Things to do in Aptos

Activities, attractions and tours

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.
Aptos Beach - California
A pier extending into the ocean with waves crashing against it during sunset.

Things to do

Santa Cruz Beach Hill to Mission Hill Loop Via Downtown

Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop

P2,736
per adult
Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop
Humpback Whale Breaching

Ocean Safaris Whale Watching semi-private limited to 6 people max

P25,229
per adult
Ocean Safaris Whale Watching semi-private limited to 6 people max
Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories

UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour

P308
per traveler
UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour

Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour

P2,736
per adult
Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill

Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill

P2,736
per adult
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour

Capitola Friday Night Food Tour

P7,938
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

P8,553
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz
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What to do in Aptos

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)
Rio Del Mar Beach offers a spacious sandy shoreline with a scenic paved promenade perfect for coastal strolls. Enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere where Aptos Creek sometimes forms a natural lagoon during summer months.
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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 beach at sunset with the sun low on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the sand and water.
Photo by Lingling ❤️
Open Photo by Lingling ❤️

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.

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

Los Gatos

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

Capitola

Frequently asked questions

Is Aptos worth visiting?
Providing a mix of walking trails and coastal beaches, there are plenty of things to do in Aptos. While you're here, head to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Aptos?
Kick your day off with a visit to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf. Then, check out other areas of Aptos for local restaurants and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Aptos?
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of the top tourist attractions in Aptos and deserves a place on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Aptos?
You can easily tick off top attractions like La Selva Beach, Seacliff State Beach and Twin Lakes State Beach with a three-day trip to Aptos. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a little longer and head to San Jose.
Is Aptos a walkable city?
With leading attractions like Seacliff State Beach close by, Aptos is every bit a place to explore on foot. Want to visit some vibrant neighborhoods within walking distance of the city center? Rio del Mar is about 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Aptos with kids?
Deciding what to do in Aptos with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're traveling with little ones or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Aptos for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Aptos, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Soquel Vineyards or Nicholson Vineyards.
Are there free things to do in Aptos?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Aptos is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without opening your wallet. La Selva Beach is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.