The Best Hotels in Capitola, California
Whether you’re exploring Monterey Bay or enjoying the boardwalk in Santa Cruz, Capitola offers a charming combo of colorful buildings, natural wonders and surf culture. Read on to discover the best hotels Capitola, California — bookable with Culture Trip.
Just east of Santa Cruz on the coast of Monterey Bay, Capitola merges quaint European charm with old-school surf vibes. With kaleidoscope-like architecture, flower-laden streets, craveable fare, cozy boutique stores and galleries – and, of course, a sandy beach – Capitola is a secret seaside gem waiting to be uncovered. Here are the top hotels for travelers looking to soak up the coastal sun.
1. Capitola Hotel
Independent Hotel
Hearkening back to the rise of Capitola’s surf culture and tight-knit community, the Capitola Hotel provides a window into the past with historic photos dating from the 1800s and industrial touches throughout the bright white hotel, located in the center of the village. Each of the 10 rooms is uniquely decorated with nautical touches, and the home-away-from-home feeling extends past the rooms: the Capitola Hotel offers complimentary breakfast, afternoon cookies and a weekend cheese service.
2. Capitola Venetian Hotel
Boutique Hotel
Capitola’s postcard-view of colorful pastel homes evocative of the Mediterranean coastline is by virtue of the Capitola Venetian Hotel’s unmistakable facade. The charming and vibrant hotel rooms are adorned with hand-carved Venetian doors and maritime decor, offer Pacific Ocean views and step directly into the warm sand. Local galleries, boutiques and restaurants are just a short walk away from the rooms and suites.
4. Babbling Brook Inn
Inn
A former 18th-century corn grist mill, the Babbling Brook Inn’s quaint, wood-shingled property runs along a small creek, surrounded by redwoods and pine trees. Cozy rooms are individually themed, drawing inspiration from artists such as Renoir, Monet and Cézanne. Paintings line the walls of rooms, all of which are outfitted with fireplaces to curl up beside after a day of exploring. Stroll along Babbling Brook Inn’s pathways to discover the covered bridge, rustic water wheel and serene garden gazebo.
5. Chaminade Resort and Spa
Resort
A quiet and remote 300-acre (120ha) storybook sanctuary in Santa Cruz, the hilltop resort pays homage to California’s mission history, with bold, colorful tiles, a grand stairway, exposed wood beams and Spanish arches. Aptly named, the View offers al fresco dining under fairy lights with scenic views of both Monterey Bay and the rolling Santa Cruz Mountains. For an active experience, stroll along the redwood and eucalyptus-lined hiking trails or challenge your fellow travelers to a game of disc golf, tennis or pickleball.
6. Sea and Sand Inn
Inn
Located along a waterfront bluff, every room at the Sea & Sand Inn features a commanding ocean view and a cozy fireplace. Spa rooms and suites include private hot tubs to take in the ocean view in a new way. Soak up the California sun on the inn’s spiffy grass terrace after enjoying a complimentary continental breakfast or afternoon wine and cheese. The seaside property is just a short walk from Santa Cruz’s nearby colorful, bustling wharf and boardwalk.
7. Inn at Depot Hill
Inn
Housed in a former railroad depot, the Inn at Depot Hill transports guests beyond Capitola with whimsical themed destination rooms, including Paris, Portofino, Costa del Sol and Kyoto. The inn offers daily breakfast and evening appetizers and wine, to be enjoyed in the luxe dining room and charming garden patio. In-room fireplaces and plush bathrobes offer a sense of respite and relaxation, but for more adventure, Capitola’s beachside village is just a short distance away.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
