Best of Aptos, CA
The best restaurants, cafés, bars, shops and things to do in Aptos, CA — mapped and organized by category.
About Aptos
Aptos is an unincorporated community in Santa Cruz County, California, composed of several small villages including Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, Aptos Village, Cabrillo, Seacliff, Rio del Mar, and Seascape. The area had a population of 6,664 as of the 2020 census.
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S. S. Palo Alto
S. S. Palo Alto is a concrete tanker built at the end of World War I that was intentionally grounded off Seacliff State Beach in Monterey Bay in 1929. Originally part of a pleasure pier entertainment complex, the wreck has been further broken by the sea over subsequent decades, though large sections remain partially intact.
The SS Palo Alto is the sister ship to the SS Peralta.
View details →Best Hotels in Aptos
13 places · Where to stay, from budget-friendly to boutique.
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Bayview Hotel Bed & Breakfast
Bayview Hotel Bed & Breakfast is located at 8041 Soquel Drive.
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Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola
The Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola is located at 1255 41st Avenue.
Best Restaurants in Aptos
54 places · Where to eat, from neighborhood staples to standout kitchens.
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Aptos St. BBQ
Aptos St. BBQ is a barbecue restaurant located at 8059 Aptos Street.
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Gayle's Bakery
Gayle's Bakery is a local deli and bakery located at 504 Bay Avenue.
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Geisha Sushi
Geisha Sushi is a sushi restaurant located at 200 Monterey Avenue. It offers a variety of sushi dishes in a contemporary setting.
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Taqueria Los Pericos
Taqueria Los Pericos is a Mexican restaurant located at 36 Rancho Del Mar.
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Venus Pie Trap
Venus Pie Trap serves pizza, coffee, and dessert at 113 Esplanade.
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Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen
Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen serves burgers, American, and seafood dishes at 131 Esplanade.
Best Cafés & Coffee in Aptos
19 places · Coffee shops, roasters and casual spots to linger.
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Peet's Coffee
Peet's Coffee is a café located at 819 Bay Avenue, offering a selection of coffee drinks in a relaxed setting.
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Verve Coffee Roasters
Verve Coffee Roasters is a café located at 816 41st Avenue.
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Marianne's Ice Cream
Marianne's Ice Cream is a café that serves ice cream and is located at 218 State Park Drive.
Best Bars & Nightlife in Aptos
13 places · Cocktail bars, pubs and where the night goes.
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Parish Publick House Aptos
Parish Publick House Aptos is a bar located at 8017 Soquel Drive.
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Beer Thirty
Beer Thirty is a bar that offers a selection of beverages for patrons to enjoy.
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Sante Adairius Rustic Ales
Sante Adairius Rustic Ales offers a relaxed atmosphere and a selection of craft beers. The bar is known for its friendly staff and casual vibe. It’s a good spot to unwind after work.
Best Things to Do in Aptos
9 places · Museums, landmarks and the experiences worth your time.
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Aptos History Museum
The Aptos History Museum is located at 7605 Old Dominion Court.
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Cabrillo College Gallery
The Cabrillo College Gallery is located at 6500 Soquel Drive. It offers a range of visual art displays that reflect the local community’s creative spirit.
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Capitola Historical Museum
The Capitola Historical Museum is located at 410 Capitola Avenue.
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Phoebe's Fine Art and Jewelry
Phoebe's Fine Art and Jewelry is located at 107 Capitola Avenue.
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S. S. Palo Alto
S. S. Palo Alto is a concrete tanker built at the end of World War I that was intentionally grounded off Seacliff State Beach in Monterey Bay in 1929. Originally part of a pleasure pier entertainment complex, the wreck has been further broken by the sea over subsequent decades, though large sections remain partially intact.
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The Lookout
The Lookout offers panoramic views of the city skyline. Visitors can enjoy scenic vistas from its observation deck.
Best Shops in Aptos
16 places · Independent boutiques, bookstores and places to browse.
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Bubble Lounge Boutique
Bubble Lounge Boutique offers a selection of bubble-themed items and accessories for shoppers. Located at 30 Rancho Del Mar, it provides a convenient spot to find unique gifts.
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Blue Moon Clothing
Blue Moon Clothing offers a range of apparel in the local shopping area.
Best Parks & Outdoors in Aptos
27 places · Green space, gardens and room to breathe.
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Monterey Avenue Park
Monterey Avenue Park is located at 700 Monterey Avenue. The park offers open space for recreation and community events.
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Richard Vessey Park
Richard Vessey Park offers a spacious green area for visitors to relax and enjoy nature.
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Anna Jean Cummings Park
Anna Jean Cummings Park covers 95 acres at 461 Old San Jose Road, Soquel, California, and opened in the summer of 2001 on land that was once O'Neill Ranch.
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Heart of Soquel Park
Heart of Soquel Park offers a natural setting for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities. The park provides open spaces and pathways suitable for walking, jogging, or relaxing in the shade.
Nearby cities to explore
More guides within driving distance of Aptos.
- Rio Del Mar, CA 1 places
- Capitola, CA 192 places
- Soquel, CA 2 places
- Santa Cruz, CA 299 places
- Scotts Valley, CA 48 places
- Watsonville, CA 7 places
- Interlaken, CA 87 places
- Ben Lomond, CA 79 places