73°
Sunny
0%
72
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.
56°F water · 73°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny. High near 73, with temperatures falling to around 70 in the afternoon. South southwest wind around 6 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Southeast wind 0 to 3 mph.
Weather
- 73°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 56°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
Safety
- UV 11 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
65 /100
good
48 Swim
78 Sunbathe
86 Walk
81 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
73°F
Sunny
Wind
6 mph
SSW
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
11 Extreme
High 11 AM–04 PM · burn in ~18m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
71°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
56°F
Cold
Barometer
30.06 inHg
1018 hPa
Water Quality
Clean
7 cfu/100mL · Fecal Coliform
USGS · sampled 6mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
9:02 AM
Sunset
11:25 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| 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 |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:24 AM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 8:55 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 3:46 PM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 10:07 PM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:36 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 9:33 AM | Low | 1.3 ft |
| 4:29 PM | High | 5.1 ft |
| 11:29 PM | Low | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:08 AM | High | 3.2 ft |
| 10:13 AM | Low | 2.0 ft |
| 5:14 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:45 AM | Low | 1.1 ft |
| 7:02 AM | High | 3.0 ft |
| 11:00 AM | Low | 2.5 ft |
| 6:00 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:49 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 8:48 AM | High | 3.2 ft |
| 11:58 AM | Low | 2.9 ft |
| 6:47 PM | High | 5.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:40 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 9:56 AM | High | 3.4 ft |
| 1:01 PM | Low | 3.1 ft |
| 7:34 PM | High | 5.5 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9413450, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
71°
Mostly Sunny
1%
69
73°
Partly Sunny
1%
72
78°
Mostly Sunny
3%
74
75°
Mostly Sunny
0%
73
76°
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
0%
73
76°
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
0%
74
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 11 — very high
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 56°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