Capitola Wharf photos above show the wood-planked pier structure maintained by the city of Capitola. In the top wharf photo you can see diners enjoying a leisurely outdoor meal at The Wharf House restaurant.  Perched above the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz County, the wharf is nestled at the base of hill that contains some of the counties oldest condominiums and vacation homes. As diners gaze toward the ocean for an occasional view of migrating whales and dolphins passing through the Monterey Bay (a national marine sanctuary), surfers ply the waves that come ashore in Capitola, one of the region's favorite surfing destinations.  Brightly colored Venetian Village cottages (rented as vacation units), are a landmark on the sand next to the wharf. And down below the wharf are kayaks for rent. Kayakers can launch the vessels from the wharf via a set of attached steps to a connected small platform where they are launched.

The other Capitola California wharf photos show a waitress from the beach cafe waiting on guests outside, and the photo on the right shows tourists passing under the ornate iron or steel gate entry that contains Venetian style embellishments and the the words, "CAPITOLA WHARF" wrapped in a semi-circle frame connected to cement columns with small roof caps that include red Spanish tiles.

At the entry to the wharf (which is open from sunrise to 10:30 p.m. *subject to change), these cement columns contain viewing frames where information can be posted. Two large iron gate doors can close and are used to lock up the wharf and its facilities at night. 

The wharf has a long history in Capitola. The current Capitola Wharf was constructed in the 1980's following storm damage as an 855-foot-long structure that contains a bait shop, restaurant, restroom facilities, bench seats to watch the ocean and free fishing, like all public piers in California. Fish cleaning stations and decorative lights adorn this pleasant-looking pier.

Founded in 1857, Capitola Wharf is a cooperative Fishing Pier Project by the City of Capitola and Wildlife Conservation Board with California Department of Fish and Game. Within view of the pier is the river mouth to Soquel Creek, where the first pier was constructed prior to 1857. When Capitola's regional assets such as produce, redwood lumber and livestock needed to be shipped for the rapidly growing commerce and growth boom California saw during and after the Gold Rush, a new wharf was built by for the Pacific Coast Steamship Company. Stretching to approx. 1,100 feet, it suffered storm damage and a portion was rebuilt. Like so many wharfs of that time, the impact of a railway infrastructure that was built made the wharf almost obsolete.  Santa Cruz-Watsonville narrow gauge railroad depot at nearby Soquel Landing so devastated the shipping business that the wharf was abandoned in 1879 as goods were now shipped via train to larger regional ports.

. The name Capitola is Spanish for capital and was apparently first used by F.H. Hihn of Santa Cruz when he laid out a new resort in the area in 1869. The good residents of Soquel had offered to let the State of California establish its capital in the upstairs rooms of Ned Porter's local store but California politicians (wisely) declined the offer. Hihn used that information when he named the site; it had been called La Playa de Soquel, the beach of Soquel, during Mexican rule, and Soquel Landing under American rule.

With a long history as vacation playground, Capitola today thrives as it has for over 100 years as a pleasant place to visit, sunbathe, shop and dine at the beach. The wharf now serves as an anchor for the tourism industry and public's love of piers.  Local passion over keeping and maintaining a wharf has required some effort. Funding sources to rebuild a weather-beaten structure were identified and this most beloved wharf 150 years or so in existence continues to inspire those who live in Capitola-by-the-Sea, or visit the beach community.

Capitola City Beach and Wharf as seen from East Cliff Drive looking south. The first Capitola wharf was built in 1856 as a commercial pier for shipping lumber and farm products from Soquel to San Francisco. For more information, call (831) 462-2208.

Directions:

The beach adjoins Hwy 1 just south of Carmel and north of Pt. Lobos.

Wharf House
Capitola Wharf
831-476-3534
Seafood and continental menu on the wharf. Indoor and outdoor seating with surrounding view.

Capitola Boat and Bait
Where fishing is serious fun! Daily skiff rentals, equipment rentals, bait and tackle, souvenirs, shirts, beverages, unique gift shop. Open daily at sunrise. 1400 Wharf Road Capitola CA 95010 (831) 462-2208

Capitola Chamber of Commerce for events, relocation, maps and information - www.capitolachamber.com 
Capitola Museum provides an interesting and well documented history of its favorite city. Web:
www.capitolamuseum.org 410 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010  Phone: 831-464-0322

Airports Distance Driving Time 
San Jose International   35 miles 45 Minutes 
San Francisco International   62 miles   90 Minutes 
Oakland International   60 miles   90 Minutes 
Monterey Peninsula Airport   43 miles   40 Minutes 
Watsonville Municipal Airport   14 miles   20 Minutes 
Highway Access    Five State Highways: 1, 9, 17, 129 & 152 (Providing access to U.S. 101)