74°
Mostly Sunny
0%
85
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
Ideal for a beach walk.
14.4ft waves · 74°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny. High near 74, with temperatures falling to around 69 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 1 to 5 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. North wind 2 to 6 mph.
Weather
- 74°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Safety
- 14.4ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
85 /100
ideal
85 Sunbathe
87 Walk
83 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.8 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
74°F
Mostly Sunny
Wind
1 to 5 mph
SW
Rain
0%
Today
Air Quality
18 Good
Ozone · Santa Cruz
UV Peak
4 Moderate
Peaks 12 PM · burn in ~50m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 03 PM
Tomorrow
76°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Next High Tide
9:52 PM
4.0 ft · in 3.3h
Wave Height
14.4 ft
15s · WNW swell
Barometer
30.08 inHg
1019 hPa · buoy 46042
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:38 AM
Sunset
5:04 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:12 AM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| 8:28 AM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 3:30 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 9:52 PM | High | 4.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:44 AM | Low | 2.2 ft |
| 8:56 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 4:09 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 10:44 PM | High | 3.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:15 AM | Low | 2.6 ft |
| 9:24 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 4:47 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 11:36 PM | High | 3.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:46 AM | Low | 2.9 ft |
| 9:52 AM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 5:26 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:28 AM | High | 3.8 ft |
| 4:17 AM | Low | 3.2 ft |
| 10:23 AM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 6:06 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:25 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 4:51 AM | Low | 3.3 ft |
| 10:56 AM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 6:49 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:26 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 5:30 AM | Low | 3.4 ft |
| 11:34 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 7:35 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9413450, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
76°
Mostly Sunny
0%
85
76°
Mostly Sunny
0%
85
77°
Sunny
0%
86
78°
Sunny
0%
87
72°
Mostly Sunny
14%
78
70°
Chance Light Rain
30%
60
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
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