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Capitola, California: The Hillevator

Ride up and down a hill in a mini-cable car, from a parking lot to a restaurant at the other end.

Shadowbrook Restaurant

Address:
1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA
Directions:
Shadowbrook Restaurant. Hwy 1 exit 438. Drive south on 41st Ave. for a half-mile. Turn left onto Capitola Rd. Drive a half-mile. Turn left onto 49th Ave. You'll see three houses on the right; just past them, turn right into the parking lot. The restaurant and entrance to the Hillevator is at the east end of the parking lot, just across Wharf Rd.
Hours:
M-F 5-8:45, Sa 4-9:45, Su 4:30-8:45 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
831-475-1511
Admission:
Free
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Hillevator.

Hillevator at Shadowbrook Restaurant

The Hillevator moves up and down a 70-foot-long incline leading from the street to the Shadowbrook Restaurant, which serves great food. The Hillevator is free to ride (but only when restaurant is open) and looks like a San Francisco cable car with its red paint and gold striping. Riding down or up you get a view of beautifully landscaped gardens (waterfalls, ferns, lush greenery).

At the top, in the parking lot is a giant statue of a frog (Why? I don't know). They have a cool 1950 Dodge taxi that shuttles people with reservations from local hotels, inns, and beach rentals, and then returns the diners back to where they are staying.

[Gil, 05/24/2013]

The Hillevator has been moving people up and down since 1958.


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In the region:
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