Capitola

The questions people ask first about Capitola, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
• SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
• Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
• TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
• SafetyCapitola is a low-crime beach town; the real risks are cold water, rip currents…

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• CoffeeCoffee or espresso drink$4–7
• Sit-down mealDinner main in the village$22–40
• Street or quick mealBeachside breakfast$14–22
• BeerDraft beer or glass of wine$8–15
• Metro or bus rideSanta Cruz Metro single ride$2 (check)
• SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–25
• Budget bedHostel or motel bed, a night, per personUS$55
• Mid-range bedVillage or 41st Avenue double room, a night, per roomUS$230
• High-end bedVillage or 41st Avenue double room, a night, per roomUS$420

A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$170 · High US$320

Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

SJC San Jose Mineta International (About 45–60 min by car via Highway 17 and Highway 1; check traffic on summer weekends.) · SFO San Francisco International (About 1 h 45 min–2 h 30 min by car; longer on Friday evenings.) · MRY Monterey Regional (About 45 min south; small, few nonstop routes.)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

$90–140 excl. bed

Mid

$150–250 excl. bed

High

$300+ excl. bed

• Summer weekend parking in the village fills by mid-morning; use the pay lots off Monterey Avenue or park on 41st Avenue and walk down.
• Ocean water here is cold year-round (often 13–16 °C (55–61 °F)): swimming is short, wetsuits are normal for surfing.Ocean water here is cold year-round (often 55–61 °F (13–16 °C)): swimming is short, wetsuits are normal for surfing.
• Rip currents and shorebreak at City Beach and New Brighton; watch children near the wharf pilings.
• Marine layer fog can sit over the bay until midday even in summer — plan beach time for the afternoon.
• Many village kitchens close by 21:00 outside summer; check hours before a late dinner.Many village kitchens close by 9:00 PM outside summer; check hours before a late dinner.