Visitor's Guide to Aptos, Santa Cruz & Monterey Bay

Welcome to Aptos! We're delighted to share this beautiful stretch of the California coast with you and hope you'll come to love it as much as we do.

Rio del Mar and Seacliff are two very special beach communities, offering a wonderful combination of relaxed coastal living, beautiful beaches, great local restaurants, and easy access to everything that makes the Monterey Bay area so unique.

One of the things we love most about this location is that you can easily spend two or three days enjoying Aptos without traveling more than a mile or two from home. Long walks on the beach, morning coffee, beautiful sunsets, terrific restaurants, and peaceful afternoons by the ocean are all part of the experience.

Of course, if you're in the mood to explore, there's an extraordinary amount to discover nearby. The colorful seaside village of Capitola is just up the coast, Santa Cruz and its famous Beach Boardwalk are about 9 miles north, and the incredible wildlife of Moss Landing and Elkhorn Slough is less than 20 miles south. Continue along the coast to Monterey, Carmel, and Pebble Beach for some of California's most spectacular scenery.

We've put together some of our favorite places and experiences, along with a few local discoveries worth exploring, to help you make the most of your time here.

Our Beautiful Beaches

The beaches are really the heart of the Aptos experience, and we encourage you to spend plenty of time enjoying them. With miles of sandy shoreline, spectacular views across Monterey Bay, and beautiful sunsets, they're wonderful for morning walks, afternoon picnics, or simply relaxing and listening to the waves.

Two of the area's most beloved beaches, Seacliff State Beach and Rio del Mar Beach, are right near our homes.

Seacliff State Beach: One of the most recognizable beaches in the area, famous for the historic S.S. Palo Alto, affectionately known as the Cement Ship, which has rested just offshore for nearly a century. The remains of the ship have become a local landmark and a fascinating part of Aptos history. It's a wonderful beach for walking, picnicking, and watching the ocean. The historic pier was removed following the severe storms of 2023, but the ship remains visible from shore. Seacliff has beachside parking and restrooms, and there is a vehicle entrance fee.
Rio del Mar Beach: One of our favorite places for a long walk along the ocean. With a wide sandy shoreline, beautiful views, and easy access from the neighborhood, it's a lovely place to enjoy the California coast. There are public restrooms, nearby parking, and several places to grab coffee or a bite to eat along the Esplanade. We especially love coming down in the evening to watch the sunset.

One of Our Favorite Things: A Long Walk Down the Beach

One of the great pleasures of staying here is being able to walk for miles along the sand. Head south from Rio del Mar, and you'll discover a beautiful stretch of coastline with quieter beaches and lovely residential communities along the way.

Here are some of the beaches you'll encounter, in order from north to south:

Hidden Beach: True to its name, this is a quieter stretch of sand tucked below the residential neighborhood. There's also a lovely little park above the beach with a playground, picnic tables, and a path leading down to the shore.
Beer Can Beach: Despite its unusual name, this is a beautiful stretch of coastline with wide sandy beaches and a more secluded atmosphere. A great place for a peaceful walk, especially when the tide is out.
Seascape Beach: A broad, beautiful beach below Seascape Resort, offering miles of shoreline and wonderful ocean views. Seascape Village, located above the beach, has restaurants, shops, and a neighborhood market.
La Selva Beach: A charming little coastal community with a relaxed residential feel and a beautiful stretch of beach. It's a lovely area for a long walk along the sand.
Manresa State Beach: One of the area's quieter beaches, with expansive sand, beautiful dunes, and spectacular views of Monterey Bay. An especially nice destination if you're looking for a peaceful beach day. Restrooms are available near the main parking area.

A little local advice: Be sure to check the tides before setting out on a long beach walk. At low tide, the sand is wonderfully wide and easy to navigate, while higher tides can make some sections difficult or impassable. The water is also cold year-round, and ocean currents can be strong, so use care near the surf.

Our Favorite Restaurants, Coffee Shops & Local Markets

Aptos has so many wonderful restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and neighborhood markets within just a few minutes of the house, and discovering great local food is one of our favorite parts of being here. From a morning coffee by the beach to a delicious dinner out, there's plenty to enjoy close to home, along with some excellent restaurants in nearby Capitola, Soquel, and Santa Cruz.

These are the places we love and recommend to our guests, including longstanding local favorites and a few newer spots that have become part of our regular rotation.

Coffee Shops & Bakeries

Cat & Cloud – Aptos Village: Excellent locally roasted coffee in the heart of Aptos Village. A great place to start the morning before exploring the shops or heading into the redwoods.
Pacific Coffee Roasting Company – Aptos: A locally owned coffee shop and roaster with excellent coffee and espresso drinks. A welcoming neighborhood spot when you're in the mood for a good cup of coffee and a relaxed start to the day.
Venus Pie Trap – Rio del Mar: One of the most convenient and fun coffee stops near the beach! Located directly across from the sand, Venus serves 11th Hour Coffee, wonderful pastries, sweet and savory pies, and bagels. Later in the day, they also serve New Haven-style pizza. Perfect for coffee before a beach walk or an easy lunch overlooking the ocean.
Companion Bakeshop – Aptos: A wonderful local bakery specializing in artisan sourdough breads, delicious pastries, and beautiful baked goods. A great stop for something fresh to enjoy with your morning coffee or take home for later.
Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria – Capitola: A Santa Cruz County institution and absolutely worth the short drive. Gayle's offers an incredible selection of pastries, cakes, breads, sandwiches, prepared foods, and desserts. It's one of those places where it's very difficult to leave with just one thing!

Breakfast & Brunch

Red Apple Café – Aptos: A fun, casual neighborhood favorite for breakfast and brunch, with generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere. A great choice for a hearty breakfast before heading out for the day.
El Chipotle – Soquel: A favorite for a delicious Mexican breakfast, with flavorful dishes and a relaxed atmosphere. A nice change of pace from the traditional breakfast spots.
Pretty Good Advice – Soquel: A terrific casual spot featuring creative, farm-driven vegetarian food, excellent breakfast sandwiches, and plenty of vegan options. Fresh, flavorful, and a fun choice for breakfast or lunch.
The Farm – Aptos: A longstanding local favorite known especially for its wonderful fruit tarts, pastries, and baked goods. The café also serves breakfast and lunch, and there's a charming gift shop to browse while you're there.

Casual Meals & Local Favorites

Akira – Aptos: One of our favorites for sushi, whether we're dining in or bringing it home. The menu includes a wide selection of sushi rolls, sashimi, and Japanese dishes, along with a nice cocktail selection. A great choice for an easy dinner.
Aptos St. BBQ – Aptos: A casual local favorite for delicious smoked barbecue, craft beer, and a lively atmosphere. The outdoor area is especially nice, and they frequently feature live blues music.
Manuel's Mexican Restaurant – Aptos: A longtime Aptos institution serving classic Mexican food and margaritas. It's a lively, friendly neighborhood spot and a great choice for a casual dinner.
Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen Beachside – Rio del Mar: One of the best locations in Aptos, right beside the beach parking lot, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, cocktails, or a drink after a long walk along the sand. Venus produces its own spirits, and the gins are especially worth exploring. We love the opportunity to enjoy a good cocktail with the ocean just steps away.
Pizza My Heart – Aptos & Capitola: A Santa Cruz County classic for pizza by the slice or a whole pie. Great for a quick, easy meal or bringing pizza home after a busy day of exploring.
Hong Kong Garden & Four Streams – Aptos: Two of our local favorites when we're in the mood for Asian food and an easy dinner at home. Both offer flavorful dishes and convenient takeout options, with delivery availability depending on your location.

Special Dinners & Fancier Meals

If you're planning a special evening or looking for a more memorable dining experience, there are some wonderful restaurants within a short drive. These are among our favorites in the county, and we recommend making reservations whenever possible.

Mentone – Aptos Village: One of our favorite restaurants right here in Aptos. Created by acclaimed chef David Kinch, Mentone draws inspiration from the Italian and French Riviera, with wonderful wood-fired pizzas, seasonal Italian-inspired dishes, and excellent cocktails. The beautiful restaurant and lively atmosphere make it a terrific choice for a special dinner close to home.
HOME – Soquel: One of our favorite restaurants in all of Santa Cruz County. HOME offers thoughtful, seasonal cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, beautiful handmade pastas, and a wonderfully inviting atmosphere. The menu changes regularly, making every visit a little different. Reservations are usually a good idea.
Trestles – Capitola: A small, polished restaurant near Capitola Village with a creative, seasonal menu featuring fresh local ingredients. The intimate atmosphere and beautifully prepared dishes make it a lovely choice for a special dinner.
Shadowbrook – Capitola: A Santa Cruz County institution, famous for its beautiful setting overlooking Soquel Creek, lush gardens, and historic hillside cable car. Even if you're simply in the mood for cocktails, the bar is a wonderful place to enjoy the atmosphere. A particularly memorable experience for visitors.
Oswald – Santa Cruz: A longtime downtown Santa Cruz favorite for a more sophisticated dinner. Known for thoughtfully prepared California cuisine, excellent cocktails, and a comfortable, contemporary atmosphere. A great choice if you're spending an evening exploring downtown Santa Cruz.

Ice Cream & Sweet Treats

Marianne's Ice Cream – Aptos: A Santa Cruz County institution with an enormous selection of flavors, including plenty of creative and unusual choices. It's one of our favorite stops after a day at Seacliff Beach, and a perfect way to finish a sunny afternoon.

Grocery Stores, Specialty Markets & the Farmers Market

We love having so many good local markets nearby, whether you're planning to prepare meals at home, pack a picnic for the beach, or pick up a few special ingredients and a bottle of wine.

Deluxe Foods – Rio del Mar: A wonderful neighborhood grocery store very close to the house, with excellent produce, meats, cheeses, wine, and prepared foods. We especially like the deli for sandwiches and picnic supplies. There's also a Peet's Coffee inside.
Aptos Foods – Aptos: A locally owned specialty market with a thoughtfully selected assortment of organic produce, local products, artisan foods, and interesting grocery items.
New Leaf Community Market – Aptos Village: A great choice for organic groceries, fresh produce, specialty ingredients, and prepared foods. Particularly convenient if you're exploring Aptos Village or planning to cook at home.
Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College – Saturday Mornings: One of our favorite local experiences and something we highly recommend if you're staying over a weekend! This is one of the best farmers markets in the area, with beautiful locally grown produce, fresh flowers, artisan breads, pastries, cheeses, prepared foods, and products from local growers and producers. It's a wonderful place to browse, meet local farmers, and pick up ingredients for a delicious meal or beach picnic. The market is open year-round on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at Cabrillo College. We encourage you to go early for the best selection!

Hiking, Redwoods & Outdoor Adventures

One of the wonderful things about Aptos is that you can go from the beach to a magnificent redwood forest in just a few minutes. The Santa Cruz Mountains are filled with scenic trails, towering trees, peaceful creeks, and beautiful places to explore.

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

This is one of the area's treasures, and a place we highly recommend exploring during your visit.

Located just inland from Aptos Village, Nisene Marks offers thousands of acres of beautiful redwood forest, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. The forest feels wonderfully removed from the coast, despite being only a short drive away.

Some of the highlights include:

Old Growth Loop Trail: A lovely way to experience the redwoods, with towering trees, shaded pathways, and a peaceful forest atmosphere. A great option for visitors who want a beautiful walk without committing to a strenuous hike.
Bridge Creek Trail and Maple Falls: For a more adventurous outing, this route winds through the redwood forest along a beautiful creek, with the possibility of continuing toward Maple Falls. The waterfall is particularly impressive after seasonal rains. Parts of the route can be challenging, with creek crossings and occasional closures, so check conditions before heading out.
Sand Point Overlook: For hikers looking for a longer outing, this forest destination offers an opportunity to explore some of the park's more remote terrain and enjoy views across the surrounding landscape.
Aptos Creek Area: There are beautiful walks near the park's lower entrance and picnic areas, where you can enjoy the redwoods and the sound of the creek. The Aptos Creek Trail itself is currently closed because of storm-related damage, so consult the park map for accessible routes.

Other Favorite Outdoor Experiences

Land of Medicine Buddha: One of our favorite ways to spend a peaceful couple of hours. Tucked into the wooded foothills of Soquel, this beautiful Buddhist retreat center offers serene walking trails, meditation points, and lovely redwood scenery. The Eight Verses Trail includes thoughtful prompts for reflection along the way, making it a particularly special experience. Visitors are welcome during designated hours, and an entrance fee applies. landofmedicinebuddha.org
Soquel Demonstration State Forest: A fantastic destination for mountain biking enthusiasts, with miles of trails winding through spectacular forest scenery. Known for its Flow Trail and more challenging riding opportunities, this is especially appealing to experienced mountain bikers. Some trails and access roads close seasonally or following storms, so check current conditions.
Aptos Village: While you're in the area, spend a little time exploring the village itself. The historic village has a charming collection of local shops, restaurants, cafés, and beautiful surroundings, making it a nice stop for lunch or a little browsing after a hike.

Heading North: Capitola, Santa Cruz & the Redwoods

A short drive north opens up another wonderful part of the Monterey Bay, with colorful seaside communities, great shopping, restaurants, surfing, and some of the region's most iconic attractions.

Capitola Village & Capitola Beach: One of the prettiest little seaside villages in California, and one of our favorite places to wander. Capitola's colorful beachfront buildings, charming shops, restaurants, and beautiful beach create a wonderful atmosphere. Spend some time browsing the boutiques, enjoy lunch overlooking the water, or simply walk along the waterfront. It's especially lovely on a sunny afternoon.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: An iconic Santa Cruz experience and a fun destination for visitors of all ages. The historic Boardwalk has been entertaining generations of families since 1907 and is home to the famous Giant Dipper, a wooden roller coaster built in 1924. Between the rides, games, arcade, beach, and classic seaside atmosphere, it's easy to spend an entire afternoon here. Check the ride schedule before visiting, as operating days and hours vary seasonally.
Downtown Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz has a personality all its own, with an eclectic mix of independent shops, bookstores, cafés, restaurants, and street life that reflects the city's creative and famously unconventional spirit. We love wandering along Pacific Avenue and exploring the local businesses. One of our favorite stops is Zoccoli's Delicatessen, a family-owned Italian deli dating back to 1948. Pick up a delicious sandwich and take it along for a picnic or an afternoon adventure.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: If you want to experience the magnificence of California's ancient redwoods, this is an extraordinary place to visit. Located in nearby Felton, Henry Cowell is home to towering old-growth redwoods, some more than a thousand years old. We especially recommend the easy Redwood Grove Loop, a beautiful family-friendly trail that takes you right among these incredible trees. Start at the visitor center for an introduction to the forest and its history.

Heading South: Moss Landing & Elkhorn Slough

Less than 20 miles south of Aptos, Moss Landing offers some of the most remarkable wildlife experiences on the California coast. This small fishing community sits at the entrance to Elkhorn Slough, one of California's most important coastal wetlands and an extraordinary place to see sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and hundreds of species of birds.

We think this is one of the best excursions in the area, particularly for nature and wildlife lovers.

Elkhorn Slough Safari: One of the most enjoyable ways to experience the incredible wildlife of the slough. This guided pontoon boat tour takes you through the protected waterways, where you'll have opportunities to see playful sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and an amazing variety of birds. Knowledgeable naturalists share fascinating information about the animals and their habitat, making it a wonderful experience for adults and children alike. The calm waters make this an especially comfortable way to explore. Reservations recommended. elkhornslough.com
Kayaking with Kayak Connection: If you'd prefer to get a little closer to nature, kayaking through Elkhorn Slough is a fantastic experience. The sheltered waterways offer opportunities to observe sea otters, seals, and birds from an entirely different perspective. Kayak Connection offers equipment rentals and guided tours, with options for varying levels of experience. This is a particularly memorable outing for active visitors who enjoy being on the water. kayakconnection.com
Whale Watching: Monterey Bay is one of the great whale-watching destinations in the world, with opportunities to see humpback whales, gray whales, dolphins, and other marine wildlife throughout the year. Several operators offer trips departing from Moss Landing, Santa Cruz, and Monterey. Wildlife sightings vary by season, but a whale-watching excursion can be one of the highlights of a visit to the region.

Moss Landing also has a collection of antique shops and a working fishing harbor that give it a very different atmosphere from the polished coastal towns farther south. It's worth spending a little time exploring.

Monterey, Carmel & Pebble Beach

Continuing south along Monterey Bay brings you to three of California's most celebrated coastal destinations, each with its own character, history, and spectacular scenery.

We recommend setting aside at least a full day to explore this area, and ideally more if your schedule allows. There's an extraordinary amount to see and do, and the drive along the coast is beautiful in itself.

Monterey

Monterey has a wonderful combination of maritime history, oceanfront attractions, wildlife, and waterfront dining.

Monterey Bay Aquarium: One of the finest aquariums in the world and an absolute highlight of the region. Located directly on the waterfront, the aquarium features extraordinary exhibits showcasing sea otters, jellyfish, sharks, kelp forests, and the fascinating marine life of Monterey Bay. It's a wonderful experience for all ages, and we recommend allowing several hours to explore. Purchase tickets in advance. montereybayaquarium.org
Cannery Row: Once the center of Monterey's sardine-packing industry, Cannery Row has become a lively waterfront destination filled with restaurants, shops, galleries, and historic buildings. Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront, explore the shops, and take in the beautiful views across the bay.
Old Fisherman's Wharf: A charming, historic waterfront area with seafood restaurants, shops, harbor views, and opportunities to join whale-watching tours. It's a fun place to walk around, sample local seafood, and watch the activity in the harbor.
Dennis the Menace Playground: If you're traveling with children, this imaginative playground in El Estero Park is a wonderful stop. With creative climbing structures, play areas, and plenty of space to explore, it's a great place for kids to burn off some energy.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel is one of California's most beautiful and distinctive seaside towns, with storybook cottages, charming courtyards, independent galleries, excellent restaurants, and a magnificent white-sand beach.

We especially enjoy wandering through the village, discovering the hidden passageways and shops, and spending time along the coast.

Carmel Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches in California, with soft white sand, dramatic cypress trees, and spectacular views of the Pacific. It's wonderful for a long walk, a relaxing afternoon, or watching the sunset.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: An extraordinary stretch of protected coastline just south of Carmel, and one of our strongest recommendations for anyone who loves nature. The reserve is filled with beautiful walking trails, dramatic coves, wind-sculpted cypress trees, and opportunities to observe sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and seabirds. The scenery is spectacular, and even a relatively short walk can be unforgettable. We recommend arriving early because parking is limited. Dogs are not permitted in the reserve.
Carmel Mission Basilica: Founded in 1771, this beautifully restored historic mission offers an interesting look into California's early history, along with lovely gardens, courtyards, and architecture. A worthwhile stop for visitors interested in history and culture.
Exploring Carmel Village: Give yourself some time to wander the charming streets and hidden courtyards of downtown Carmel. You'll find beautiful art galleries, specialty shops, tasting rooms, cafés, and wonderful restaurants. It's a lovely place to enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner before heading back up the coast.

Pebble Beach & 17-Mile Drive

If you love spectacular coastal scenery, the famous 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach is a wonderful experience. The route winds through beautiful forests, dramatic rocky coastline, and some of the world's most celebrated golf courses.

17-Mile Drive: Follow the scenic route through Pebble Beach and enjoy stops at beautiful coastal viewpoints, beaches, and famous landmarks. Highlights include Spanish Bay, Fanshell Beach, and the iconic Lone Cypress, perched dramatically above the Pacific Ocean. An entrance fee applies, and the drive is open during daylight hours.
The Lone Cypress: One of California's most photographed landmarks, this remarkable cypress tree has stood on its rocky perch overlooking the ocean for generations. It's an iconic stop along 17-Mile Drive and a beautiful place to take in the coastal scenery.
Pebble Beach Golf Links: One of the most famous golf courses in the world, with spectacular oceanfront holes and an incredible setting. Even if you're not a golfer, it's worth stopping by The Lodge at Pebble Beach to admire the views and enjoy the atmosphere. If you are a golfer and would love to play, plan well in advance.

A Few Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

The Monterey Bay area has a wonderfully mild coastal climate, but the weather can change quickly. We recommend dressing in layers, especially if you're planning to spend time on the beach or out on the water. A sunny afternoon can turn cool when the marine layer rolls in, and mornings are often foggy before the skies clear.

For beach walks, check the tides and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the coastline. For longer hikes, confirm trail conditions, particularly after winter storms. Wildlife tours, popular attractions, and special dining experiences are worth reserving ahead of time, especially during summer and holiday weekends.

And if your visit includes a Saturday morning, make time for the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College. It's one of the best ways to experience the area's incredible agricultural abundance and pick up something delicious to enjoy during your stay.

Most of all, we hope you'll take time to enjoy Aptos itself. There's something very special about waking up near the ocean, starting the day with a beautiful walk on the beach, discovering a favorite neighborhood restaurant, and watching the sun set over Monterey Bay.

We love this part of the coast for its natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere, wonderful communities, and incredible variety of experiences. Whether you spend your visit close to home or explore the entire Monterey Bay, we hope you discover some of the many things that make this place so special to us.

Enjoy your stay!