Guidebook for Aptos

Karen
Guidebook for Aptos

Everything Else

This is an excellent beach access spot minutes away. We go there every morning.
16 locals recommend
Hidden Beach Park
660 Cliff Dr
16 locals recommend
This is an excellent beach access spot minutes away. We go there every morning.
PARK ACROSS THE STREET FROM THIS ADDRESS.
518 Santa Marguarita Dr
518 Santa Marguarita Drive
PARK ACROSS THE STREET FROM THIS ADDRESS.
I am a member here. You can get a day pass for $10. Nice facility with pools, gym, tennis courts.
6 locals recommend
Seascape Sports Club
1505 Seascape Blvd
6 locals recommend
I am a member here. You can get a day pass for $10. Nice facility with pools, gym, tennis courts.
You can see the parking lot of this course from the top deck. Great course. Check out Golfzing for green fee deals.
28 locals recommend
Seascape Golf Club
610 Clubhouse Dr
28 locals recommend
You can see the parking lot of this course from the top deck. Great course. Check out Golfzing for green fee deals.
BEST FARMER'S MARKET SATURDAY MORNINGS!
15 locals recommend
Student Activities Center
6500 Soquel Dr
15 locals recommend
BEST FARMER'S MARKET SATURDAY MORNINGS!
PARKING FOR SHUTTLE SERVICE TO PEBBLE BEACH ATT GOLF TOURNAMENT.
Marina
PARKING FOR SHUTTLE SERVICE TO PEBBLE BEACH ATT GOLF TOURNAMENT.
Makes great pinots.
22 locals recommend
Windy Oaks Winery
550 Hazel Dell Rd
22 locals recommend
Makes great pinots.
Nice affordable course in the redwoods.
14 locals recommend
Boulder Creek Golf and Country Club
16901 Big Basin Hwy
14 locals recommend
Nice affordable course in the redwoods.
Poor Man's Pebble. Book ahead!
25 locals recommend
Pacific Grove Golf Links
77 Asilomar Ave
25 locals recommend
Poor Man's Pebble. Book ahead!
This is probably the best succulent nursery in the area. It is difficult to find, so plug the address into GPS. Pick up a 10% coupon for the Pot Shop Moss Landing while you're there.
9 locals recommend
Succulent Gardens - Nursery and Demonstration Gardens
2133 Elkhorn Rd
9 locals recommend
This is probably the best succulent nursery in the area. It is difficult to find, so plug the address into GPS. Pick up a 10% coupon for the Pot Shop Moss Landing while you're there.

Essentials

Closest store to the house. Really nice store, but more expensive than say, Safeway, which is off of State Park Exiit.
78 locals recommend
Deluxe Foods of Aptos
783 Rio Del Mar Blvd
78 locals recommend
Closest store to the house. Really nice store, but more expensive than say, Safeway, which is off of State Park Exiit.
Famous meats and sausages.
26 locals recommend
Corralitos Market & Sausage Co
569 Corralitos Rd
26 locals recommend
Famous meats and sausages.
Gotta love TJ's.
165 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
700 Front St
165 locals recommend
Gotta love TJ's.

Shopping

Safeway, Coffee House, Theater, KFC and more stores.
Rancho Del Mar
Rancho Del Mar
Safeway, Coffee House, Theater, KFC and more stores.
NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPPING CENTER-- Palapas Mex Seafood Restaurant, Village Host Pizza, more stores.
6 locals recommend
Seascape Village Shopping Center
16 Seascape Village
6 locals recommend
NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPPING CENTER-- Palapas Mex Seafood Restaurant, Village Host Pizza, more stores.
Old Downtown Santa Cruz. Shops, Bars, Theaters, Freaks.
88 locals recommend
Pacific Avenue
Pacific Avenue
88 locals recommend
Old Downtown Santa Cruz. Shops, Bars, Theaters, Freaks.
Shop 'til you drop.
103 locals recommend
Gilroy Premium Outlets
681 Leavesley Rd
103 locals recommend
Shop 'til you drop.
This is an excellent place to buy pots and other garden type deco. It is right at Moss Landing Harbor.
PotStop Pot Stop
1956 CA-1
This is an excellent place to buy pots and other garden type deco. It is right at Moss Landing Harbor.

Food Scene

The Resort has a restaurant with killer views, nice lounge and a path down to the beach.
27 locals recommend
Seascape Beach Resort
1 Seascape Resort Dr
27 locals recommend
The Resort has a restaurant with killer views, nice lounge and a path down to the beach.
Good chinese.
13 locals recommend
Panda Inn
783 Rio Del Mar Blvd
13 locals recommend
Good chinese.
LOVE THIS THAI PLACE!! My favorite local restaurant!
11 locals recommend
Bangkok West
2505 Cabrillo College Dr
11 locals recommend
LOVE THIS THAI PLACE!! My favorite local restaurant!
CAPITOLA ESPLANADE IS A MUST SEE! SIT OUTSIDE AND DRINK IN THE OCEAN. COCONUT PRAWNS YUMMY!
50 locals recommend
Paradise Beach Grille
215 Esplanade
50 locals recommend
CAPITOLA ESPLANADE IS A MUST SEE! SIT OUTSIDE AND DRINK IN THE OCEAN. COCONUT PRAWNS YUMMY!
BEST HAPPY HOUR DURING THE WEEK! SIT UPSTAIRS ON THE DECK OVERLOOKING THE HARBOR. SMOKED SALMON WITH WASABI SO GOOD!
276 locals recommend
Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff Dr
276 locals recommend
BEST HAPPY HOUR DURING THE WEEK! SIT UPSTAIRS ON THE DECK OVERLOOKING THE HARBOR. SMOKED SALMON WITH WASABI SO GOOD!
THIS IS A LOCAL LANDMARK AND A TRUE GEM. STROLL DOWN THRU THE GARDENS AND TAKE THE GONDOLA BACK UP. I LIKE TO DO APPS AT THE TABLE BY THE WATER.
205 locals recommend
Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf Rd
205 locals recommend
THIS IS A LOCAL LANDMARK AND A TRUE GEM. STROLL DOWN THRU THE GARDENS AND TAKE THE GONDOLA BACK UP. I LIKE TO DO APPS AT THE TABLE BY THE WATER.
BEST SPLURGE BRUNCH! BAYVIEW LOUNGE GREAT SPOT FOR SUNSET APPS AND DRINKS.
30 locals recommend
The Spa at Chaminade
1 Chaminade Ln
30 locals recommend
BEST SPLURGE BRUNCH! BAYVIEW LOUNGE GREAT SPOT FOR SUNSET APPS AND DRINKS.
Good place to stop for coffee and stretch.
219 locals recommend
Wilder Ranch State Park
1401 Coast Rd
219 locals recommend
Good place to stop for coffee and stretch.
You have to know where it is to go there. Awesome cioppino! Local's fave.
123 locals recommend
Phil's Fish Market & Eatery
10700 Merritt Street
123 locals recommend
You have to know where it is to go there. Awesome cioppino! Local's fave.
Close to home, mexican seafood with nice views on patio. Try the Pulp Friction Margarita and the Orange Juice Prawns.
59 locals recommend
Palapas Restaurant & Cantina
21 Seascape Village
59 locals recommend
Close to home, mexican seafood with nice views on patio. Try the Pulp Friction Margarita and the Orange Juice Prawns.
Sit on the patio for an awesome view while you dine. Then take the paved trail down to the beach. They will even shuttle you back up.
40 locals recommend
Sanderlings Restaurant at Seascape Resort
1 Seascape Resort Dr
40 locals recommend
Sit on the patio for an awesome view while you dine. Then take the paved trail down to the beach. They will even shuttle you back up.
A super cute, very special place!
46 locals recommend
Casanova
5th Avenue
46 locals recommend
A super cute, very special place!
Great food, good service.
22 locals recommend
Montrio Bistro
414 Calle Principal
22 locals recommend
Great food, good service.
Great location. Spicy ahi was wonderful!
11 locals recommend
Chart House
444 Cannery Row
11 locals recommend
Great location. Spicy ahi was wonderful!
Always busy, good bakery and food to take to the beach.
155 locals recommend
Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria
504 Bay Ave
155 locals recommend
Always busy, good bakery and food to take to the beach.
Busy breakfast place close to home.
42 locals recommend
Red Apple Café
783 Rio Del Mar Blvd
42 locals recommend
Busy breakfast place close to home.
Plan to come on "birthday night" for free prime rib! Or, local's specials monday thru friday.
68 locals recommend
Zelda's on the Beach
203 Esplanade
68 locals recommend
Plan to come on "birthday night" for free prime rib! Or, local's specials monday thru friday.
Serve yourself frozen yogurt.
9 locals recommend
Yogurtland
1955 41st Ave
9 locals recommend
Serve yourself frozen yogurt.
Restaurant for upscale, Cafe for casual. Known for fab desserts.
71 locals recommend
Bittersweet Bistro
787 Rio Del Mar Blvd
71 locals recommend
Restaurant for upscale, Cafe for casual. Known for fab desserts.
Quaint little place, cozy, upscale.
79 locals recommend
Café Sparrow
8042 Soquel Dr
79 locals recommend
Quaint little place, cozy, upscale.
Pizza by the slice.
141 locals recommend
Pizza My Heart
209 Esplanade
141 locals recommend
Pizza by the slice.
Clint Eastwood's place.
59 locals recommend
Mission Ranch Restaurant
26270 Dolores St
59 locals recommend
Clint Eastwood's place.
Casual lunch with killer views or nice dinner at the Pacific's Edge.
9 locals recommend
Highlands Inn
120 Highlands Dr
9 locals recommend
Casual lunch with killer views or nice dinner at the Pacific's Edge.
Stop in for a cocktail or coffee and an app. Amazing views!
94 locals recommend
Nepenthe
48510 CA-1
94 locals recommend
Stop in for a cocktail or coffee and an app. Amazing views!
Amazing location.
11 locals recommend
Post Ranch Inn
47900 CA-1
11 locals recommend
Amazing location.
Old time Continental Cuisine. Been there since before I was born.
38 locals recommend
Scopazzi's
13300 Big Basin Way
38 locals recommend
Old time Continental Cuisine. Been there since before I was born.
Long established asian on the West Side.
9 locals recommend
O'mei
2316 Mission St
9 locals recommend
Long established asian on the West Side.
Good food on the Santa Cruz Wharf. But they only take cash.
18 locals recommend
Riva Fish House
31 Municipal Wharf
18 locals recommend
Good food on the Santa Cruz Wharf. But they only take cash.
Locals Favorite! I like to sit at the taco bar.
37 locals recommend
El Palomar Restaurant
1336 Pacific Ave
37 locals recommend
Locals Favorite! I like to sit at the taco bar.
Special place to have lunch.
45 locals recommend
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Half Moon Bay
1 Miramontes Point Rd
45 locals recommend
Special place to have lunch.
Fond memories of lunches and dinners with special people.
12 locals recommend
Moss Beach
12 locals recommend
Fond memories of lunches and dinners with special people.
Stop for Brunch on the way up or down the coast.
285 locals recommend
Cliff House
1090 Point Lobos Ave
285 locals recommend
Stop for Brunch on the way up or down the coast.
Right at the mouth of Moss Landing Harbor. Halibut Picatta is yummy!
6 locals recommend
Pacific Grill
6 locals recommend
Right at the mouth of Moss Landing Harbor. Halibut Picatta is yummy!
Mexican Food at Moss Landing Harbor.
51 locals recommend
The Whole Enchilada Market Place
7902 CA-1
51 locals recommend
Mexican Food at Moss Landing Harbor.
GUEST FAVORITE FOR AWESOME BBQ. GO EARLY. THEY SELL OUT OF EVERYTHING.
95 locals recommend
Aptos St. BBQ
8059 Aptos St
95 locals recommend
GUEST FAVORITE FOR AWESOME BBQ. GO EARLY. THEY SELL OUT OF EVERYTHING.
NEW "COMFORT FOOD" LOCAL RESTAURANT. GOOD REVIEWS FROM GUESTS.
59 locals recommend
The Hideout
9051 Soquel Dr
59 locals recommend
NEW "COMFORT FOOD" LOCAL RESTAURANT. GOOD REVIEWS FROM GUESTS.
MOST EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR MONTEREY.
68 locals recommend
Passionfish
701 Lighthouse Ave
68 locals recommend
MOST EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR MONTEREY.

Sightseeing

Go see the Cement Ship.
97 locals recommend
Seacliff State Beach
State Park Drive
97 locals recommend
Go see the Cement Ship.
GO WALKING, BIKE RIDING, PICNIC, RELAX.
272 locals recommend
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Aptos Creek Road
272 locals recommend
GO WALKING, BIKE RIDING, PICNIC, RELAX.
MY FAVORITE DRIVE ON THE PLANET! NO OTHER COASTLINE LIKE IT. AMAZING!!
332 locals recommend
Big Sur
332 locals recommend
MY FAVORITE DRIVE ON THE PLANET! NO OTHER COASTLINE LIKE IT. AMAZING!!
WORLD FAMOUS STRETCH OF COASTLINE. BREATH TAKING!!
39 locals recommend
17 Mile Dr
17 Mile Drive
39 locals recommend
WORLD FAMOUS STRETCH OF COASTLINE. BREATH TAKING!!
Great tourist location. Whale watching and walking path along this glorious stretch of coastline. I have an office here. Lucky me!!
46 locals recommend
Pebble Beach
46 locals recommend
Great tourist location. Whale watching and walking path along this glorious stretch of coastline. I have an office here. Lucky me!!
A rustic park. Hike a half mile to the water. Nice!
40 locals recommend
Andrew Molera State Park
45500 CA-1
40 locals recommend
A rustic park. Hike a half mile to the water. Nice!
Nice picnic spot.
Limekiln State Park
63025 CA-1
Nice picnic spot.
Up in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
230 locals recommend
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
21600 Big Basin Way
230 locals recommend
Up in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Lover's Point is Lovely!
127 locals recommend
Lovers Point
631 Ocean View Blvd
127 locals recommend
Lover's Point is Lovely!
Historic Monterey by Old Fisherman's Wharf. Right across from my Monterey office.
9 locals recommend
Custom House Plaza
Custom House Plaza
9 locals recommend
Historic Monterey by Old Fisherman's Wharf. Right across from my Monterey office.
Beautiful spot to walk around. Tennis courts overlooking the Pacific.
67 locals recommend
University of California at Santa Cruz
Arboretum Road
67 locals recommend
Beautiful spot to walk around. Tennis courts overlooking the Pacific.
Local's beach close to home.
Beer Can Beach
Local's beach close to home.
Nice beach.
55 locals recommend
Manresa State Beach
1445 San Andreas Rd
55 locals recommend
Nice beach.
This is where the Monarch Butterflies come to winter.
261 locals recommend
Natural Bridges State Beach
2531 W Cliff Dr
261 locals recommend
This is where the Monarch Butterflies come to winter.
Stop off on your way to or from the City. Super Cute! Super Quaint! The village that time forgot.
42 locals recommend
Pescadero
42 locals recommend
Stop off on your way to or from the City. Super Cute! Super Quaint! The village that time forgot.
Ride the Big Dipper. Summer Concert Series on Friday nights during the summer.
745 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach St
745 locals recommend
Ride the Big Dipper. Summer Concert Series on Friday nights during the summer.
Stop to picnic on the way to or from the City.
27 locals recommend
San Gregorio State Beach
Cabrillo Hwy S
27 locals recommend
Stop to picnic on the way to or from the City.
Go kayaking on the estuarine for a relaxing day of watching birds, sea otters and other happy wild life.
22 locals recommend
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
22 locals recommend
Go kayaking on the estuarine for a relaxing day of watching birds, sea otters and other happy wild life.
Gorgeous Nature Preserve.
309 locals recommend
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
62 CA-1
309 locals recommend
Gorgeous Nature Preserve.
Light a candle and say a prayer at the Mission.
6 locals recommend
San Juan Bautista State Historic Park
19 Franklin St
6 locals recommend
Light a candle and say a prayer at the Mission.
Spend a day on the water on this beautiful catamaran.
45 locals recommend
Chardonnay Sailing Charters
790 Mariner Park Way
45 locals recommend
Spend a day on the water on this beautiful catamaran.
A MUST DO! This trail runs for miles along the breathtaking Monterey coastline. Bring a bike, rent a bike or Surrey there or just stroll. So picturesque!
10 locals recommend
Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail
Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail
10 locals recommend
A MUST DO! This trail runs for miles along the breathtaking Monterey coastline. Bring a bike, rent a bike or Surrey there or just stroll. So picturesque!
Good place to rent equipment and plan excursions.
24 locals recommend
Adventures by The Sea
299 Cannery Row
24 locals recommend
Good place to rent equipment and plan excursions.
A GUEST FAVORITE! Paddle Elkhorn Slough Native Preserve to see Sea Lions, Otters and a gazillion birds.!
55 locals recommend
Kayak Connection
2370 CA-1
55 locals recommend
A GUEST FAVORITE! Paddle Elkhorn Slough Native Preserve to see Sea Lions, Otters and a gazillion birds.!
THE BEST CIVILIZED ECO TOUR. Brian, the Captain, is a Class Act -- knowlegeable, nice, professional and does a wonderful tour of the Elkhorn Slough Estuary. Calm waters.
9 locals recommend
Whisper Charters
2370 CA-1
9 locals recommend
THE BEST CIVILIZED ECO TOUR. Brian, the Captain, is a Class Act -- knowlegeable, nice, professional and does a wonderful tour of the Elkhorn Slough Estuary. Calm waters.

Drinks & Nightlife

Fun to sit outside, eat Mexican food, drink Ritas and watch the birds swim by....
40 locals recommend
Margaritaville
231 Esplanade
40 locals recommend
Fun to sit outside, eat Mexican food, drink Ritas and watch the birds swim by....
Down by the Cement Boat, close to home. Haven't been lately, but it use to be good.
48 locals recommend
Café Rio Aptos
131 Esplanade
48 locals recommend
Down by the Cement Boat, close to home. Haven't been lately, but it use to be good.
Taste interesting varietals in the redwoods.
22 locals recommend
Bonny Doon Vineyard Tasting Room
450 CA-1
22 locals recommend
Taste interesting varietals in the redwoods.
Small concert venue in downtown Santa Cruz.
81 locals recommend
The Catalyst
1011 Pacific Ave
81 locals recommend
Small concert venue in downtown Santa Cruz.
Great wine tasting spot.
26 locals recommend
Alfaro Family Vineyard-Winery
420 Hames Rd
26 locals recommend
Great wine tasting spot.
STUNNING VIEWS OF PACIFIC COAST.
19 locals recommend
California Market at Pacific's Edge
120 Highlands Dr
19 locals recommend
STUNNING VIEWS OF PACIFIC COAST.
GREAT EARLY BIRD SPECIALS, LOCAL'S FAVE.
33 locals recommend
Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point
620 Ocean View Blvd
33 locals recommend
GREAT EARLY BIRD SPECIALS, LOCAL'S FAVE.

Arts & Culture

Catch a concert in an intimimate setting.
52 locals recommend
Kuumbwa Jazz Center
320-2 Cedar St
52 locals recommend
Catch a concert in an intimimate setting.
Little theater with off the beaten path showings.
63 locals recommend
Landmark's Nickelodeon Theatre
210 Lincoln St
63 locals recommend
Little theater with off the beaten path showings.