Stunning Monterey Bay
Rio Del Mar and Seacliff in Aptos, along with the entire Santa Cruz County, and the greater Monterey Bay area offer endless opportunities for fun, adventure, great dining and wine tasting!
Rio Del Mar and Seacliff are located in the perfect stop to enjoy the entire Monterey Bay. You could easily spend 2-3 days in Aptos and never need to go more than a mile from home to have a full and memorable visit! But if you want to explore a bit further out, Santa Cruz and the iconic Boardwalk are just 9 miles north. Moss Landing with its great antique stores, kayaking, whale watching, and bird watching is less than 20 miles south. Monterey, Carmel and Pebble Beach are less than 45 minutes away.
We are excited to share some highlights and some of our favorites with you!
Seacliff and Rio Del Mar (Aptos) Highlights:
Wonderful Beaches:
Seacliff State Beach and Rio Del Mar Beach are right near the homes!
- Enjoy the sandy shores and iconic Cement Ship.
- Parking and bathrooms are available at both beaches. There is a fee to drive into Seacliff State Beach but no fee for Rio Del Mar Beach.
- Scenic beaches with expansive views, perfect for a leisurely walk.
Walking south on the beach from the house you can go for miles and see so many great beaches including (from north to south):
Hidden Beach
- True to its name, this quiet beach is perfect for a tranquil escape.
Beer Can Beach
- A hidden gem known for its secluded atmosphere and natural beauty.
Seascape Beach
- A family-friendly beach with amenities like picnic areas and playgrounds adjacent to the Seascape Resort.
La Selva Beach
- A charming beach town with a relaxed vibe and pristine coastline.
Manresa State Beach
- Serene and less crowded, ideal for a peaceful beach day. This beach also has bathrooms at the parking lot.
Hiking and Biking Ideas:
Aptos Creek Trail (Nisene Marks State Park)
- Immerse yourself in a redwood forest with a variety of trail options.
Soquel Demonstration Forest
- Known for mountain biking trails and scenic forest views.
Forest of Nisene Marks and Loma Prieta Trails
- Explore the lush forest and discover the historical Loma Prieta mill site.
The Epicenter
- A trail with diverse landscapes, including open meadows and wooded areas.
Nicene Marks to Sand Point Overlook
- Hike to a breathtaking overlook with views of the coastline.
Valencia Creek Trail
- A peaceful trail along Valencia Creek, perfect for birdwatching.
Sulphur Springs Trail
- Encounter natural springs and enjoy the surrounding beauty.
Maple Falls Trail
- Leads to a beautiful waterfall, especially impressive during the rainy season.
Bridge Creek Trail
- A relatively flat trail with scenic bridges and creek views.
Old Growth Loop Trail
- Experience ancient redwood trees on this picturesque loop trail.
Land of Medicine Buddha
- One of our favorite ways to spend a couple of hours – this scenic Buddhist retreat center in the mountain foothills offers a wonderful walking trail with meditation points and prompts. Please check open hours before going.
Further north by car:
Of course, just a quick drive north, Capitola Village and Capitola Beach are wonderful for a day of exploring, shopping, dining, and enjoying the beach.
A bit farther north is our iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with one of the oldest wood-style roller-coasters in California. Downtown Santa Cruz boasts great local shops, cafes and restaurants embodying the “Keep Santa Cruz Weird” vibe. Stop in for a picnic lunch at the iconic Zoccoli’s Deli – the last true Italian deli in the county – and stock up for a day of beach, hiking, or exploring fun and adventure.
Go a little further to Felton and walk through the magnificent ancient redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The park offer stunning, family friendly trails. Start at the visitors center and learn more about this amazing State Park.
Heading South by Car:
Elkhorn Slough Safari: 2390 Highway 1, Moss Landing, CA 95039
Embark on a memorable wildlife adventure with Elkhorn Slough Safari. This guided boat tour takes you through the serene Elkhorn Slough, one of California's largest estuaries. As you cruise through the waterways, you'll have the opportunity to witness an abundance of marine life, including sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and a variety of bird species. The knowledgeable naturalists on board provide fascinating insights into the local ecosystem, making it an educational and entertaining experience. Don't forget your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters.
Kayaking in the Harbor: Kayak Connection, 2370 CA-1, Moss Landing, CA 95039
Explore Moss Landing's scenic harbor and waterways by renting a kayak from Kayak Connection. Paddle through the Moss Landing Harbor and Elkhorn Slough, immersing yourself in the tranquil surroundings. The harbor is known for its calm waters, making it suitable for kayakers of all skill levels. As you glide through the water, you may encounter sea otters, harbor seals, and various bird species up close. Kayaking provides a unique perspective of Moss Landing's marine life and offers a peaceful and active way to enjoy the coastal environment. Kayak Connection provides equipment rentals and guided tours for those looking for a more structured experience.
Monterey, Carmel, Pebble Beach:
The Monterey, Carmel, and Pebble Beach areas offer a wealth of activities, combining natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures. Here's a detailed list of 10 activities to enjoy in these picturesque locations:
Monterey:
Monterey Bay Aquarium: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
Immerse yourself in the fascinating marine world at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Explore captivating exhibits featuring sea otters, sharks, jellyfish, and a variety of marine life. The aquarium's oceanfront setting adds to the charm.
Cannery Row: Stroll along historic Cannery Row, known for its waterfront shops, restaurants, and scenic views. Enjoy browsing art galleries, boutiques, and sampling fresh seafood along this iconic stretch.
Old Fisherman's Wharf: 1 Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940, Explore Old Fisherman's Wharf, known for its seafood restaurants, gift shops, and opportunities for whale watching tours. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and ocean views.
Dennis the Menace Playground: 777 Pearl St, Monterey, CA 93940, If you're traveling with family, visit Dennis the Menace Playground, a whimsical and expansive park with play structures, a labyrinth, and a climbing wall. It's a great spot for children to have fun.
Carmel-by-the-Sea:
Carmel Beach: Scenic Rd & Ocean Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921, Relax on the soft white sands of Carmel Beach. With its cypress trees and stunning views, it's an ideal spot for a leisurely beach day, sunset watching, or a romantic walk.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: 62 California 1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, Explore the pristine beauty of Point Lobos, known for its dramatic coastline, cypress groves, and diverse marine life. Hike along scenic trails and enjoy breathtaking ocean views.
Carmel Mission Basilica: 3080 Rio Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, Discover the rich history of Carmel at the Carmel Mission Basilica. The historic mission is a cultural and architectural gem, surrounded by beautiful gardens and courtyards.
Pebble Beach:
17-Mile Drive: Take a scenic drive along the famous 17-Mile Drive, which winds through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. Marvel at the stunning coastal landscapes, iconic golf courses, and the Lone Cypress along this picturesque route.
Pebble Beach Golf Links: 1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA 93953, Golf enthusiasts can't miss playing or at least admiring the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links. The course offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and iconic golf holes.
Lone Cypress: 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA 93953, Witness the Lone Cypress, a symbol of resilience and beauty, perched on a rocky outcrop along 17-Mile Drive. Capture breathtaking photos of this iconic coastal landmark.