Things to do in Aptos

Find and book 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.
A pier extending into calm waters with a sunset sky.
A coastal town with a beach, houses on a hillside, and a large cloud in the sky.

Things to do

Santa Cruz Beach Hill to Mission Hill Loop Via Downtown

Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop

￥7,060
per adult
Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop
Santa Cruz Spooks & Shadows Ghost Tour

Santa Cruz Spooks & Shadows Ghost Tour

￥3,765
per adult
Santa Cruz Spooks & Shadows Ghost Tour
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill

Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill

￥7,060
per adult
Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Discover Downtown & Mission Hill
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

￥21,806
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour

Capitola Friday Night Food Tour

￥20,238
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour
Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour

Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour

￥7,060
per adult
Santa Cruz Surf Walk: History and Culture Tour
Santa Cruz Redwoods Forest Therapy

Redwoods Forest Bathing

￥23,532
per adult
Redwoods Forest Bathing
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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 natural rock arch formation on a beach with waves crashing below.

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.

Popular day trips from Aptos

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

Los Gatos

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, ocean waves, and distant mountains.

Watsonville

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

Capitola

A colorful coastal town with pastel-colored buildings, a sandy beach, and a calm sea.

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.