Aptos is one of our favorite California beach destinations. It is located in Santa Cruz County not far from Santa Cruz, where you will find the historic 100+ year BoardWalk, the Roaring Camp Beach Train that runs from the Redwoods to the beach each summer, and other scenic beach towns and cities such as Capitola by the Sea, another of our favorites.

Located overlooking the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the water sports such as surfing, kayaking, swimming, and kite surfing are ample in this area. Ocean fishing is also quite popular.

With a handful of hotels to select during your stay, Aptos is a bit more quiet and serene than neighboring Santa Cruz beaches, so you might opt for this location and a hotel stay here instead of up the road in Santa Cruz. Either way, you have access to all the great attractions of the neighboring Santa Cruz, and may consider Aptos as your choice, especially since it is sometimes overlooked.