What to do in Aptos, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Scenic panoramic view of Rio Del Mar Beach near Santa Cruz California with a wooden pier stretching into water, flanked by coastal buildings and palms
Panoramic Capitola Village and Water Reflections during Blue Hour. Capitola, Santa Cruz County, California, USA.
Family on a surrey bike ride along the coast of California
Hazy Sunset over Seacliff State Beach. Aptos, Santa Cruz County, California USA.
People enjoying a beautiful evening with views of Monterey Bay, along the beachfront of Capitola, California, United States

Aptos Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Aptos has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Aptos, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Aptos with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Aptos

Aptos is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Aptos, and make it a breeze to explore Aptos and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Aptos to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Aptos, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Aptos.

Aptos attractions

Aptos has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Aptos to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Aptos.

Looking for things to do in Aptos can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Aptos or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Aptos attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!


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Most fun & popular experiences in Aptos

Tours & day trips

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What to do in Aptos


Popular places to visit

Explore areas of Aptos

SS Palo Alto

Rio del Mar

While visiting Rio del Mar, you might make a stop by sights like Monterey Bay and Seascape Golf Club.

Rio del Mar
Hazy Sunset over Seacliff State Beach. Aptos, Santa Cruz County, California USA.

Seacliff

If you're spending some time in Seacliff, Monterey Bay and Seacliff State Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Seacliff
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Aptos Village

Aptos Village might not have many top sights, but Seacliff State Beach and Rio Del Mar Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Aptos Village

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Aptos

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods within walking distance of the city centre? Rio del Mar is about 2 kms (1 mile) 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 travelling 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 neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without opening your wallet. La Selva Beach is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.