Aptos

Known for its close-knit communities, beautiful beaches, redwood forests, world-class recreational opportunities, and alternative community lifestyles.

Welcome to Aptos

Beach Estates & Bungalows, good schools, miles of beaches, Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, local golf, tennis, miles walking biking & more
 
Aptos, California, is in the County of Santa Cruz. There are numerous villages, including Rio del Mar, Seascape, Aptos Village, and others, in this gorgeous oceanfront region. Approximately 24,000 residents call Aptos, California, home. Aptos means “the people in the Ohlone language. Numerous state parks are found here, and residents are able to take advantage of the natural beauty in this northern California city. Aptos is a small town and serves as an entryway to the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
 
Beaches, parks, and historic monuments distinguish Aptos as one of the most interesting places in Santa Cruz County. Residents love taking advantage of all the amenities and attractions located throughout the area. Santa Cruz County is one of the most desirable regions in the state, and people come from all over the world to reside here. The pristine beaches, mild weather, and family-friendly atmosphere make Aptos one of the best places to live in California. 
 
Spend your nights making bonfires on the beach with your family and friends and then listening to live music at Aptos Village Park. Aptos offers so many great amenities, and residents always feel at home in this small community. Life in Aptos makes residents never want to leave this amazing place.

What to Love

Local Lifestyle

Life in Aptos is dominated by the natural splendor of Santa Cruz County. Villages such as Rio del Mar, Seascape, and Seacliff are relaxing and calm places to call home. Residents enjoy spending their days surfing, hiking, golfing, and running. Mountain bikers also enjoy riding through the amazing state parks in Aptos. Long days cooking out on the beach and having picnics appeal to most of the people who call Aptos home. Going out to dinner and enjoying new cuisines is also a popular activity. Everyone feels comfortable in this small community in one of the most serene atmospheres in all of California. Cafes, retail stores, and other shops in Aptos Village provide even more reason for residents to fall in love with Aptos time and time again.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping 

The Hideout Restaurant is my personal favorite and serves American fare in cozy surroundings. Notable entrees include smoked gouda macaroni and cheese, sesame-seared ahi, and merlot-braised short ribs. Sanderlings another "locals favorite" at the Seascape Beach Resort has contemporary cuisine and local wines. Patrons rave about the cioppino, vegetable cannelloni, sanderlings fish, and chips.
 
French cuisine is served in a refurbished post office at Cafe Sparrow. Notable items on the menu include Bardot, seafood capellini, and New Zealand rack of lamb. Akira Aptos serves great sushi and Japanese cuisine. Popular dishes include spicy charred edamame, tropical poke, and the eternal sunshine roll.

Things to Do

The Aptos Blues Festival is one of the most popular annual events. The Fourth of July “World’s Shortest Parade” is a notable annual parade that attracts many spectators. Residents of Altos can enjoy these events with family members and friends.
 
Aptos History Museum contains photographs, artifacts, and other collections relating to the Ohlone tribe. The cultural heritage of the Ohlone people has been preserved at the Aptos History Museum since the 1980s.

Schools

The Pajaro Valley Unified School District serves the schools in Aptos. The following are some of the most notable schools in Aptos, California:

 

 
 

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