Capitola State Beach in Capitola, CA is a popular sandy beach at the north end of Monterey Bay. With its colorful hotel backdrop and calm waters thanks to the protection from land, it's a great spot for sunbathing, fishing, and even surfing. The beach also features a fishing pier, shops, restaurants, and fun events like movies and concerts in the evenings. Plus, if you're lucky, you might spot some cool ancient whale fossils at Capitola Bluffs during extreme low tides. Just watch out for the metered parking!