Overview
Aptos is a city in Santa Cruz County in California, in the Monterey Bay Area.
2 things to do · 8 places to eat · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Aptos
The Forest of Nisene Marks
This state park is a beautiful, mossy area that used to be a logging site. It's great for hiking and mountain biking. Although most people don't know this, it is the site of the 1989 Loma Prieta quake epicenter.
Seacliff State Beach
This beach can get crowded in the summer, but has some nice walks, a little visitors' center, and a striking centerpiece: the Palo Alto, a concrete ship with a strange history. It rots away in the water but is fascinatin…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–Nov. Summer highs reach about 77°F; winter lows dip to about 41°F. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby Santa Cruz)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SJC Mineta San Jose International Airport, San Jose — 26 mi away (major hub). Directions
- MRY Monterey Regional Airport, Monterey — 27 mi away. Directions
Seven miles south of Santa Cruz and seven miles north of Watsonville on Highway 1 (US-1). Exit State Park Drive, Rio del Mar Blvd. or Freedom Blvd.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $89–$89 a night (typical $134), from 2 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $25 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$140, mid-range ~$220, comfortable ~$280.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning The Forest of Nisene Marks
- Lunch Mentone
- Afternoon Seacliff State Beach
- Dinner Sevy's Bar + Kitchen
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Seven miles south of Santa Cruz and seven miles north of Watsonville on Highway 1 (US-1). Exit State Park Drive, Rio del Mar Blvd. or Freedom Blvd.
Santa Cruz Metro buses offer service from Santa Cruz.
Do
Do Seacliff State Beach
This beach can get crowded in the summer, but has some nice walks, a little visitors' center, and a striking centerpiece: the Palo Alto, a concrete ship with a strange history. It rots away in the water but is fascinating in a melancholy way. Read about it in the center if it's open when you're there (call ahead due to state budget cuts).
Buy
Watercolor postcards of the Palo Alto at the Seacliff visitors' center.
Eat
Eat Green Papaya Thai
A place for some pad see ew or tom kha soup if you like.
Eat Pizza 1 (Pizza My Heart)
Excellent, inventive, California-style pizzas with local ingredients. Although not inexpensive, the quality makes up for the cost. Check their website for an email coupon. Casual atmosphere.
Eat Sanderlings Restaurant at Seascape
Casual elegant dining with a spectacular ocean view from sunrise to sunset. Outdoor dining, children's menu, beer/wine, full bar, ocean view, banquet facilities, free wifi. Reservations recommended.
Eat Sevy's Bar + Kitchen (Severino's Bar & Grill at the Best Western Seacliff Inn)
Outdoor dining, children's menu, beer/wine, full bar, sports TV, banquet facilities. Reservations welcome.
Eat The Hideout
California-inflected casual food. The varied menu means this restaurant is a good option when your group can't decide whether to get dinner-sized salads or burgers with fries or chicken.
Eat Manuel's Mexican Restaurant
Family-owned restaurant since 1965. A different regional specialty every night of the week.
Eat Ambrosia India Bistro
Spicy Indian food. Dine-in or takeout.
Eat Mentone
This open-kitchen restaurant won the "Bib Gourmand" from the Michelin Guide for its pizzas. For dinner, don't miss the eggplant. Reservations strongly recommended. Open for lunch and dinner during the summer, and for dinner only during the winter.
Sleep
Nearby
Capitola
City / town · 20 listings · 3 mi away
Santa Cruz
City / town · 73 listings · 7 mi away
Scotts Valley
City / town · 9 listings · 8 mi away
Watsonville
City / town · 40 listings · 9 mi away
Felton
City / town · 8 listings · 10 mi away
Moss Landing
City / town · 11 listings · 14 mi away
Boulder Creek
City / town · 6 listings · 15 mi away
Morgan Hill
City / town · 26 listings · 18 mi away
My experience
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