15 Best Things to Do in Aptos, California

© Courtesy of Azahara - Fotolia.com

The steep and imposing coastal mountains and tall majestic redwood forests of the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park make for a relaxing and peaceful escape from the noise and bustle of modern day life. Visitors to this tranquil place will find over 30 miles of trails for hiking, jogging, and biking, which vary from gently winding sea-level trails to the steep inclines of the mountain slopes. The park is named for Nisene Marks, whose family donated almost 10,000 acres of land in her name to the state of California on the condition that it never be developed. This promise, upheld by the government, is evident in the untouched beauty of the area, where the redwoods and other trees heal from deforestation of decades past, and the red dirt and green ferns on the ground make for beautiful scenery. More day trips from San Francisco

Aptos Creek Rd, Aptos, CA 95003, Phone: 831-763-7063

© Courtesy of Yuval Helfman - Fotolia.com

First established in 1931, Seacliff State Beach has been a staple fixture on Monterey Bay for quite some time. Easily accessible by foot from Aptos or by car from Santa Cruz, Seacliff State Beach is a great destination for swimming, picnicking, and fishing. There is a long fishing pier which extends from the beach out into the ocean which gets quite popular at certain times of the day. The long, sandy stretch of beach along the coast provides unparalleled views of the water and is backed by bluffs which protect from some of the wind. There is also a massive concrete freighter ship called the SS Palo Alto, which was built at the end of World War I and is closed to the public, though it still makes for an iconic and impressive sight. Browse our California weekend getaways guide for more ideas.

State Park Dr, Aptos, CA 95003, Phone: 831-685-6442

© Courtesy of Viacheslav Sidorov - Fotolia.com

Just next to Seacliff State Beach is Rio Del Mar State Beach, another long stretch of sand that is great for visitors to enjoy. With free parking and easy access, Rio Del Mar State Beach is very popular with families. The beach is dog friendly, contains many fire pits and picnic areas, and has restrooms available near the parking lot. Rio Del Mar State Beach is very close to the Seacliffe Promenade Trail, which provides a scenic walk through the beaches in the area, and the beach is also a great place to spot wildlife, as everything from otters to sea lions can often be seen there, as well as the gray whales which are often spotted in the bay during their migratory seasons.

201 State Park Dr, Aptos, CA 95003, Phone: 831-685-6500

More ideas: Things to do in Monterey

© Courtesy of Melastmohican - Fotolia.com

Continuing further south along the coast of Monterey Bay, visitors will find Manresa State Beach, a beautiful sandy area that is known for being very well kept. There is a fee for parking at Manresa Beach, which is open daily from 8am to sunset, and visitors to the beach will find gorgeous views of the ocean, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the Monterey Peninsula as they soak up the sunshine, build sandcastles, and splash in the water. Manresa State Beach is popular for a variety of reasons, but foremost among them are its status as a destination for surfing, surf fishing, and for watching breathtaking sunsets each evening.

1445 San Andreas Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076, Phone: 831-724-3750

More ideas: Girls Weekend Getaways

You are reading "What is There to Do in Aptos, California" near me today?

© Aptos History Museum

Aptos is not a large town, but it’s one that is simply rife with history and culture. At the Aptos History Museum, guests can check out local artifacts, photographs, and other exhibits to learn about life in Aptos before our time. Exhibits in the museum cover history as far back at 7000 BC, when Native Americans lived in Santa Cruz county, and cover events through the current time. The exhibits are all family friendly, and make for a fun and exciting visit, and in the museum’s gift shop, visitors can purchase books, postcards, and other materials depicting some of the most iconic parts of Aptos’ past.

7605 Old Dominion Ct # B, Aptos, CA 95003, Phone: 831-688-1467, (website link)

Browse Top Beaches Near San Francisco

© Courtesy of eugenesergeev - Fotolia.com

Since the 1970s, when it was a summer program through Cabrillo College, the Cabrillo Stage has been home to a number of quality productions. The theater has been known for producing provocative and ambitious shows for such a small theater, a tradition started by the theater’s production of then-new musical Chicago in 1981. Since those days, Cabrillo Stage has added extensively to its repertoire of shows, with productions from The Sound of Music to Sweeney Todd to entertain patrons each season. Performance schedules and ticket sales can be found on Cabrillo Stage’s website.

6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003, Phone: 831-479-6154

More ideas: Weekend Getaways from San Francisco

© Marianne's Ice Cream

Aptos is a beach town, and nothing makes a better combination with a day of sun and sand than ice cream. At Marianne’s Ice Cream, customers will have a wide variety of flavors to choose from, whether they want them in a waffle cone or in a cup drizzled with hot fudge. Marianne’s makes all their own ice cream, and has been doing so since they first opened in 1947. The space, with its red and white checkered floor tiles and retro decor, feels like stepping into the past, and the homemade ice cream has an old fashioned feel to it as well. Enjoying a cone at Marianne’s before or after heading out to see what else Aptos has to offer is simply not to be missed.

218 State Park Dr, Aptos, CA 95003 , Phone: 831-458-1447

More ideas: Things to do in Lake Tahoe

© Courtesy of Yuval Helfman - Fotolia.com

Located right next to Rio Del Mar State Beach, Santa Cruz Massage Harbor is a wellness center set against the gorgeous backdrop of the sand and the sea. Santa Cruz massage Harbor offers a top of the line spa experience from experienced professionals, with a luxurious yet laid back feel and amazing service. Couples, solo travelers, groups of friends, and locals alike enjoy their visits to Santa Cruz Massage Harbor, where they can receive a relaxing treatment that is sure to leave them feeling revitalized. The wellness center offers a variety of massages, from a simple relaxing massage to a therapeutic sports massage and even a hot stone massage, as well as services for couples, specialized massages and treatments for pregnant women, and facial massages and treatments as well.

3233 Valencia Ave B6, Aptos, CA 95003, Phone: 831-278-2868

More ideas: California vacation ideas for families

© Cafe Sparrow

At the turn of the century, the building which now houses Cafe Sparrow was the Aptos Post Office and general store, where citizens went to mail packages and buy candy and basic goods. Today, Cafe Sparrow has made great use of the space’s rustic hardwood floors and unique rooms. The French restaurant is a space full of sunny yellow walls, lace tablecloths, and fresh flowers, setting the scene for a fabulous meal. Cafe Sparrow is open seven days a week, and serves lunch and dinner as well as brunch on Sundays. Guests will enjoy dishes such as the Bardot, a grilled chicken served with brie, pears, and a nutmeg crouton, or the traditional French desserts like profiteroles and creme caramel.

8042 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003, Phone: 831-688-6238

More ideas: Things to do on the Mendocino Coast

© Aptos Street BBQ

This family owned and operated barbecue joint is home to some of the greatest food in Aptos. All meats at Aptos Street BBQ are smoked fresh and in house daily with seasoned oak wood, and everything from the chicken to a rack of ribs is cooked to perfection. Indecisive customers can even order a platter with five different types of meat, loaded with delicious side dishes like classic baked beans, garlic bread, and potato salad. But the fun doesn’t stop there, because Aptos Street BBQ also serves a wide variety of local and domestic beers, and customers will have a great time enjoying the live blues music that is played every night.

8059 Aptos St, Aptos, CA 95003, Phone: 831-662-1721

More ideas: Northern California Day Trips

© Manuel's Mexican Restaurant

Since 1965, Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant has been serving amazing Mexican food to the people of Aptos, and it is still a classic in the town today. At Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant, customers can enjoy carne asada tacos, delicious enchiladas, or refreshing tostada salads, as well as their signature flan or Mexican ice cream dessert options. At Manuel’s, guests feel like they are family, and the food, atmosphere, and history behind the restaurant all add to that. A trip to Aptos would not be complete without a stop at Manuel’s for Taco Tuesday, when they bring out their special fresh fish tacos, or a delicious margarita before heading out to the beach.

261 Center Ave, Aptos, CA 95003, Phone: 831-688-4848

More ideas: Romantic weekend getaways in Northern California

© Courtesy of dolomites-image - Fotolia.com

Sightseeing is one of the indisputable great joys of traveling to a new place, but sometimes there is only so much you can see when you’re getting around on your feet. That’s where Santa Cruz Bike Tours comes in, with guided tours all over the Aptos area that are catered to suit a variety of interests. Guests can check out the Forest of Nisene Marks on bicycle for some beautiful nature, or take a guided bike tour to local breweries and wineries for a fun day spent drinking and touring local businesses. There are tours suitable for families, corporate groups, and more, and while many of them vary in difficulty, they are absolutely fine for most skill levels.

Aptos, CA 95001, Phone: 831-722-2453

More ideas: Things to do in Northern California

© Courtesy of Roman Rvachov - Fotolia.com

Twin Lakes Church is much more than a house of worship, it’s a community, and that’s a message the church preaches every week. Whether stopping by for a quick visit, a moment of quiet contemplation, or a weekend service, Twin Lakes Church welcomes everyone through its doors. The church has a large community, and hosts lots of events so that everyone can enjoy their time there. There are kids nights out, with games and entertainment, so parents can enjoy an evening on their own, and groups that meet for young adults, men, women, and seniors, where everyone can make friends, discuss their faith, and enjoy a variety of activities.

2701 Cabrillo College Dr, Aptos, CA 95003, Phone: 831-465-3300

More ideas: Bay Area Beaches

© somchai /stock.adobe.com

Seascape Golf Course is scenically located less than a mile from the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean. The golf course was originally laid out in 1926 and today the manicured fairways are lined with giant eucalyptus trees and majestic Monterey Pines. The undulating fairways lead to small and challenging greens. The course provides an enjoyable game for golfers of all abilities. You can put in some practice on the 15-station driving range or hone your short game on the chipping and putting greens. The club house has a popular restaurant and bar with a wide outdoor terrace overlooking the course.

Seascape Golf Course, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos, CA 95003, 831 688 3213

More ideas: Things to do in Woodland

© Nicholson Vineyards

Nicholson Vineyards is located in Pleasant Valley, in the Corralitos foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. As the name suggests, this little corner of California enjoys a moderate climate which provides the perfect growing conditions for their grapes and olives. The property has been in the Nicholson family for 11 generations and has produced many award-winning wines and olive products. Visitors are invited to come to their tasting room on Saturdays or Sundays to enjoy a flight of wines or to just sit back and enjoy a glass of your favorite wine under the welcoming giant oak trees. You can also book a private tasting and a tour of the vineyards.

Nicholson Vineyards, 2800 Pleasant Valley Road, Aptos, CA 95003, 831 724 7071

More ideas: Things to Do in Berkeley

© Peter Atkins/stock.adobe.com

To add a relaxing and revitalizing component to your Santa Cruz visit you can book a pampering session at Massage Harbor, a boutique Spa facility located just a few miles from Santa Cruz. Here you will find a team of highly experienced massage therapists who will help you choose exactly the right kind of massage/spa experience to suit your needs. Massage Harbor also offers special Pre and Post-Natal services which are specially designed to address various pregnancy concerns. In addition to offering pamper sessions the spa also offers various wellness and integrative massage therapy techniques such as Reiki and Reflexology.

Massage Harbor, 3233 Valencia Avenue, Suite B6, Aptos, CA 95003, 831 278 2868

More ideas: Things to Do in Oakland