for the Capitola location.

5 p.m.

Dinner at Paradise Beach Grill: End the day with a cheese platter, sushi salad or filet mignon at the Paradise Beach Grill with ocean views from the patio.

6 p.m.

Capture the Sunset on Film: Don't forget to pack your camera as you plunk down in the sand to watch the sun say goodbye to yet another beachy day in Capitola.

The copyright of the article A Day in Capitola, CA in SW U.S./Hawaii Travel is owned by Sharael Kolberg. Permission to republish A Day in Capitola, CA in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.