Fortunately my experience at Betsy's has been different than some of the other reviews. The lady working at the shop has been very friendly to me both times I've visited and engaged in conversation about some of the wares we were looking at with no pressure to buy. It's street parking but not too far from a city pay lot. If you're spending time in the downtown and Wharf area of Capitola, it's worth it using the pay lot so you can take your time to browse the assortment of eclectic and interesting shops like this at your leisure. Many of the Antiques here lean towards mid 20th century and have a fun & funky vibe-this isn't your grandma's antique store. Great fun to browse, but prices a bit high. Tiny bit of feedback is that some corners of the store are overly packed and hard to navigate but other than that, it's a fun & enjoyable coastal vintage shop. read more

Such a neat and fascinating assortment of old Playbills, dolls, cups, dishes, even chapsticks. The older guy at the register is so sweet and welcomes you in. A little gem on your way to the beach. read more

Fun little owner operator shop, not one of these mall things full of garage sale purchased for resale. We asked about and got lucky to be able to buy a SUPER neat cement pot outside which the gentleman said came with the building 20+ years ago. Never seen one like it! They have a wide range of items, mostly smaller to medium sized things from newer to old, and same range of pricing. Def worth a pop in when visiting Capitola, they're just up the street from the main downtown village. And I must say good for the owner for not allowing people to be on the phone and have kids touching stuff, no need for that that! What happened to manners? That does get annoying so just keep it put away for a whole 10 minutes, you'll be fine! read more

See all

This is a very mixed bag experience wise of a what could be a clever little shop just off the esplanade. Parking is street only which means there is no parking, however there is a large surface lot (for pay of course) literally just around the corner. This shop has some interesting stock. There is a good selection of actual antiques along with the usual and expected collectible riff raff. While I'd expect the stock to change given the ebb and flow of the business, on my visit there was a mickey mouse/disney entertainment system in fully functional condition, some bakelite cutlery, lead model soldiers circa 1900's along with some more modern metal soldiers, some excellent japanese art prints and some original cheeky pin up art circa 1950's including what appeared to be a signed Betty Page. To be fully honest, the stock in trade was pretty awesome. Better then the average for ye old tourist town antique store trap. As luck would have it we came in right as another couple was in the process of being asked to leave-they had apparently offended the owner by attempting to photograph something on their cellphone. While that went over about as well as could be expected I didn't let it trouble as 1. I was not involved, and 2. stores especially antique stores can get fussy about the whole photograph thing. I get that, it's not uncommon that antique stores will have signs up saying no photo's or suchlike, and well, store owners can set their own policies as they like. We split up a bit, my spouse was chatting with the owner and I went to go look around. After a few minutes of small talk, the conversation drifted into some political questions. This topic was brought up by the owner mind you, my spouse (and I) typically don't start these sorts of discussions. Anyway, we failed whatever political check was intended, and were also asked to leave. Which was well, disappointing not least because i was intending to make some purchases. I did especially like one of the japanese art prints and the vintage kimono would have been perfect for a Japanese festival we attended later. Alas I don't really shop at places that I or my spouse are not welcome at. Period. So there you have it- a perfectly lovely shop as long as you conform to whatever the owner is expecting in a customer. You will be engaged with by them, and be really careful what you say if you have any intention of doing business here. read more

"Rudest person in Capitola" .... Came in today with my 9yo and 6yo girls and she immediately told us that the kids had to careful not to get hurt. I let her know they were very well behaved. She then told them not touch anything and was rude to me. She needs a sign out front saying "No Kids Allowed"... That will spare all potential customers from walking out mad, like I did. I love Capitola, but this one person and her attitude gives the city a bad bad name. read more

Love antiquing? This is definitely the place to go. This shop is all dolled up compared to some of the other antique stores you might see in Santa Cruz or Soquel. Definitely catered to women who love to browse around looking at pretty things. The Jason J and I were in the neighborhood, we got there in the late afternoon one Saturday. I gave the shop a call and asked how later they were going to be open until. They said they'd be open until 5:30pm, but would wait until I got there. It was about 5pm when I called. When I got there, there were already a few other customers inside. The owner and I got to talking, very friendly and actually felt that her waiting around benefited her because more customers seemed to stroll on through that day. I usually shop for antique buttons and she had a bit of a selection here, one good size drawer. I was able to pick a few up along with a nifty antique pyrex container for my mother. I'll say that visiting Betsy's really gave me a valuable experience with antiquing and still love it to this day. read more

i just love to hunt for unique pieces to add to my ecclectic life, and betsy's summerhouse is the perfect place to do that. There are two large rooms, and various hidden nooks and corners fantastically adorned with all kinds of antiques---books, jewelry, photographs, toys, glassware, decorative treats, and many more beautifully maintained vingtage treasures. The owner is sweet and helpful, and makes that makes browsing her impressive little store a real pleasure! read more

We walked in, I picked up a bag to look at it and sat it back down. A woman abruptly squeezed by me in a rush, took the bag and repositioned it with vigor and proceeded to tell my husband, who was briefly answering a business email on his phone, to take his phone outside. I was so taken back by the rude rush past me in the small space that I observed the whole behavior. My husband promptly looked at me and we left. We have never been treated so rudely in an establishment. This is clearly a problem at this store and I honestly feel sorry for the individual that has a habit of being so unkind. There has to be more going on here with this individual and I wish her the best. But life is too short to ever subject oneself to this behavior! read more

Older, slovenly lady was extremely rude to me. I looked down briefly at my cellphone and sent a quick text. She walked over and asked if I was checking sports scores. I said, "no, just sending a very quick text" She touched my arm and said tersely, "please take it outside." I could understand if I was talking on my phone, but it was such an unbelievable overreaction. I grabbed my girlfriend and we left, but seriously what a bitch. read more

Older woman working there very rude.. be careful is she sees you using your phone in store she'll ask rudely to use it outside .. not kid friendly.. nor people friendly for that matter read more

I was shopping at Betsy's today and was writing my review on yelp when she accosted me in her store and asked us to leave . I told her I was writing a review on yelp and wanted to buy a book. She kept yelling at me to leave adamant that no cell phones are allowed. We left and found the same book at another shop 1 bock away. I mentioned this encounter and learned we were not first customers to be chased away. Too bad but poor abusive customer relations is not good for business. She is paranoid and fearful and somewhat aggressive which is not appropriate read more

I would give a minus -10 if I could. The shop owner is extremely rude and a bad representation of Capitola. Avoid this place unless you enjoy getting yelled at. Just read all the reviews about how rude she is to customers. read more

While on vacation, our family has been in this shop every year for the past five years. Our three kids have been with us each time (they are now14, 11 and 8). Each time, we have explored freely and often purchased a unique item. While the owner is clearly concerned about children damaging delicate items, she seems appreciative of our guiding and watching our kids through the store and has never been rude or inappropriate. In fact, she has thanked us for our care and complimented our children on their behavior. She has gone out of her way to tell the kids about the history of something they are looking at and share a fun story. We look forward to visiting every year. Not a place to find large furniture items, for the most part. Smaller items and decor/memorabilia. read more

I have been buying from Betsy for years. I can always count on her to have unique items at great prices. She is a pleasure to talk with and learn from. I stop by every time I am in Capitola as I know she will have new items. You can park for free across the street at the police station- nice location. read more

I used to come in here somewhat frequently to look at the collection of earrings and would buy a pair almost every other month. I took my family there and we were seriously considering buying a small painting and saw it was signed, my mom and I took out our phones to look up the artist and she came over to us and told her to leave the store if we were going to be on the phone. She was with customers who were definitely going to buy a couple of items and she decided she could be as rude as she wanted to us. We tried to explain and she just told us to take it outside. The owner is so rude and I wouldn't spend my money there every again especially when there are so many other shops with better products. read more

Awful rude owner who's aggressive towards customers. Will pester and harass. Doesn't matter what kind of antiques are on the shelves, the woman in charge treats the entire shop like her personal collection that you're invading and desecrating simply by entering. read more

So much for supporting local businesses. This lady told my friend and I to "F**k off" as I told her to have a good day, she was in a horrible mood and from reading other reviews seems like she just needs to retire. read more

Rudest shop owner I have EVER encountered. I think there may be something certifiably wrong with her. And now that I see these other negative reviews, it supports my hunch. read more

We can't understand the bad reviews... we found Betsy a total delight and thoroughly enjoyed checking out the many interesting items she had for sale, some of which had personal stories attached to them. She was extremely personable chatting about the local history, and as it turned out, we grew up in the same town, and had an acquaintance in common. Do not pass this place up based on a few bad reviews, it is definitely worth checking out. read more

Has really cute things in the store but as the other reviewers state, the owner is extremely rude, doesn't make you feel comfortable being or shopping there. I've been there several times, each time, makes you leave feeling uncomfortable and spoken down to. Such a shame, there are nice things in the store (thus the 2-stars instead of 1-star rating). read more

I want to like this store, but the manager/owner is so rude and have now discovered that not everything is as authentic as it appears. I've seen her yell at people just walking by the store and another time at a car parked in front of her store because they didn't turn off the engine right away...they actually drove away to get away from her! I was going to buy a sign for my husband for our house that we had our eye on, but didn't want to go in the store with that attitude towards potential customers. So I researched online to find another sign like it and found the exact one...not an antique at all, just a "personalized" sign for Capitola that she has uncharged a ton. Disappointing. read more

A lot of things to look at but this is the 2nd time we've visited (2 years between visits) and the owner is a crab about cell phone usage. It's ridiculous!!! Definitely needs to get with the times or lose customers. We will not be back. read more

Dont come here with a kid, evidently they make the owner nervous. Even though I was holding my 18 month old, the owner followed us around talking about how everything is a choking hazard. Apparently even the plastic snow globe and toy cars made for kids shouldn't be shown to them. We left as that seemed to be what she wanted. No big loss, it's not like it's the only antique store in town! read more

No Stars.. Rudest woman I have ever met! Told my 14 year old daughter ,that is the kindest person in the world, her shoe laces where to long and she might trip and break something. Then I had a call come in on my cellphone. It was my son. I answered then the shop owner got 1 inch from my nose and told me to leave her store! What?!? Really.. Get a life lady! You are a disgrace to such a charming town! read more

This shop is great. I have been going there for years, and I always find something cool and affordable. I have never written a yelp review before. Today, when I looked up this site to check her hours, I read some reviews and felt compelled to voice my support. Betsy can certainly be abrupt, and seemingly hostile, when you meet her. She is so straightforward, that it can be off-putting and I can see how someone could take offense. I have always thought of her direct manner as part of her charm. If you roll with the demeanor, rather than taking it personally, I think you will see what I mean. read more

Betsy's Summer House is a must see for any of us that love antiques, clocks, and very interesting conversation pieces of all kinds! We make it a regular stop whenever we are in the area. Betsy is helpful, informative and very knowledgeable about her items. read more

I can't even rate my experience it was so surreal. I had to put at least 1 star, i would have left it blank if i could. I thought maybe the owner was having a bad day then read the most recent reviews and realized that it is the way she is. Upon entering the owner commented on smells&what people bring in which can be"overwhelming", ok odd but not enough for me too hightail it out of there. when i wanted to look in the curio cabinet I pointed at the item that was right in front of the tip of my finger and she said"well I don't know what ur pointing at, use ur adult voice" which took me by suprise &I was literally tongue tied. I thought Ok odd again, then asked to see another item in which I pointed and she said it again, much more condescending. I was aghast that she would treat a customer like that. She kept repeating herself as I walked outside (I had to get away from her)she actually followed me almost to the door then turned back approached my friend & said"can u use ur adult voice when u want something? ", then went to another couple &said " would it bother u if I asked u to use ur adult voice of u couldn't describe what u wanted to look at? " my friend watched the couple become very uncomfortable as the owner persisted in asking them questions. That is when my friend left. I have never written a review of a business in my whole life&had to write a book on how crazy my experience was. Maybe she is beginning to suffer from dementia, I was told people become rude & mean with time when they are diagnosed. read more