Aptos, CA

Travel Guide

A beach with a pier, houses, and palm trees.
A waterfront residential area with colorful houses and a bridge at dusk.
A three-seater cart with a yellow canopy, parked on a paved area with rocks and the sea in the background.
A pier extending into calm waters with a sunset sky.
A coastal town with a beach, houses on a hillside, and a large cloud in the sky.

Where to stay in Aptos

Find the best Aptos areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Aptos
Learn more about Aptos
A natural rock arch formation on a beach with waves crashing below.

Rio del Mar

If you're spending some time in Rio del Mar, Monterey Bay and Seascape Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

A pier extending into the ocean with waves crashing against it during sunset.

Seacliff

While visiting Seacliff, you might make a stop by sights like Monterey Bay and Seacliff State Beach.

Aptos Village

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Aptos Village and surrounding area, you can visit Seacliff State Beach and Rio Del Mar Beach.

Seascape Beach Resort

Seascape Beach Resort

4 out of 5
One Seascape Resort Drive Aptos CA
$245 nightly
The price is $279 total per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
$279 total
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Aptos. Enjoy free valet parking, 3 outdoor pools, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
Seascape Beach Resort
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

3.5 out of 5
7500 Old Dominion Court Aptos CA
$106 nightly
The price is $123 total per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
$123 total
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Aptos. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
La Bahia Hotel and Spa

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

4.5 out of 5
215 Beach Street Santa Cruz CA
$405 nightly
The price is $455 total per night from Nov 24 to Nov 25
$455 total
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Mystery ...
La Bahia Hotel and Spa
See all 1,978 properties in Aptos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
1950's Beachfront Home - Stunning Views!

1950's Beachfront Home - Stunning Views!

Aptos CA
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Aptos. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
"Great location, right on the sand, 2 restaurants 2 minute walk, pet friendly. We are already planning to return! PS: great Breville espresso maker!"

Reviewed on Oct 9, 2026

1950's Beachfront Home - Stunning Views!
Jaw-Dropping Beach-Front Retreat!

Jaw-Dropping Beach-Front Retreat!

Aptos CA
Stay at this vacation home in Aptos. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Capitola Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (105 reviews)
"We had a wonderful visit. This is a great home. Wonderful location! Well appointed."

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2026

Jaw-Dropping Beach-Front Retreat!
Aptos Bayview, large 1 Br.Cottage, Pets & parking. Ocean View deck, fire pit

Aptos Bayview, large 1 Br.Cottage, Pets & parking. Ocean View deck, fire pit

Aptos CA
Stay at this cottage in Aptos. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Capitola Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (86 reviews)
"Clean. Very quiet. Well stocked kitchen and a supermarket a short drive (<1 mile) if you want to cook a meal. Hosts are proactively communicative and even though they live in the attached larger house, we never saw or heard them."

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2026

Aptos Bayview, large 1 Br.Cottage, Pets & parking. Ocean View deck, fire pit
See all properties in Aptos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Aptos attractions

A pier extending into the ocean at sunset with the sun reflecting on the water.

Rio Del Mar Beach

9.2/10 (216 reviews)
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Rio Del Mar Beach during your travels in Aptos? Discover the sunsets while you're in the area.
See properties

Things to do

Santa Cruz Beach Hill to Mission Hill Loop Via Downtown

Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop

$45
per adult
Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour

Capitola Friday Night Food Tour

$129
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill

Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill

$45
per adult
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

$139
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour

Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour

$45
per adult
Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour
Santa Cruz Redwoods Forest Therapy

Redwoods Forest Bathing

$119
per adult
Redwoods Forest Bathing
See all activities in Aptos

Frequently asked questions

Is Aptos worth visiting?
Aptos is worth visiting for its beautiful beaches, including Rio Del Mar Beach and Seacliff State Beach, perfect for a relaxing coastal getaway. Travelers can also explore the charming Rio del Mar neighborhood and enjoy diverse dining options, with local eateries offering both Italian and Asian cuisine.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Aptos?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Aptos depend on what you want to see:


What is Aptos known for?
Aptos is known for its beautiful beaches, including Rio Del Mar Beach, Seacliff State Beach, and New Brighton State Beach. Travelers can also find a strong Italian food culture here. The city features neighborhoods such as Rio del Mar, offering a relaxed coastal experience.
What is a good itinerary length for Aptos?
A good itinerary length for Aptos is two to three days to enjoy beaches like Rio Del Mar Beach, Seacliff State Beach, and New Brighton State Beach, plus explore the Rio del Mar neighborhood. For a longer trip of three to five days, you can also experience Redwoods Forest Bathing and savor the local Italian, Asian, or North American cuisine. See Aptos Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Aptos?
Aptos offers outdoor adventures, from serene beaches to unique forest experiences and golf:


How do I plan a trip to Aptos?
To plan your trip to Aptos, search for hotels, such as Seascape Beach Resort in the Rio del Mar area. Book your flights, rental car, and activities like Redwoods Forest Bathing in advance. You can explore nature at Rio Del Mar Beach, Seacliff State Beach, and New Brighton State Beach.
What cuisines can you find in Aptos?
In Aptos, travelers can find Japanese cuisine, offering dishes like sushi, ramen, and tempura. You can also enjoy Italian specialties such as pasta and pizza, and explore Mexican flavors with options including tacos and burritos. North American and other European dishes are also available.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Aptos?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Aptos by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Aptos with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Aptos trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Aptos?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Aptos can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Aptos trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Aptos trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Aptos trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Aptos trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Aptos?
If it's your first trip to Aptos, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Aptos hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Aptos hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Aptos

A beach with clear water, palm trees, and a cruise ship in the background.

Los Gatos

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, ocean waves, and distant mountains.

Watsonville

A coastal town with colorful houses, a pier, and a beach.

Capitola

A colorful coastal town with pastel-colored buildings, a sandy beach, and a calm sea.

Soquel

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