Experience the Best of Capitola

101 Grand Ave’s coastal location offers stunning opportunities for hiking and walking along the shoreline, with several popular paths accessible from your apartment. These routes provide breathtaking views of Monterey Bay, opportunities to spot wildlife like seals and dolphins, and easy access to local beaches.  

Popular Paths:  

Capitola Village to New Brighton State Beach (Tide Pool Walk):   

Starting just 0.3 miles from 101 Grand Ave, walk along Capitola City Beach and continue during low tide toward New Brighton State Beach (about 1.5 miles one way). This route allows you to explore tide pools and search for fossils along the cliffs. Check tide schedules for safe exploration.  

Soquel Creek Foot Path:   

A leisurely 1-mile walk along Soquel Creek, starting near the Stockton Bridge (0.4 miles from 101 Grand Ave), offers a peaceful stroll with opportunities to feed ducks or spot local wildlife like herons and egrets. This path is flat and family-friendly, ideal for a relaxed walk.  

Monterey Bay Coastal Trail:   

This trail extends from Capitola Village to Santa Cruz, offering a flat, paved path with ocean views. The section from Capitola to Pleasure Point (about 2 miles one way) is popular for its surf-watching spots and coastal charm.  

Most trails start within 0.3-1 mile (5-15 minutes walking), but you can always head down the steps to the beach and enjoy a stroll along the water, where you can watch surfers ride the waves and take in the coastal views.  

Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, bring a light jacket for changing coastal weather, and carry binoculars for birdwatching or spotting marine life. Always check for safe conditions with lifeguards before exploring tide pools. 

Exploring Capitola on an e-bike is a fantastic way to enjoy the coastal scenery without the physical strain of traditional biking or walking. At 101 Grand Ave, we encourage you to take advantage of our curated amenities, including complimentary e-bikes available. These e-bikes are perfect for cruising along scenic paths like:  

West Cliff Drive: A 3-mile, flat, paved bike path from Capitola to Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz, offering stunning ocean views and surf-watching at Steamer Lane.  

East Cliff Drive: A 1-mile, family-friendly route from Capitola Village to Pleasure Point, passing iconic surf breaks and beaches like Seabright. This path is ideal for a leisurely ride with stops for picnics or coffee at local cafes like Point Market.  

San Lorenzo Riverwalk: A 2.5-mile urban trail connecting Capitola to downtown Santa Cruz, offering a mix of river and city views, with easy access to shops and restaurants.  

All of these paths start within 0.3 - 1 miles of 101 Grand and are easy to access.  

Tips: Always wear a helmet, stay on designated bike paths, and keep right to share the trail with pedestrians. Charge e-bikes before long rides, and stop at local eateries like Gayle’s Bakery for a quick bite.  

Fishing is a popular activity in Capitola, with the Capitola Wharf (0.4 miles from 101 Grand Ave) being the prime spot for anglers. No fishing license is required when casting from the wharf, making it accessible for all. Common catches include perch, cabezon, and rockfish, with the best fishing often occurring during tide changes. For a more adventurous experience, rent a boat to fish in the deeper waters of Monterey Bay, where you’ll need a fishing license.   

Distance from 101 Grand Ave: 0.4 miles (8-minute walk or 3-minute bike ride).  

Equipment Rentals:  

Capitola Boat and Bait:  

Located on the wharf at 1400 Wharf Rd, they rent rods, reels, and ocean skiffs (8 HP, up to 4 people) and sell bait and tackle. Visit their website here.   

While there are no golf courses directly in Capitola, several excellent options are within a short drive from 101 Grand Ave, offering scenic courses for golfers of all levels.  

Seascape Golf Club:   

Located 4.5 miles away (10-minute drive) at 610 Clubhouse Dr, Aptos, CA, this 18-hole, par-71 course features rolling fairways with ocean views. It’s suitable for all skill levels and offers a pro shop and dining. Visit their website here.  

Pasatiempo Golf Club:  

Located about 5 miles away (12-minute drive) at 20 Clubhouse Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, this historic 18-hole course, designed by Alister MacKenzie, is a challenging yet rewarding option for experienced golfers. Visit their website here.   

Tips: Book tee times in advance, especially at Pasatiempo, which is popular among locals and visitors. Bring sunscreen and water, as coastal courses can be sunny and exposed.  

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, located just 3.5 miles from 101 Grand Ave (a 10-minute drive or a 20-minute e-bike ride), is a must-visit for family-friendly fun. This historic seaside amusement park, established in 1907, features the iconic Giant Dipper, a 1924 wooden roller coaster, and other rides like the sea swings for thrilling views of Monterey Bay. The boardwalk also offers arcade games, mini-golf, carnival games, and events like free summer concerts and movies on the beach.  

Tickets and Info: No admission fee to enter; rides require tickets or wristbands. Visit their website here.   

Paddleboarding is a fantastic way to explore Capitola’s calm coastal waters, particularly around Capitola City Beach and the Capitola Wharf (0.4 miles from 101 Grand Ave). The gentle surf makes it ideal for beginners, while experienced paddlers can venture further into Monterey Bay to spot sea otters, seals, or dolphins. You can paddle from the Capitola Wharf to the nearby Santa Cruz Wharf (about 3.5 miles one way), a scenic route along the coastline passing Pleasure Point and Seabright Beach. This journey offers stunning views and opportunities to rest at beaches or grab a snack at Santa Cruz’s wharf restaurants.  

Equipment Rentals:  

Capitola Beach Company:  

Located at 131 Monterey Ave, Capitola, they offer paddleboard rentals and lessons. Visit their website here.   

Capitola Surf and Paddle:  

Located at 208 San Jose Ave, Capitola, they provide rentals and guided tours. Visit their website here.   

Tips: Check water quality reports before paddling near Soquel Creek. Always wear a life jacket, and avoid strong rip currents by consulting lifeguards.