93°
Sunny
1%
73
Santa Cruz County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Capitola Beach
201 Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010
Picturesque half-moon beach fronting the colorful Venetian Court cottages in Capitola Village, one of the oldest seaside resorts on the Pacific Coast. Calm water from the wharf shelter.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
Hot — hydrate and seek shade
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny. High near 93, with temperatures falling to around 91 in the afternoon. West southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. North wind around 3 mph.
Weather
- 93°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 5.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
73 /100
great
68 Sunbathe
80 Walk
77 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.6 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
93°F
Sunny
Wind
5 mph
WSW
Rain
1%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
84°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Next High Tide
9:47 PM
5.9 ft · in 2.5h
Wave Height
5.6 ft
9s · NW swell
Barometer
30.04 inHg
1017 hPa · buoy 46042
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:45 AM
Sunset
7:25 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:57 AM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 10:25 AM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 3:47 PM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| 9:47 PM | High | 5.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:35 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 10:56 AM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 4:37 PM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 10:37 PM | High | 5.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:09 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 11:25 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 5:26 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 11:27 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:42 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 11:55 AM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 6:14 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:17 AM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 6:13 AM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 12:26 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 7:02 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:11 AM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 6:42 AM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| 12:57 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 7:53 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:12 AM | High | 3.9 ft |
| 7:11 AM | Low | 2.4 ft |
| 1:30 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 8:48 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9413450, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
84°
Mostly Sunny
2%
85
78°
Mostly Sunny
0%
86
75°
Sunny
0%
84
77°
Sunny
0%
85
75°
Sunny
0%
85
71°
Mostly Sunny
0%
80
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 93°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Beach and Village Lots 1 & 2 at $1/hr; metered village spots at $2/hr.
Dogs
No dogs on Capitola Beach (strictly enforced); dog-friendly Hooper Beach is just west of the fishing pier.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
201 Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Capitola Beach today?
Capitola Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Capitola Beach dog-friendly?
No dogs on Capitola Beach (strictly enforced); dog-friendly Hooper Beach is just west of the fishing pier.
Is there an entry fee at Capitola Beach?
Entry to Capitola Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Capitola Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Capitola Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Capitola Beach?
Amenities at Capitola Beach include restrooms, showers, lifeguard tower.
When is the water warmest at Capitola Beach?
The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.
Where is Capitola Beach located?
Capitola Beach is in Santa Cruz County, CA, at 201 Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS