Guidebook for Aptos
Food Scene
Amazing food from chef's of different states of Mexico. It is a sit-down and dine place. Great prices, fast service and delicious food. Our Go-To any night of the week. Make reservations! People come from out of state to eat here. Check out the nightly special and split it! It is large, then add a a second salad and second ice cream which is made across the street at Santa Cruz's famous and very own Marianne's.
About three blocks from our house. Walking distance.
91 moradores locais recomendam
Manuel's Mexican Restaurant
261 Center AveAmazing food from chef's of different states of Mexico. It is a sit-down and dine place. Great prices, fast service and delicious food. Our Go-To any night of the week. Make reservations! People come from out of state to eat here. Check out the nightly special and split it! It is large, then add a a second salad and second ice cream which is made across the street at Santa Cruz's famous and very own Marianne's.
About three blocks from our house. Walking distance.
Hole in the wall is our favorite breakfast or brunch spot. The owners are from Salvadore and specials are pupusas (corn tortillas filled with choice of beans and rice, carnitas or spinach and cheese), chilequillas, plantains/served with sour cream and many delicious interesting choices along with American style omelettes and egg dishes. The feel of the covered patio out back is also a bit exotic.
It is approximately 3 blocks from our home.
8 moradores locais recomendam
The Hole In the Wall Restaurant
257 Center AveHole in the wall is our favorite breakfast or brunch spot. The owners are from Salvadore and specials are pupusas (corn tortillas filled with choice of beans and rice, carnitas or spinach and cheese), chilequillas, plantains/served with sour cream and many delicious interesting choices along with American style omelettes and egg dishes. The feel of the covered patio out back is also a bit exotic.
It is approximately 3 blocks from our home.
Marianne's is Santa Cruz's very own ice cream shop. This particular satellite was added to our neighborhood approximately 4 years ago in 2013. It is open for coffee in the morning and full of teen's and hot family's all summer. Open till 11pm at night it is busy year round. They are famous for making the Garlic Festival's 'Garlic Ice Cream' too. It has a regular Ice Cream Shoppe feel too. It's actually not very secret. It is a local spot.
Walking distance of about 3 blocks.
45 moradores locais recomendam
Marianne’s Ice Cream
218 State Park DrMarianne's is Santa Cruz's very own ice cream shop. This particular satellite was added to our neighborhood approximately 4 years ago in 2013. It is open for coffee in the morning and full of teen's and hot family's all summer. Open till 11pm at night it is busy year round. They are famous for making the Garlic Festival's 'Garlic Ice Cream' too. It has a regular Ice Cream Shoppe feel too. It's actually not very secret. It is a local spot.
Walking distance of about 3 blocks.
Cafe Rio is our local 'On the Beach' dinner restaurant known for delicious seafood. My husband swears by the Sand dabs!
It has the quintessential mahogany walls, beams and posts looking in it's own way like the well known Crow's Nest in Santa Cruz Harbor and the beautiful Shadowbrook in Capitola (both a must). It has a rich flavor to it's decor. It's slightly pricey but then that all depends on drinks.
It is walking distance.
they have an afternoon and sunset scene on their patio serving muscles, lite bites and drinks under warm lights too.
They often have live music too.
49 moradores locais recomendam
Café Rio Aptos
131 EsplanadeCafe Rio is our local 'On the Beach' dinner restaurant known for delicious seafood. My husband swears by the Sand dabs!
It has the quintessential mahogany walls, beams and posts looking in it's own way like the well known Crow's Nest in Santa Cruz Harbor and the beautiful Shadowbrook in Capitola (both a must). It has a rich flavor to it's decor. It's slightly pricey but then that all depends on drinks.
It is walking distance.
they have an afternoon and sunset scene on their patio serving muscles, lite bites and drinks under warm lights too.
They often have live music too.
Zameen's is a walk-in and order place in the day then eat inside or out and they bring your food to your table. They serve tables in the evenings. Zameen's has a variety of delicious flavors from the Mediterranean like Morocco, North Africa, Greece and the islands. They have great pita's, assorted pizza's with a twist, wonderful soups and salads. It is not your common place. They make all their own food here so it is flavorful and fresh and we highly recommend it.
49 moradores locais recomendam
Zameen Mediterranean Cuisine
7528 Soquel DrZameen's is a walk-in and order place in the day then eat inside or out and they bring your food to your table. They serve tables in the evenings. Zameen's has a variety of delicious flavors from the Mediterranean like Morocco, North Africa, Greece and the islands. They have great pita's, assorted pizza's with a twist, wonderful soups and salads. It is not your common place. They make all their own food here so it is flavorful and fresh and we highly recommend it.
Cafe Sparrow is Apto's Villages long time favorite and we love it. It is walking distance but about 1/4 mile and a bit up hill. Sparrow is great for brunch, lunch and dinner and everything is made there. They have many daily specials and a great selection of wines. They will also cook 'for you' if you have any food allergies. Prices depend on drinks here. We go here for special moments.
79 moradores locais recomendam
Café Sparrow
8042 Soquel DrCafe Sparrow is Apto's Villages long time favorite and we love it. It is walking distance but about 1/4 mile and a bit up hill. Sparrow is great for brunch, lunch and dinner and everything is made there. They have many daily specials and a great selection of wines. They will also cook 'for you' if you have any food allergies. Prices depend on drinks here. We go here for special moments.
Parks & Nature
This beach is about 300 yards from our house. It is down some beach stairs (150 count). You won't miss the Cement Ship. Go into the visitors center and learn about the Cement ship and local color.
97 moradores locais recomendam
Seacliff State Beach
State Park DriveThis beach is about 300 yards from our house. It is down some beach stairs (150 count). You won't miss the Cement Ship. Go into the visitors center and learn about the Cement ship and local color.
Absolutely great for hiking, walking, biker riding and sniffing the fresh air. There is a bike rental at the opening of the park as the bike trails are famous. There is a hefty bike ride if you continue thru the park, up to Sand Point for a view of Monterey Bay. You can also hire someone at the bike rental to take you to the top so you can ride down. Popular.
Don't forget to observe the 'fairy rings' or 'cathedrals' of new growth redwoods. Mid morning and mid-afternoon are perfect to observe these circles as the sun cuts thru the trees at a magical angle.
Read about the redwoods. The root balls of some are the oldest living things on earth going back thousands of years!
272 moradores locais recomendam
Parque Estadual da Floresta de Nisene Marks
Aptos Creek RoadAbsolutely great for hiking, walking, biker riding and sniffing the fresh air. There is a bike rental at the opening of the park as the bike trails are famous. There is a hefty bike ride if you continue thru the park, up to Sand Point for a view of Monterey Bay. You can also hire someone at the bike rental to take you to the top so you can ride down. Popular.
Don't forget to observe the 'fairy rings' or 'cathedrals' of new growth redwoods. Mid morning and mid-afternoon are perfect to observe these circles as the sun cuts thru the trees at a magical angle.
Read about the redwoods. The root balls of some are the oldest living things on earth going back thousands of years!
One must see Henry Cowell with some of the oldest redwood trees with history. They have set up a short 1/2 mile trail to visit the most notable of these trees. There is a slice of a redwood here dating back more than 2,000 years!
While parked here step over the railroad tracks of Roaring Camp and see the old narrow gauge steam engine which you can ride up into the redwoods. They also have a train that goes down into Santa Cruz Boardwalk and back at intervals about 6 times a day in summer. It is an amazing ride. It is worth it. Kids love it. Park in one and see both!
335 moradores locais recomendam
Parque Estadual Henry Cowell Redwoods
101 N Big Trees Park RdOne must see Henry Cowell with some of the oldest redwood trees with history. They have set up a short 1/2 mile trail to visit the most notable of these trees. There is a slice of a redwood here dating back more than 2,000 years!
While parked here step over the railroad tracks of Roaring Camp and see the old narrow gauge steam engine which you can ride up into the redwoods. They also have a train that goes down into Santa Cruz Boardwalk and back at intervals about 6 times a day in summer. It is an amazing ride. It is worth it. Kids love it. Park in one and see both!
This is where our Monarch Butterflies gather.
261 moradores locais recomendam
Praia Estadual Natural Bridges
2531 W Cliff DrThis is where our Monarch Butterflies gather.
Entertainment & Activities
We have visited Roaring Camp on several occasions with our grandchildren. You can park there and (pay $10) then take the train down to Santa Cruz Boardwalk for the day and back. It's a gorgeous ride and a must for the visitor to see the trees. Santa Cruz once had 6 narrow gauge railroads around the turn of the 20th Century. All the gauges were different sizes so no one could take their train on another's tracks. Roaring camp has Christmas Night Rides and and other specialty trips. It is a day back into history where children can make candles and other projects too. The last time we visited there was a display of Model T's and Model A's. There is food, often often music and BBQ's.
150 moradores locais recomendam
Roaring Camp
5401 Graham Hill RdWe have visited Roaring Camp on several occasions with our grandchildren. You can park there and (pay $10) then take the train down to Santa Cruz Boardwalk for the day and back. It's a gorgeous ride and a must for the visitor to see the trees. Santa Cruz once had 6 narrow gauge railroads around the turn of the 20th Century. All the gauges were different sizes so no one could take their train on another's tracks. Roaring camp has Christmas Night Rides and and other specialty trips. It is a day back into history where children can make candles and other projects too. The last time we visited there was a display of Model T's and Model A's. There is food, often often music and BBQ's.
What can I say about the Mystery Spot? We take all our friends here. Grandchildren love it and it is difficult to explain. When we moved here it was $2 to get in and tour so we would take a picnic lunch and eat in the woods and experience the mystery. I have to say my friend took me here the first time when I was suffering a hangover. I can suggest you do that for your friends if you want to be remembered!! It is now so iconic it is on the Japanese Tour list and can be crowded in the summer. It is worth the trip and worth checking on line for tickets. I dare you!
208 moradores locais recomendam
O Ponto Misterioso
465 Mystery Spot RdWhat can I say about the Mystery Spot? We take all our friends here. Grandchildren love it and it is difficult to explain. When we moved here it was $2 to get in and tour so we would take a picnic lunch and eat in the woods and experience the mystery. I have to say my friend took me here the first time when I was suffering a hangover. I can suggest you do that for your friends if you want to be remembered!! It is now so iconic it is on the Japanese Tour list and can be crowded in the summer. It is worth the trip and worth checking on line for tickets. I dare you!
Go here!!! A must!! Famous old fashioned roller coaster. Fun. Free concerts on the beach on Fridays in the summer. Big names from the past and fun. Everyone should experience this place once, Unless you are an old fogey.
745 moradores locais recomendam
Parque de diversões da Praia de Santa Cruz
400 Beach StGo here!!! A must!! Famous old fashioned roller coaster. Fun. Free concerts on the beach on Fridays in the summer. Big names from the past and fun. Everyone should experience this place once, Unless you are an old fogey.
This is the town for skaters! There is a great skate park on our frontage road which was recently finished. MacDonald Ave parallels the freeway. There is a great skate park in Santa Cruz also.
Skateworks
131 Center StThis is the town for skaters! There is a great skate park on our frontage road which was recently finished. MacDonald Ave parallels the freeway. There is a great skate park in Santa Cruz also.
Arts & Culture
Iconic Santa Cruz Scene along with a cruise of the Santa Cruz beach and West Cliff homes. Continue along the coast south to see Pleasure Point in Capitola where the surfer's go for some of the best waves here. People of all ages riding bikes, walking, surfers changing into and out of wet suits next to their cars! How do they do that and not be exhibitionists?? Come see. Hahaha. Cruise from Natural Bridges State Park all the way down to Seacliff by just pushing coastward at every turn. Some think you must use the Freeway however, this is a great cruise if you are not in a hurry.
75 moradores locais recomendam
Museu de Surfe de Santa Cruz
701 W Cliff DrIconic Santa Cruz Scene along with a cruise of the Santa Cruz beach and West Cliff homes. Continue along the coast south to see Pleasure Point in Capitola where the surfer's go for some of the best waves here. People of all ages riding bikes, walking, surfers changing into and out of wet suits next to their cars! How do they do that and not be exhibitionists?? Come see. Hahaha. Cruise from Natural Bridges State Park all the way down to Seacliff by just pushing coastward at every turn. Some think you must use the Freeway however, this is a great cruise if you are not in a hurry.
Everything Else
Moss Landing is a gem! The Monterey Bay Aquarium has it's offices here at MBARI and you can step in and visit. Phil's Fish Market for fabulous food and often great music. Kayaking rentals and tours, Elkhorn Slough history. Take a tour out to see the whales. The best whale watching in California is on Monterey Bay. It is very affordable. Watch for a Group-on discounts for whale watching. The Whole Enchilada restaurant is a must and so delicious. It combines great seafood, avocados with a Mexican touch and very fresh. There are several other sites and interests in Moss landing like antique shops and the fun Moss Landing Bar with bikers, locals and great music. It is also a harbor.
37 moradores locais recomendam
Moss Landing
Moss Landing is a gem! The Monterey Bay Aquarium has it's offices here at MBARI and you can step in and visit. Phil's Fish Market for fabulous food and often great music. Kayaking rentals and tours, Elkhorn Slough history. Take a tour out to see the whales. The best whale watching in California is on Monterey Bay. It is very affordable. Watch for a Group-on discounts for whale watching. The Whole Enchilada restaurant is a must and so delicious. It combines great seafood, avocados with a Mexican touch and very fresh. There are several other sites and interests in Moss landing like antique shops and the fun Moss Landing Bar with bikers, locals and great music. It is also a harbor.
Glaum has an EGG VENDING MACHINE! It was designed by the family patriarch and I understand the working mechanism
is like a space ship. This place is an egg ranch but if you slip in $3 you can receive the equivalent number of eggs from the machine AND THEN THE ENTERTAINMENT BEGINS! In the window next to the machine watch the curtain rise and the music begin as the little and big mechanical chickens dance to "In the Mood". It is fun for all ages. Especially for tots. But we love it.
Glaum Egg Ranch
3100 Valencia RdGlaum has an EGG VENDING MACHINE! It was designed by the family patriarch and I understand the working mechanism
is like a space ship. This place is an egg ranch but if you slip in $3 you can receive the equivalent number of eggs from the machine AND THEN THE ENTERTAINMENT BEGINS! In the window next to the machine watch the curtain rise and the music begin as the little and big mechanical chickens dance to "In the Mood". It is fun for all ages. Especially for tots. But we love it.
Drinks & Nightlife
Walk downtown Santa Cruz and enjoy the street music, shops, people watching, eateries, exotic shops and Iconic places like Book Shop Santa Cruz! You think you have seen it all? Downtown Santa Cruz is very everyone. There are some fabulous restaurants in this area like Lailai and the vegan restaurant China Doll nearby on Front street. Great Iconic places like THE CATALYST to see the best of new and old music! You haven't see Santa Cruz until you have walked this mall.
27 moradores locais recomendam
Pacific Wave
1502 Pacific AveWalk downtown Santa Cruz and enjoy the street music, shops, people watching, eateries, exotic shops and Iconic places like Book Shop Santa Cruz! You think you have seen it all? Downtown Santa Cruz is very everyone. There are some fabulous restaurants in this area like Lailai and the vegan restaurant China Doll nearby on Front street. Great Iconic places like THE CATALYST to see the best of new and old music! You haven't see Santa Cruz until you have walked this mall.
Shopping
Gilroy outlet stores are not a mall rather a collection of outlet stores many visit about 25 miles from us.
103 moradores locais recomendam
Gilroy Premium Outlets
681 Leavesley RdGilroy outlet stores are not a mall rather a collection of outlet stores many visit about 25 miles from us.