Guidebook for Aptos
Take a hike, explore
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
100 McAllister WayThe Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Aptos Creek RoadMonterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery RowWilder Ranch State Park
1401 Coast RdSeacliff State Beach
State Park DriveWest Cliff Drive
West Cliff Drive Overlooks famous Pleasure Point surf break.
A nice walk with great views of the Bay and the Boardwalk. Take a sweater, it can be windy.
193 locals recommend
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff DriveA nice walk with great views of the Bay and the Boardwalk. Take a sweater, it can be windy.
Entertainment & Activities
Roaring Camp
5401 Graham Hill RdThe Mystery Spot
465 Mystery Spot RdSanta Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StColligan Theater at the Tannery Arts Center
1010 River StRio Theatre
1205 Soquel AveLive music.
Landmark's Nickelodeon Theatre
210 Lincoln StArt films
Regal Santa Cruz 9
1405 Pacific AveArts & Culture
6 excellent exhibits each year. Check website for hours and current exhibit info.
Pajaro Valley Gallery & Arts
37 Sudden St 6 excellent exhibits each year. Check website for hours and current exhibit info.
One of the best galleries in Santa Cruz. A hidden gem with world class exhibits. Check for shows and hours.
Cabrillo Gallery
6500 Soquel DrOne of the best galleries in Santa Cruz. A hidden gem with world class exhibits. Check for shows and hours.
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front StTannery Arts Center
1010 River StSee my work First Fridays @ Gallery 125.
Essentials
Safeway
2720 41st AveDeluxe Foods of Aptos
783 Rio Del Mar BlvdWhole Foods Market
911 Soquel AveTrader Joe's
700 Front StOur brand new local grocery store- less than a mile from El Nido!
248 locals recommend
New Leaf Community Markets
1101 Fair AveOur brand new local grocery store- less than a mile from El Nido!
Food Scene
The Buttery
702 Soquel Ave Local favorite in mid-town for breakfast and lunch.
Akira Aptos
105 Post Office Dr Sushi!
Really good BBQ. Eat in or take out. Live Blues nightly. Go early, they sell out.
95 locals recommend
Aptos St. BBQ
8059 Aptos St Really good BBQ. Eat in or take out. Live Blues nightly. Go early, they sell out.
Parish Publick House Aptos
8017 Soquel Dr Good cocktails, great burger
The Hideout
9051 Soquel DrGreat American cuisine. Call ahead, they get busy.
Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria
504 Bay Ave Eat in or carry-out, a longtime local favorite.
Manuel's Mexican Restaurant
261 Center AveZameen Mediterranean Cuisine
7528 Soquel DrLillian's Italian Kitchen
1148 Soquel AveSawasdee Thai Cuisine
5050 Soquel DrDharma's Restaurant
4250 Capitola RdHealth food, vegetarian. Very good.
Tacos Moreno
1053 Water St Favorite hole-in-the-wall burrito spot.
Café Sparrow
8042 Soquel DrExpensive, but very good.
Great spot to organize a picnic for the beach. Tasty sandwiches and a great selection of sides.
9 locals recommend
The Palm Deli
3000 Valencia AveGreat spot to organize a picnic for the beach. Tasty sandwiches and a great selection of sides.
Drinks & Nightlife
Moe's Alley
1535 Commercial WayThe Crêpe Place
1134 Soquel AveShowcases young musicians.