When is the best time to visit Capitola, Monterey Bay, CA?

Capitola, Monterey Bay is most affordable and least crowded in the shoulder seasons, late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October). Summer is peak for beach activity but rates are 30-60% higher. Off-season (November-March) offers the quietest stays and sometimes the most character.

How are the waterfront rentals in Capitola, Monterey Bay chosen?

Each property in Capitola, Monterey Bay is hand-picked for genuine waterfront access, not water view, not a short walk from the beach, but doors-to-water. Listings are selected from public booking platforms (Vrbo, Airbnb, Booking.com, Whimstay) for genuine waterfront access and accurate location. Rates are set by the host and visible at the booking link.

Are the properties on SleepByTheBeach available on Vrbo or Airbnb?

Yes, each property links directly to its listing on Vrbo, Airbnb, Booking.com, Whimstay, or the host's own booking system. We curate from public listings; we don't own or manage these properties. We may earn a small commission when you book through our affiliate links at no cost to you.

What makes Capitola, Monterey Bay different from other beach towns?

Curated rentals in Capitola. It has the character of a small coastal town without the density of major resort destinations. Our curation focuses on quiet, authentic stays within walking distance of the water.

Capitola, Monterey Bay

Curated rentals in Capitola

See the 3 waterfront rentals → Get the weekly letter

5418 waterfront rentals·26 shores·Every listing on the water·Updated 2026-11-12

Monterey Bay curves for about 31 miles of nearly unbroken sand between Santa Cruz and Monterey. Santa Cruz has the boardwalk and the surf breaks. Capitola is a small village on its own beach. Aptos, Rio del Mar and Pajaro Dunes have rows of houses and condos set directly on the sand, which is where most of the bay's beachfront rentals are. At the south end, Monterey has Cannery Row and the aquarium, Pacific Grove has a rocky shore with a walking path, and Carmel has a white sand beach at the foot of the village.

StateCA

Peak seasonJune to October

Best forWaterfront stays

Featured3 rentals

The curated list · 3 rentals

Where we would stay in Capitola, Monterey Bay.

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No. 01

Beachfront Pajaro Dunes Condo w/ Bay Views!

Entire condo

2 bedroom sleeps 8 about $464 a night

Find your home-away-from-home in the private and gated beachfront community of Pajaro Dunes in Watsonville, halfway between the Monterey Peninsula and Santa Cruz. Pelican Point is at the quiet, south end of the community. The vacation rental condo boasts a modern interior with 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and access to several community amenities. Relax on the uncrowded beach just a few steps away or drive along the epic Highway 1 to Big Sur, Monterey, Carmel, Capitola or Santa Cruz. The space Gated Community. Resort Amenities. 1,050 Sq Ft.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 02

Oceanfront 2-bedroom condo in delightful Capitola

Oceanfront

2 bedroom

Guests enjoy the stunning beach views at this property.

Check rates on Vrbo →

No. 03

Capitola Dreaming, Beach Front Venetian #7 1/2

Beachfront

A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the beach and sea.

Check rates on Vrbo →

Search every stay in Capitola, Monterey Bay on Booking.com

Hotels, beach houses, apartments, and resorts. Free cancellation on most rooms. Then add a flight in or a rental car for dune drives.

Search stays → Flights to Capitola, Monterey Bay Car rental

Or browse the same coast on Vrbo: Browse Vrbo →

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Curated luxury alternative

Prefer a boutique hotel or villa?

If a hand-picked, design-led hotel sounds better than a vacation rental, Skylark Travel Group covers the same destinations with curated boutique stays, Mr & Mrs Smith, exclusive deals, real human concierge.