76°
Mostly Cloudy
1%
70
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 photography.
59°F water · 76°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly cloudy. High near 76, with temperatures falling to around 73 in the afternoon. South wind around 3 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. East southeast wind around 1 mph.
Weather
- 76°F air — ideal beach weather
- Cloud cover — overcast reduces uv exposure but the vibe too
Water
- 59°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
- 4.3ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- UV 10 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
58 /100
good
39 Swim
71 Sunbathe
82 Walk
86 Photo
Best for photography today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
76°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
3 mph
S
Rain
1%
Today
UV Peak
10 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~20m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
81°F
Partly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
59°F
Cold
Next High Tide
9:01 PM
6.9 ft · in 5.7h
Wave Height
4.3 ft
15s · SSW swell
Barometer
29.94 inHg
1014 hPa
Water Quality
Clean
7 cfu/100mL · Fecal Coliform
USGS · sampled 6mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
8:57 AM
Sunset
11:28 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:55 AM | Low | -1.3 ft |
| 10:51 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 2:35 PM | Low | 2.8 ft |
| 9:01 PM | High | 6.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:43 AM | Low | -1.6 ft |
| 11:36 AM | High | 3.9 ft |
| 3:36 PM | Low | 2.7 ft |
| 9:54 PM | High | 7.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:29 AM | Low | -1.7 ft |
| 12:18 PM | High | 4.0 ft |
| 4:36 PM | Low | 2.6 ft |
| 10:45 PM | High | 6.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:14 AM | Low | -1.6 ft |
| 12:59 PM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 5:36 PM | Low | 2.4 ft |
| 11:37 PM | High | 6.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:56 AM | Low | -1.3 ft |
| 1:40 PM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 6:37 PM | Low | 2.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:29 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 7:37 AM | Low | -0.8 ft |
| 2:21 PM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 7:41 PM | Low | 2.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:23 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 8:17 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 3:03 PM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 8:50 PM | Low | 2.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9413450, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
81°
Partly Sunny
4%
77
82°
Sunny
1%
77
83°
Mostly Sunny
0%
77
76°
Mostly Sunny
1%
76
75°
Mostly Sunny
4%
75
76°
Partly Sunny
3%
76
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 10 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 59°F — dangerously cold
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