Aptos & Rio Del Mar
Santa Cruz County's Upscale Beach Paradise
Where Santa Cruz Gets Upscale
Aptos and Rio Del Mar are Santa Cruz County's more refined beach communities. Located just south of Capitola, these neighboring areas offer stunning beaches, upscale homes, excellent restaurants, and access to both redwood forests and wine country - all without the crowds and chaos of downtown Santa Cruz.
Aptos Village is the charming downtown with shops and restaurants, while Rio Del Mar is the beachfront neighborhood with million-dollar homes and pristine coastline. Together, they offer the best of Santa Cruz County living: natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a slower pace of life.
The Vibe
Upscale & Residential
Beautiful homes, manicured neighborhoods, and a more affluent feel than other Santa Cruz areas. Think Carmel-by-the-Sea vibes.
Pristine Beaches
Less crowded than Santa Cruz beaches, with cleaner sand and more parking. Rio Del Mar Beach and Seacliff State Beach are local favorites.
Wine Country Adjacent
Several wineries and tasting rooms in the hills above Aptos. Santa Cruz Mountains wine region starts here.
Nature at Your Doorstep
Forest of Nisene Marks State Park offers 10,000 acres of redwood trails, from easy walks to challenging hikes.
What to Do in Aptos & Rio Del Mar
🏖️ Rio Del Mar Beach
A beautiful, less-crowded beach with soft sand, gentle waves, and stunning views. Great for families, swimming, and sunset walks. Parking is easier than Santa Cruz beaches.
Access: Rio Del Mar Blvd • Free parking • Restrooms & picnic areas
🚢 Seacliff State Beach & The Cement Ship
Famous for the SS Palo Alto, a concrete ship from WWI that's now a fishing pier and landmark. The beach is family-friendly with calm waters, RV camping, and a visitor center.
Parking: $10 day use fee • Pier fishing • Camping available
🌲 Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
10,000 acres of second-growth redwood forest with 30+ miles of trails. From easy creek walks to challenging climbs. Mountain biking allowed on many trails. Site of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake epicenter.
Trailhead: Aptos Creek Rd • Free parking • Bring water & layers
🍷 Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Tasting
Several wineries and tasting rooms in the hills above Aptos. Try Nicholson Vineyards, Alfaro Family Vineyards, or Trout Gulch Vineyards. Many offer stunning mountain and ocean views.
Tip: Call ahead for hours • Designated driver required • Some by appointment only
🏘️ Aptos Village
The charming downtown area with boutique shops, restaurants, cafes, and a farmers market (Saturdays). More upscale and quieter than downtown Santa Cruz.
Highlights: Farmers Market (Sat 8am-12pm) • Local shops • Dining
🌅 Manresa State Beach
A wide, sandy beach south of Seacliff with dunes, tide pools, and great surf. Less developed and more natural than other beaches. Popular with surfers and those seeking solitude.
Access: San Andreas Rd • $10 parking • Walk-in camping available
Where to Eat & Drink
🍽️ Bittersweet Bistro
Upscale California-Mediterranean cuisine in Aptos Village. Romantic patio, excellent wine list.
🍕 Britannia Arms
British pub with fish & chips, burgers, and craft beer. Casual and family-friendly.
🌮 Taqueria Vallarta
Authentic Mexican food. Local favorite for tacos, burritos, and fresh salsa.
☕ Verve Coffee (Seascape)
Santa Cruz's famous roaster with a location in nearby Seascape Village.
🍦 Marianne's Ice Cream
Local ice cream chain with unique flavors. Perfect after a beach day.
🦞 The Crab Station
Seafood boil restaurant in nearby Seascape. Casual, messy, and delicious.
Getting Around
🚗By Car
- • Highway 1 south from Santa Cruz (15 min)
- • Exit at State Park Dr or Rio Del Mar Blvd
- • Easier parking than Santa Cruz
- • Free street parking in most areas
🚲Biking
- • Flat coastal bike path
- • Connects to Capitola & Santa Cruz
- • Quiet residential streets
- • Bike-friendly community
Local Tips
🏖️Beach Choice: Rio Del Mar for families and swimming, Seacliff for the cement ship and pier, Manresa for surfing and solitude.
🥾Nisene Marks: Start early to avoid crowds and heat. Bring plenty of water - there are no facilities once you're on the trails.
🍷Wine Tasting: Many wineries require appointments. Call ahead and plan your route - they're spread out in the hills.
🌅Sunset Spot: Rio Del Mar Beach has stunning sunsets. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for the best light.
🛒Shopping: Aptos Village for boutiques, Seascape Village for groceries and services, or drive to Capitola for more options.
Aptos & Rio Del Mar is Best For...
✅ Perfect For:
- • Beach lovers who want less crowds
- • Families seeking safe, clean beaches
- • Hikers and nature enthusiasts
- • Wine lovers
- • Those seeking upscale accommodations
- • Romantic getaways
- • People who want Santa Cruz without the chaos
❌ Skip If:
- • You want nightlife and entertainment
- • You're on a tight budget
- • You prefer walkable downtown areas
- • You want the boardwalk and tourist attractions
- • You don't have a car (not walkable)
- • You want a "scene" or social atmosphere
Perfect Day in Aptos
Morning Hike
Forest of Nisene Marks - Aptos Creek Trail (easy 4-mile loop)
Lunch in Aptos Village
Bittersweet Bistro or Britannia Arms
Beach Time
Rio Del Mar Beach - swim, relax, read a book
Wine Tasting
Visit a local winery in the hills
Sunset
Return to Rio Del Mar Beach for sunset
Dinner
Bittersweet Bistro or drive to nearby Capitola
Explore Nearby
Ready to Explore Aptos?
Pristine beaches, redwood forests, and wine country await