Perhaps more than any other neighborhood or city in the county, Capitola combines the convenience of having everything you need nearby, as well as the local beaches and surf spots that Santa Cruz is known for. It’s a great place to go shopping, grab a bite to eat or visit one of the idyllic beachside communities in the area, such as Pleasure Point or Capitola Village.

The main street that runs from one end of Capitola the other is 41st Avenue, where you’ll find the bulk of local businesses in the area. One of the benefits of living in Capitola is that it has everything from shops and restaurants to banks and grocery stores. Many residents in nearby Santa Cruz and Live Oak find themselves on 41st Avenue when running errands simply because there are so many businesses situated in one place. It’s also the only place you’ll find a proper shopping mall, though it’s no longer as vibrant and filled with stores as it once was.​​​​​