Guests often over-pack for a week here, so we put together the short version of what actually matters.
Start with layers. This coast runs cooler than people expect, especially mornings and evenings when the marine layer hasn’t burned off or has already rolled back in. A light jacket or fleece earns its space in the suitcase every single trip, even in July.
Leave the beach gear at home if you can. Boogie boards, a surfboard, wetsuits, chairs, canopies, umbrellas, a fire pit, and a volleyball net are already at the house, stocked and ready. It’s one of the more useful things about staying somewhere owner-run rather than managed remotely — we know what guests actually need and keep it on hand.
Bring good walking shoes. Between the bluff trail above Manresa, the redwoods at Nisene Marks, and wandering Capitola village, you’ll cover more ground on foot than a typical beach trip.
Pack for the kitchen, too, if you’re planning to cook. The house has a full range, warming drawer, wine fridge, and a dining table for eight, and the closest proper grocery run is about ten minutes away — a cooler bag for the drive back is worth having.
Sunscreen and sunglasses matter more than people expect on a coast that feels cool — the marine layer filters heat, not UV.
Beyond that, pack light. Full-size laundry is on site if you need it mid-week. Check availability and we’ll send our full guest guide before you arrive.
