CAPITOLA, CA
The tiki gods smile on the capital of perfect surf
Population: 9,521
What a house costs: $643,150
The vibe: Capitola-by-the-Sea started in the 1860s as a resort town, a place for people from "over the hill" in San Jose to escape the heat. In the 1920s, it took on a Mediterranean feel, sprouting bungalows and stucco shacks reminiscent of those found in Italian fishing villages. But the Mediterranean doesn't have surf like Capitola's. That’s why world-renowned surfboard and wetsuit manufacturer O'Neill is headquartered here, and why marine environmental causes are big. And why even residents like Stephen Hanecak, chef at the Paradise Beach Grille, learn to balance their time between hard work and play. "Four or five days a week," he says, "I’m out there first thing with my surfboard, trying to start my day by catching some waves." –Matt Villano
Meet your neighbors over: Apple-carrot muffins and cappuccinos at Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria, a happening breakfast nook. A stroll along the Esplanade’s "tile wall," composed of hundreds of ceramic tiles painted by residents. A Zin at Cava Wine Bar.
On Saturday: Take a plunge (surfboard optional) into the water at Capitola City Beach. Then explore Capitola's cottage-lined back streets, maybe stopping at the historical museum. Dinner: Shadowbrook Restaurant, with a stellar wine list and its own funicular railroad.
Inside scoop: "Everything about our life here revolves around the beach." –Stephen Hanecak, surfer and chef at Paradise Beach Grille
Next: four more ocean towns
ASTORIA, OR
Population: 9,879
What a house costs: $258,961
An innovator in community planning, it’s a phenomenally scenic, historic fishing town where the Columbia River meets the Pacific.
INFO oldoregon.com
DEL MAR, CA
Population: 4,426
What a house costs: $1,104,388
It’s where the turf meets the surf ― a SoCal coastal town that’s maintained a distinct identity despite growth all around it.
INFO delmarchamber.org
HANALEI, KAUAI, HI
Population: 478
What a house costs: $945,000
Once you’re off the tourist track, it’s all about scenery, surfing, and multicultural cuisine: teriyaki, taco trucks, and chef Jim Moffat’s tuna carpaccio at Bar Acuda.
INFO kauaichamber.org
HOMER, AK
Population: 5,691
What a house costs: $244,902
A completely charming small town on the Kenai Peninsula that’s the artistic and literary epicenter of Alaska.
INFO homeralaska.org
