Where is Capitola, California

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Capitola is a coastal city in Santa Cruz County on California's Central Coast. It is about 4 miles east of Santa Cruz and 75 miles south of San Francisco. The city is known for Capitola Beach, colorful seaside buildings, the historic Capitola Village, and its setting along Monterey Bay.

Location Map of Capitola, Santa Cruz County, California

Where is Capitola Located in Santa Cruz County, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Capitola in Santa Cruz County, in the U.S. state of California.

Capitola Map, California

About Capitola Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Capitola in Santa Cruz County, California. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Capitola Located?

Capitola is a city located in Santa Cruz County, California, the United States. It is about 4 miles east of Santa Cruz and 75 miles south of San Francisco. Capitola is located at approximately 36.9752° North latitude and 121.9530° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 9,465 residents, and the city covers about 1.72 square miles (4.45 sq km). Capitola Beach and Monterey Bay are major geographic landmarks along the city's western and southern edges. Capitola was incorporated in 1949 and grew from an early seaside resort community established in the 19th century. The city is one of California's oldest coastal resort communities and is known for its colorful waterfront buildings and historic village atmosphere.

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Capitola City Facts

FactDetails
CityCapitola
StateCalifornia
CountySanta Cruz County
CountryUnited States
RegionCentral Coast / Monterey Bay
Incorporated1949
Founded1869
Total Area1.72 sq mi (4.45 sq km)
Land Area1.70 sq mi (4.40 sq km)
Water Area0.02 sq mi (0.05 sq km)
ElevationAbout 23 ft (7 m)
Population (2023 estimate)9,500
Population (2020 Census)9,465
Population Density5,568 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Standard Time (PST); Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)
ZIP Codes95010
Area Code831
Major HighwaysState Route 1, State Route 17
Public TransitSanta Cruz Metropolitan Transit District
Major AttractionsCapitola Village, Capitola Beach, Capitola Wharf, New Brighton State Beach
Official Websitehttps://www.cityofcapitola.org/

Distance from Capitola, CA to Nearby Cities

  • Santa Cruz, CA – 4 miles (6 km)
  • Soquel, CA – 2 miles (3 km)
  • Aptos, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Watsonville, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Scotts Valley, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Ben Lomond, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Los Gatos, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Gilroy, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Salinas, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Monterey, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • San Jose, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Half Moon Bay, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
  • Santa Clara, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
  • San Mateo, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
  • San Francisco, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Oakland, CA – 75 miles (121 km)

Top Attractions in Capitola

  • Capitola Village – Historic seaside district with colorful buildings, shops, restaurants, and views of Monterey Bay.
  • Capitola Beach – Popular sandy beach located beside the historic village and Capitola Wharf.
  • Capitola Wharf – Historic pier extending into Monterey Bay and a popular spot for fishing and coastal views.
  • New Brighton State Beach – Nearby beach and campground with cliffs, trails, and views across Monterey Bay.
  • Capitola Historical Museum – Local museum documenting the city's resort history and development.
  • Esplanade Park – Waterfront park in Capitola Village with benches, lawns, and ocean views.
  • Seacliff State Beach – Nearby state beach known for its pier and the remains of the SS Palo Alto.
  • Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary – Protected marine area supporting diverse ocean wildlife along the central California coast.

Airports Near Capitola

  • Watsonville Municipal Airport (WVI) – 15 miles
  • Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) – 35 miles
  • San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) – 40 miles
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 70 miles
  • Oakland International Airport (OAK) – 75 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of Capitola website and local government records.

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