River Views and Beachside Beauty

Capitola is best known for its lively beach, colorful village, and lineup of cute shops and restaurants. But wander just a little farther and you’ll find a lovely creekside stroll that makes for a perfect, family-friendly outing of views, sweets, and sand.

An easy place to start is the parking lot of the CVS on Bay Avenue in Capitola. A short paved path behind the lot leads past tiny Peery Park along Soquel Creek and onto Riverview Drive, a quiet neighborhood street that guides you toward Capitola Village. Turn right at the stop sign onto Riverview Avenue, then look for the public access path along Soquel Creek. Many of the homes here—mostly vacation rentals—have creek access, and you’ll likely spot kayaks ready to launch.

The riverside path pops you right into Capitola Village after an easy 0.6-mile walk from the parking lot. Mr. Toots Coffeehouse is a great stop for a treat. Climb the staircase to reach this cozy coffee spot, where kids can enjoy puzzles, books, and a relaxed atmosphere.Want to keep the outing going? Stroll onto the beach and soak up classic Capitola views, including the colorful beachfront condos, the wharf, and the vibrant village scene. A little sand time is fun at any age, and in any season.

Story and photos by Genevieve Herry.