Guidebook for Aptos
Food Scene
The food is delicious, they are kid-friendly (be sure to ask about the treasure chest) and they have a pet friendly patio! If you are looking for a nice place without the kids, this place also has a nice bar (with tv's).
48 locals recommend
Café Rio Aptos
131 EsplanadeThe food is delicious, they are kid-friendly (be sure to ask about the treasure chest) and they have a pet friendly patio! If you are looking for a nice place without the kids, this place also has a nice bar (with tv's).
Try their breakfast burritos or enjoy a club sandwich for lunch, they are just across from the beach, so no need to pack a lunch!
40 locals recommend
Pixie Deli
111 Venetian RdTry their breakfast burritos or enjoy a club sandwich for lunch, they are just across from the beach, so no need to pack a lunch!
Authentic Mexican food with a friendly environment, their margaritas are delicious!
91 locals recommend
Manuel's Mexican Restaurant
261 Center AveAuthentic Mexican food with a friendly environment, their margaritas are delicious!
This ice cream is amazing! I am not even an ice cream lover, but I am drawn to this place! Ask them for their best sellers and you will be sure to love this quaint local favorite.
45 locals recommend
Marianne’s Ice Cream
218 State Park DrThis ice cream is amazing! I am not even an ice cream lover, but I am drawn to this place! Ask them for their best sellers and you will be sure to love this quaint local favorite.
This is a great spot to get your morning coffee and a bagel or a pastry. Also a great spot for quick lunch, I love their pizza. They use locally sourced and organic when possible. Their patio is dog-friendly too!
10 locals recommend
Flats Bistro Aptos
113 EsplanadeThis is a great spot to get your morning coffee and a bagel or a pastry. Also a great spot for quick lunch, I love their pizza. They use locally sourced and organic when possible. Their patio is dog-friendly too!
Parks & Nature
A quick drive and worth every minute, kids will love the tide pools!
261 locals recommend
Natural Bridges State Beach
2531 W Cliff DrA quick drive and worth every minute, kids will love the tide pools!
Essentials
Safeway
2720 41st AveEntertainment & Activities
If you are new to the area, be sure to check out the Boardwalk where there are no admission fees and they have free concerts on Fridays and movie nights over the summer.
745 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StIf you are new to the area, be sure to check out the Boardwalk where there are no admission fees and they have free concerts on Fridays and movie nights over the summer.
You do not have to be a member to play at the scenic, lovely course. It is challenging and well-manicured.
28 locals recommend
Seascape Golf Club
610 Clubhouse DrYou do not have to be a member to play at the scenic, lovely course. It is challenging and well-manicured.
Monterey Bay Aquarium is awesome, the kids and adults had a blast! You can touch sea life, stand under a real wave, and see some of the most amazing sea life. It is about 35 miles from our house (maybe a 45 minute drive) from our house, but a great destination for a day trip, you really can stay and explore all day. If you have time after, be sure to walk around cannery row and check out the restaurants and shops, you really can't go wrong with this outing. Super fun day!
668 locals recommend
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery RowMonterey Bay Aquarium is awesome, the kids and adults had a blast! You can touch sea life, stand under a real wave, and see some of the most amazing sea life. It is about 35 miles from our house (maybe a 45 minute drive) from our house, but a great destination for a day trip, you really can stay and explore all day. If you have time after, be sure to walk around cannery row and check out the restaurants and shops, you really can't go wrong with this outing. Super fun day!
Shopping
Capitola Mall
1855 41st AveGreat mall with all the usual suspects, Macy's, food court, etc.
Drinks & Nightlife
Aptos St. BBQ
8059 Aptos StEnjoy some live blues music and the best bbq in the area!