Things to do in Aptos

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Aptos
Aptos
Aptos
Aptos
Photo by Jeff White
Photo by Jeff White
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Most popular activities in Aptos

Tours & day trips

See all 11 activities
Redwoods Forest Bathing

Redwoods Forest Bathing

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥13,762 per adult
Redwoods Forest BathingOpens in new tab

History & culture

See all 3 activities
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥21,494 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 3 activities
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥21,494 per adult
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa CruzOpens in new tab

What to do in Aptos

Discover the most popular places to visit in Aptos

Rio Del Mar Beach

Rio Del Mar Beach

4.5/5(48 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Rio Del Mar Beach during your travels in Rio del Mar? Discover the sunsets while you're in the area.

Rio Del Mar Beach
Seacliff State Beach

Seacliff State Beach

4.5/5(9 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Seacliff State Beach during your travels in Aptos? While in this walkable area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Seacliff State Beach
You'll be hard pressed to find an uncrowded #beach in the Santa Cruz/Capitola area but New Brighton is a must visit anyway. Beautiful sandy beach, sail boats, parasailing, volleyball, camping and a #lighthouse ! You just can't beat it.

New Brighton State Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, New Brighton State Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Aptos. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

New Brighton State Beach

Cabrillo College

Walk around the campus at Cabrillo College during your visit to Aptos. You can seek out the surfing spots and biking trails in this walkable area.

Cabrillo College

Seascape Golf Club

Play a round of golf in Rio del Mar at Seascape Golf Club, and enjoy other activities such as biking. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the surfing spots.

Seascape Golf Club

Potbelly Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Potbelly Beach during your trip to Aptos? Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Potbelly Beach

Aptos History Museum

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Aptos History Museum during your travels in Aptos. You can seek out the biking trails and surfing spots in this walkable area.

Aptos History Museum

Nicholson Vineyards

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Nicholson Vineyards during your travels to Day Valley. You can seek out the biking trails and surfing spots in this walkable area.

Nicholson Vineyards

Popular day trips from Aptos

Los Gatos

Los Gatos

Watsonville

Watsonville

Capitola

Capitola

Photo by Timothy Howard

Soquel

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.