Things To Do
Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria **MUST DO**
YOU MUST GO HERE BEFORE YOU LEAVE!!! It has prepackaged food if you want to take it down to the beach. It has the best coffee.... not to brag, it's one of Oprah's favorites, so you know it's fire. Gayle is also our neighbor, so please check it out! Everything is so so delicious and you can always take it back to your hotel/airbnb and you won't be sad. **Note - if you're grabbing and going, you can just go to the coffee counter instead of getting a number and waiting at the counter.
Shadowbrook Restaurant
Shadowbrook is considered the shining star of Capitola. It's such a fun place and I've been going there since I was a little girl. They have a great HH. Recommendations, scallops, flatbread, and some lovely white fish. Honestly, everything here is yummers and you have to take the elevator down #iconic. It's a super fun and silly time. Plus you can peep on our house, it's directly across the estuary.
Left Coast Sausage Worx
Josh is the best, he owns this joint and the brewery down the way (brewtopia). There is no better hotdog (other than a slizzy from Costco). He's super nice and has great beer recs. Grab a dog, a beer, maybe some chips, and walk yourself down to the pier and watch the surfers!
La Marea (skip Mr. Toots and go here instead for coffee downtown)
NOTE - this place closes at noon, so you'll want to get there slightly early. They have great coffee, super yummy pastries and they're right downtown, which means you can grab a light breakfast and walk down to the water.
Paradise Beach Grille
One of our favorite places to go when we would visit. The coconut shrimp and Heavenly Turkey Club are great. Bonus you can see the ocean if you sit outside and it's dog friendly!
Places that may not be worth the hype....
- Zelda's is really not great unless you just want to sit and grab a drink. I've also been pooped on there by a bird. - Mr Toots has not so great coffee, and the pastries aren't awesome - Sandbar is great for an after party, but the food isn't always consistent When in doubt feel free to text us and we'll happily give you more recs!
Mijo's Taqueria
Best fish tacos in capitola, we've literally done the legwork on this one. It's quick, easy, and portable. Phil's fave here is the Mijo's burrito, but be warned it's spicy.
Trestles Restaurant
Trestles is great, they use a lot of seasonal food and it's a really fun time. There is also a super cute wine bar on the other side of the street. The wine bar is great for an after dinner beverage by their outdoor fire.
SWEET TOOTH - Polar Bear Ice Cream
Great ice cream and very local!
Pizza My Heart
Great spot to grab a slice if you want to head down to the water.
Mercantile Arcade
Wanna get your game on, head over to the local arcade. Great spot for the kiddos and very close to the beach if you have some free time or want to get out of the sun!
Britannia Arms Of Capitola
Right by the water, a view you can't beat! Local fave is the fish and chips.
Erik's DeliCafe of Santa Cruz - Soquel Drive
This is a staple for Phil and me, we love their sandwiches and will try to convince everyone to do all the alternatives you can think of! Admittedly, we have only ever ordered this from ubeeats :/