Father’s Day weekend is always a lot of fun for kids. A group of us would always arrange something for our dads. Normally, with help from our moms, we would go to a park or at a restaurant and celebrate. This year it was a little different. Due to COVID-19, this year we could not get together to celebrate Father’s Day. Instead, we decided to go for a day trip to Capitola Beach. As most counties were slowly opening up and relaxing the shelter-in-place restrictions, we decided to walk around the area and stroll by the on the wheelchair accessible deck at the beachside. We got down from our car, where it’s not crowded, took necessary precautions, and maintained social distancing.
Capitola Beach is in the little town of Capitola Village nestled in the Santa Cruz mountains. The landscape of this town is very picturesque with colorful homes and beam pier, which gives a perfect flavor of a Mediterranean town. The Esplanade is completely wheelchair accessible and lively, lined with colorful shops , restaurants and surf shops. There are benches in the water front to sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery. They have restrictions to enter the beach now because of Covid-19. We started from home early this time to avoid any crowd, so that it is easier to maintain social distancing. Because of the easing of the lock down, the place was busier than usual. The restaurants have outdoor dining because of social distancing and have taken up most of the sidewalks. You can also visit various surf rental shops at this beach. The novice surfers flock to this place as the beach is very easy for first time surfers. There is a wheelchair accessible deck from where you can get the stunning views of Pacific and Monterey Bay. At the corner of the Esplanade, as you enter Capitola Village Beach, you will find Marianne’s store which offers beach-ready treats and locally made ice creams. Just grab a bite and stroll around the esplanade enjoying the beautiful and colorful hues and the pacific.
♿️ Wheelchair Accessibility ♿️
- The waterfront is completely wheelchair accessible
- The lookout deck on Esplanade ave is wheelchair accessible. A ramp will take a wheelchair all the way to he top of the deck. You can watch several surfers practicing/learning to surf.
- Regular Parking lots are located behind City Hall at 420 Capitola Avenue. From there you can access Beach and Village Parking Lots 1 & 2 (Upper and Lower) on Capitola Avenue, Bay Avenue, and Monterey Avenue.
- Wheelchair accessible parking is available on Esplanade Ave (3 spots), San Jose Ave (2 spots) and Monterey Ave (2 spots)
- Wheelchair accessible restrooms are available at the far end of Esplanade ave (picture)
- Beach wheelchairs are available on request. They are equipped with large, wide wheels that can roll on the sand without sinking. But they need to be pushed. Someone needs to accompany the user. Chairs are most commonly available from a lifeguard or the entrance kiosk at a beach. For availability and details call (831) 462-3125
- There are free Summer shuttle to the Village that runs from the Beach and Village Parking Lot 2 (Lower). The shuttle is available Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Shuttle runs from the Memorial Day weekend through mid-September. Both lots are just a short walk or shuttle ride to the Village. Parking in Beach and Village Parking Lots 1 & 2 (Upper and Lower) are highly recommended if you plan to stay longer than the two-hour limit imposed in the Village parking spaces.
♿️ Lockdown tips ♿️
- Capitola beach access is restricted now because of Covid-19. The area is caution taped.
- The surf area is open to surfers.
- Always wear your face mask even if you are not getting out of the car.
- Avoid crowded areas if you are stepping out of the car
- Always remember to carry gloves, hand sanitizer, water, food.
- Do not forget to use the restroom before leaving from your house as it is better not to use outside restroom during this period
- Remember to wipe your crutch or mobility scooter handle or the wheelchair wheels every time you go outside
- Do not leave your items unattended.
- Do not open your car windows in crowded places
Esplanade, Capitola, California
Capitola, California
