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Jaw-Dropping Beach-Front Retreat!

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Interior - Jaw-Dropping Beach-Front Retreat! (Aptos)
4 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi - Jaw-Dropping Beach-Front Retreat! (Aptos)
Smart TV, offices - Jaw-Dropping Beach-Front Retreat! (Aptos)
4 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi - Jaw-Dropping Beach-Front Retreat! (Aptos)
Smart TV, offices - Jaw-Dropping Beach-Front Retreat! (Aptos)
Escape to this modern beach house on the island of Rio del Mar in Aptos, with jaw-dropping panoramic ocean views and 180° Monterey Bay vistas from its two balconies. Savor wine while watching brilliant sunsets or relax in hanging rope hammock chairs as kids play on the beach below. Great WiFi access, a desk for remote work, and outdoor patio dining are also available.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space

Add dates for prices

About this property

Jaw-Dropping Beach-Front Retreat!

  • THIS...
    ...Is not your typical beach house and location.
    A stunning, modern and fun aesthetic inside.
    Jaw-dropping panoramic ocean views outside.

    THE HOUSE…
    …Is a three-story home comprised of 4 bedrooms and 2-1/2 bathrooms. Two balconies provide 180° Monterey Bay ocean views overlooking Rio del Mar beach and the renowned SS Palo Alto “cement ship.” Swing in the hanging rope hammock chairs with your sunglasses on while basking in the warmth of the afternoon sun...the kids playing on the beach in front of you. Relax on the balconies with a glass of wine while watching the brilliant red, orange and yellow sunsets.

    THE EXPERIENCE…
    …Is one you’ll never forget! You think it ever gets boring watching dolphins and whales off your back balcony? It does not. Perhaps the sound of the crashing waves doesn’t relax you? It always does. Or, maybe the feel of the sand under your feet doesn’t sweep you away? It will.
    ​
    WORK, STUDY AND PLAY FROM HERE…
    …If you must work instead of play for a part of your stay, then you can easily work-from-home and attend online school here. Great wifi access is provided. A desk in one master bedroom serves as a private office if needed. A child’s desk in another bedroom will be great for little ones in online school. Additionally the dining room table and even outdoor patio dining table can serve as additional work and study spots.

    RESERVE NOW…
    …You will be delighted.

    The whole house!

    Available by phone, text, and email. Can come to the house if needed.

    THE LOCATION on “the island” of Rio del Mar in Aptos is a prime spot for beach fun, water activities, and nearby dining. You can stay there and never leave…or…go explore nearby Capitola, Santa Cruz and Monterey. There are an unlimited number of activities and sites including wine tasting, golfing, surfing, hiking, and beautiful drives.

    Parking is first come first serve along the street.

    Walk everywhere! Miles of beach, food, drink, and coffee all walking distance. 8 miles to Santa Cruz Beach Board Walk

    I will send a confirmation email after you book with all of the information that you will need to know for your trip.

    I recommend purchasing travelers insurance due to potential shutdowns

    House Rules: This is not a party house. Quiet hours start at 10pm. To access the beach, use street side sidewalk and use the public stairs to the beach.
    Petmit#211147
    House Rules: Quiet hours begin at 10pm. VERY IMPORTANT do not climb on rock seawall, or use neighbors patio/furniture for personal use. Even if no one is around. No parties. It is your responsibility to tell each member of your party. Please respond to this email that you acknowledge the house rules.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Office

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • One pet total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near the bay
  • Near the ocean
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Boat
  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

House Rules: Quiet hours begin at 10pm. VERY IMPORTANT do not climb on rock seawall, or use neighbors patio/furniture for personal use. Even if no one

Pets

Pets are allowed

Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Welcoming dogs only

1 total pets

Note from host: $400non refundable pet fee

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

Frequently asked questions

Is Jaw-Dropping Beach-Front Retreat! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

How much is parking at Jaw-Dropping Beach-Front Retreat!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Jaw-Dropping Beach-Front Retreat!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Jaw-Dropping Beach-Front Retreat!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Jaw-Dropping Beach-Front Retreat! located?

Located in Rio del Mar, this holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Rio Del Mar Beach and Seacliff State Beach. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and Aptos History Museum are also within 2 miles (3 km).

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Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 79 out of 92 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 92 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 92 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 92 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 92 reviews

9.8

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Haidar J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location, view and accommodations. We were there to celebrate a milestone adult birthday. We had ages 9-68. The only challenges were the steep stairs and 3 levels(kids didn’t mind it!) and keeping everyone contained to the small patio area )open on both sides) Host was reasonable and very responsive.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great funw

Wonderful location!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Krish S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location to relax on the beach

Overall a great place to spend a few days relaxing by the beach. Place was clean but a little bit dated/worn. Location was great with restaurants nearby.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice beachfront home

Spent a nice weekend with family. Plenty of room and sleeping arrangements for our guests. Great view of the ocean
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James J. G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very cozy and peaceful

Our stay was great and just the break the kids needed before heading back to school. Very clean and accessible to all we needed. Would definitely recommend and look forward to coming back again. Moved back to California from Chicago and this definitely helped me remember why I came back home.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan n.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Will be coming back

Stayed a few days for my wife's birthday. Location was perfect, the property itself was great. A nice short walk to the deli or convenience store. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cay A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Well Functioning House

We had 8 people and the 2.5 bathrooms was key to everyone being comfortable. We made good use of the kitchen + the washing machine and dryer. Bathrooms are good sized. Both rooms with balconies have a beautiful view. Location is KEY! Excellent stay!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Julie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location is Everything

The place is great, and the location even better. My only con was that the listing is strict about climbing over the rocks to get to the beach by any guests as well as not going onto either neighbors patio ( of which we complied). However, both neighbors used our patio to climb over the rocks to the beach…. So maybe a little less pressure on renters about it.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joaeph M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bach Drive Experience

The property is wonderful and the beach as well. Parking on the street can be challenging especially on the weekends if you have more than one car in your group. Th three floors gives you a lot of options for your group when you have kids and adults. There were ants in the first floor and second floor guest bedroom on the headboard of the bed. This freaked out my adult daughter as she hates ants. All in all, it is a great property in a wonderful location.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pam K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

SPECTACULAR LOCATION & HOME

The home is beautiful & a great location. Easy to access the beach, restaurants, convenience store and just 4 miles from a Safeway. The bedrooms are on the 2nd & 3rd floors, so you'll need to be able to use stairs. The ground floor patio and decks on floor 2 & 3 provide spectacular views right on the ocean. There is a hose to rinse off sand from the beach but you need to go through the house to access it. The home next door is boarded up because of storm damage, however it does not distract from the beauty of this home. Relax & enjoy the beach in this home.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Doug F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beach Front Family Fun

From the moment we stepped inside this cozy beach front home, we were captivated by the breathtaking view of the beach and ocean. As we ventured upstairs, the view only became more spectacular. It was the perfect setting for our family of 10, providing ample space and all the amenities we could ask for. The location is only a short walk to the deli, restaurants and coffee shop which was nice. But what truly made our stay unforgettable were the moments we spent on the back patio. We were fortunate enough to witness not just one, but two Humpback Whales, including a baby, as well as a playful pod of Dolphins. The proximity of these majestic creatures left us in awe, and we didn't even need binoculars to appreciate their beauty. Thank you Jaleh, for your exceptional customer service as our Property Manager. Your responsiveness exceeded our expectations. Your dedication to ensuring our comfort and satisfaction did not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for all that you did for us. We can't wait to return.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandi D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place!

The place was great with incredible views. I had to do some work on the trip so using the desk on the top floor, facing right out to the ocean was fantastic. We were able to park right outside the front door, which was nice. there were a few small eateries walkable and a ton of options within a short drive. The kitchen was well stocked and we even had a welcome bottle of local wine. Beautiful bathrooms and lots of beds. Decor, patio furniture, etc. was all just as described in the pictures. A lounger or 2 on the patio would be a nice addition. My only complaint is for this price point, you really should be able to access the beach directly from your patio. They explained this clearly in the listing so I wasn't surprised, but I did notice that that some neighbors had steps through the rock wall directly to the beach so hopefully that is something the owners will consider in the future. But it wasn't hard to just go out to the street side and walk around the building to get to the beach. Overall, a very nice place with a 5 star view!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Kim F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beach Stay

The house is right on the beach, which we loved. The house looked better in the photos and some of the furniture pictured was missing. Two balconies off the two bedrooms with ocean views were great. It would have been even better if they had chairs to sit at for morning coffee. The pictures show chairs on the balconies and that was a draw to me for booking so I was disappointed when the chairs were missing. Was not comfortable to sit on the balcony without them. The property is a little run down and with the recent storms, many of the close by homes were boarded up. The property to the side of us was a disaster with boarded up windows and debris all over the place. Not pleasant to look at. The property on the other side had unsightly ’no trespassing’ signs everywhere with warnings not to cross over the boarder between patios (even though there is a city ordinance stating there must be a thruway walking path along the beach side). The beds were very comfortable and the bathrooms were clean and nice with plenty of towels. We had plenty of room for our family. The kitchen was well stocked and great to cook in. All in all we had a great time. And spent time sitting on the beach which is steps outside the back door. We loved that!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Easy check in, plenty of space and a great location!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melanie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host was responsive. Easy instructions for the unit. Loved the close proximity to the beach and local coffee shop and restaurants.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jaleh was a great host. We had a relaxing and fun week in Aptos. Views from the patio and balconies were amazing, we were able to see a few whales and wildlife.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

deb p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely stay in a fun location. We were in Aptos for a wedding and really enjoyed the beach access. The 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths was so convenient for grandparents, parents and a kid. Very good communication with property mgr.
Beach view
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Gail G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful locaton right on the beach!, LOTS of rules, Furniture a bit tired, slightly overpriced.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mallory O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location couldn’t be any better

We loved staying here and can’t wait to come back,
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great weekend

Very nice place to stay and super cozy. Can’t wait to see this place again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

REBECA A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This beach house is classically beautiful. It is only steps to the beach and the views are breathtaking. Rio del Mar is amongst the best beaches in Santa Cruz County making this location prime. You don't need to bring anything. Everything is provided for you and the host is very kind and communicative. We had a great time!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

christie w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Family Vaca

We had the best time with our family here. Great location, great communication with Jaleh. She answered all our questions and responded quickly. The place was very clean. It really fit our needs. Our family made many great memories in this vrbo rental.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Home was great. No AC or fans so it was pretty hot in the home when we arrived but after we opened the glass doors it cooled off pretty quickly. Bedrooms were nice and beds were comfortable. The view is absolutely amazing. We could sit on the patio and watch the whales breaching which was the highlight of our trip. There were a few random people that walked right through the back patio walkway which was unfortunate but they did not linger too long.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

James D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Good location but tight for 10 guests

Had a wonderful time with my family of 10. But, the property really lends itself more to a smaller group. Checked in and property had not been cleaned or made up. Some blinds did not work, doors did not close well,
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sherry R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

This place is wonderful!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021