Guidebook for Aptos
Food Scene
Here’s a great list of places to eat and drink near the Seacliff house. Many are walking distance, and all of them are within just a few miles!
Another classic Seacliff spot. Great margaritas and decent Mexican fare. Gets very crowded at night so come early! Walking distance from house.
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Manuel's Mexican Restaurant
261 Center AveAnother classic Seacliff spot. Great margaritas and decent Mexican fare. Gets very crowded at night so come early! Walking distance from house.
The famous Marianne's Ice Cream of Santa Cruz has opened a second location, and it's right in the heart of Seacliff -walking distance from the house! Enjoy their fantastic locally made ice creams with unique flavors (like lavender) either by the scoop, in a sundae, or by the pint. Excellent coffees and espresso drinks too! Be warned- it's an EXTREMELY popular ice cream shop so be prepared for a bit of a wait. Open late too!
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Marianne’s Ice Cream
218 State Park DrThe famous Marianne's Ice Cream of Santa Cruz has opened a second location, and it's right in the heart of Seacliff -walking distance from the house! Enjoy their fantastic locally made ice creams with unique flavors (like lavender) either by the scoop, in a sundae, or by the pint. Excellent coffees and espresso drinks too! Be warned- it's an EXTREMELY popular ice cream shop so be prepared for a bit of a wait. Open late too!
This is our go-to restaurant. Surprisingly good Indian food and a charming setting. Walking distance from house.
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Ambrosia India Bistro - Aptos
207 Sea Ridge RdThis is our go-to restaurant. Surprisingly good Indian food and a charming setting. Walking distance from house.
A Seacliff classic since 1957! Burgers, fries, milkshakes, their famous chocolate dipped cones and more. They also have a basic breakfast menu and decent coffee. To avoid the "grease" factor, try the teriyaki chicken and rice bowl. Cute tshirts for sale. Walking distance from house.
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Sno-White Drive-In
223 State Park DrA Seacliff classic since 1957! Burgers, fries, milkshakes, their famous chocolate dipped cones and more. They also have a basic breakfast menu and decent coffee. To avoid the "grease" factor, try the teriyaki chicken and rice bowl. Cute tshirts for sale. Walking distance from house.
With great beef, pork, chicken and even bison bbq options, a wide beer selection, and live blues, Aptos St. BBQ is TripAdvisors #2 restaurant in Aptos. Definitely try their slaw and if you get there late in the day some options will usually be sold out! Not to be missed if you like BBQ and Beer!
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Aptos St. BBQ
8059 Aptos StWith great beef, pork, chicken and even bison bbq options, a wide beer selection, and live blues, Aptos St. BBQ is TripAdvisors #2 restaurant in Aptos. Definitely try their slaw and if you get there late in the day some options will usually be sold out! Not to be missed if you like BBQ and Beer!
A really good Mediterranean restaurant. Especially nice if you're looking for something a little different from the usual burgers/ mexican/ Indian.
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Zameen Mediterranean Cuisine
7528 Soquel DrA really good Mediterranean restaurant. Especially nice if you're looking for something a little different from the usual burgers/ mexican/ Indian.
One of our favorite local coffee shops- they roast their beans on the premises for truly fresh and yummy brewed coffee and coffee drinks. If you want something different from the usual latte, mocha and cappuccino try their cafe Borgia- it's a house specialty and our favorite espresso drink there!
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Pacific Coffee Roasting Co
7554 Soquel DrOne of our favorite local coffee shops- they roast their beans on the premises for truly fresh and yummy brewed coffee and coffee drinks. If you want something different from the usual latte, mocha and cappuccino try their cafe Borgia- it's a house specialty and our favorite espresso drink there!
If you're looking for a slice and a beer or a whole pie for the family, Pizza 1 is a great local pizzeria. Pre made slices are available to grab and go for a quick bite in lots of great combos, or order in and have your favorite beverage while sharing one of their yummy pies. Great for families and walking distance from the house!
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Pizza 1
253 Center AveIf you're looking for a slice and a beer or a whole pie for the family, Pizza 1 is a great local pizzeria. Pre made slices are available to grab and go for a quick bite in lots of great combos, or order in and have your favorite beverage while sharing one of their yummy pies. Great for families and walking distance from the house!
Because really good food and great beers and wine go great together! A new option for dining and drinks in nearby Capitola. If you're looking for an option above the usual fare, the East End is worth checking out.
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East End Gastropub
1501 41st AveBecause really good food and great beers and wine go great together! A new option for dining and drinks in nearby Capitola. If you're looking for an option above the usual fare, the East End is worth checking out.
Rated Aptos' #1 restaurant by Trip Advisor, Cafe Sparrow is a wonderful French country style restaurant that also features fantastic seafood options. It's been a local favorite for over 30 years. If you're looking for a really nice meal in a comfortable setting near the Seacliff House, we can say you won't be disappointed.
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Café Sparrow
8042 Soquel DrRated Aptos' #1 restaurant by Trip Advisor, Cafe Sparrow is a wonderful French country style restaurant that also features fantastic seafood options. It's been a local favorite for over 30 years. If you're looking for a really nice meal in a comfortable setting near the Seacliff House, we can say you won't be disappointed.
A new (in 2021) taqueria specializing in handmade tamales. A great option if you’re looking for Mexican fare but might not have time for Manuels.
Casa Rossy
257 Center AveA new (in 2021) taqueria specializing in handmade tamales. A great option if you’re looking for Mexican fare but might not have time for Manuels.
Oh we love our Peets and now there’s a local one in the Del Mar shopping center.
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Peet's Coffee
22350 Homestead RdOh we love our Peets and now there’s a local one in the Del Mar shopping center.
“A fun twist on the cuisine of the Riviera from Nice to a bit past Genoa. From the mind of David Kinch of Manresa”
Popular and fantastic.
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Mentone
174 Aptos Vlg Wy“A fun twist on the cuisine of the Riviera from Nice to a bit past Genoa. From the mind of David Kinch of Manresa”
Popular and fantastic.
Beer, wine, cocktails, pub grub and burgers. They have a doggie menu too!
A great place to have a pint (or a margarita) and unwind.
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Parish Publick House Aptos
8017 Soquel DrBeer, wine, cocktails, pub grub and burgers. They have a doggie menu too!
A great place to have a pint (or a margarita) and unwind.
A great place for cocktails and a full kitchen serving burgers, lobster rolls, fish and chips and other fresh seafood right on the beach in Rio Del Mar.
Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Beachside
A great place for cocktails and a full kitchen serving burgers, lobster rolls, fish and chips and other fresh seafood right on the beach in Rio Del Mar.
Pie, coffee, baked goods, and pizza! A little something for everyone showcasing the Bay Area’s best bakers and local coffee roasters. Serving unique New Haven style pizzas.
Venus Pie Trap
Pie, coffee, baked goods, and pizza! A little something for everyone showcasing the Bay Area’s best bakers and local coffee roasters. Serving unique New Haven style pizzas.
If you’re looking for a fantastic honest burger look no further! Antibiotic and hormone free burgers, sides, and beer by the bottle or on tap make this a great burger spot in old town Aptos.
Betty Burgers
If you’re looking for a fantastic honest burger look no further! Antibiotic and hormone free burgers, sides, and beer by the bottle or on tap make this a great burger spot in old town Aptos.
A Rio Del mar classic! With a light breakfast menu and their famous deli sandwiches it’s a great place to grab a bite when you’re down at Rio Del Mar beach
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Pixie Deli
111 Venetian RdA Rio Del mar classic! With a light breakfast menu and their famous deli sandwiches it’s a great place to grab a bite when you’re down at Rio Del Mar beach
Coffee, breakfast, lunch, and desserts make this a great stop if you’re in old town Aptos and looking for a quick drink or bite.
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Norma Jean's Coffee
8043 Soquel DrCoffee, breakfast, lunch, and desserts make this a great stop if you’re in old town Aptos and looking for a quick drink or bite.
Great coffee and a light menu of treats make this a great stop if you’re looking for a famous local cup!
Cat & Cloud
10 Parade StGreat coffee and a light menu of treats make this a great stop if you’re looking for a famous local cup!
Amazing baked goods and great coffee‘s and coffee drinks. Highly recommended.
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Companion Bakeshop Aptos
7486 Soquel DrAmazing baked goods and great coffee‘s and coffee drinks. Highly recommended.
If you’re looking for fast local Mexican this is a great option. Generous portions and a simple vibe make this a great stop to fill your burrito and other traditional Mexican food needs.
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Taqueria Los Gordos
7488 Soquel DrIf you’re looking for fast local Mexican this is a great option. Generous portions and a simple vibe make this a great stop to fill your burrito and other traditional Mexican food needs.
A Crêperie in Aptos? Yep! With sweet or savory crêpes, Boba teas, smoothies, lattes, and açai bowls, Mr. Z’s is a super yummy addition to the neighborhood!
Mr Z's Crêpes & Teas
A Crêperie in Aptos? Yep! With sweet or savory crêpes, Boba teas, smoothies, lattes, and açai bowls, Mr. Z’s is a super yummy addition to the neighborhood!
Highly rated Szechuan/Chinese restaurant that is open seven days a week. If you’re looking for great Asian fare locally this is the spot.
Four Streams Kitchen
Highly rated Szechuan/Chinese restaurant that is open seven days a week. If you’re looking for great Asian fare locally this is the spot.
Hankering for a salad, but not just any salad? Soul salad has you covered. Wonderful premade or custom salads And all produce is 100% organic!
Soul Salad
Hankering for a salad, but not just any salad? Soul salad has you covered. Wonderful premade or custom salads And all produce is 100% organic!
A hidden gem featuring great coffee, tea and a light food menu with pastries, croissants, bagels and breakfast sandwiches.
Loft Coffee
A hidden gem featuring great coffee, tea and a light food menu with pastries, croissants, bagels and breakfast sandwiches.
Sometimes you just need a good old-school donut from an old-school donut shop. Farrell‘s is the place.
The Original Ferrell's Donuts- Aptos
Sometimes you just need a good old-school donut from an old-school donut shop. Farrell‘s is the place.
Not just sushi, sushi Garden has a full Japanese lunch and dinner menu as well as an amazing variety of different rolls. A great spot to satisfy your sushi craving 
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Sushi Garden Aptos
38 Rancho Del MarNot just sushi, sushi Garden has a full Japanese lunch and dinner menu as well as an amazing variety of different rolls. A great spot to satisfy your sushi craving 
If you were hoping for a Mountain Mike’s locally, well, there’s one in the Aptos shopping center! All your favorite mountain mikes pies for pick up or delivery.
Mountain Mike's Pizza
If you were hoping for a Mountain Mike’s locally, well, there’s one in the Aptos shopping center! All your favorite mountain mikes pies for pick up or delivery.
Open for lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday, Persephone is an amazing spot if you want to take it up a notch from the regular restaurant experience.
Highly recommended.
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Persephone
7945 Soquel DrOpen for lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday, Persephone is an amazing spot if you want to take it up a notch from the regular restaurant experience.
Highly recommended.
A fusion of Japanese cuisine and Western flair. Serving sushi, sashimi, nigiri, sake, and beer, Akira is the place whether you’re looking for traditional sushi or something a little different.
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Akira Aptos
105 Post Office DrA fusion of Japanese cuisine and Western flair. Serving sushi, sashimi, nigiri, sake, and beer, Akira is the place whether you’re looking for traditional sushi or something a little different.
Sometimes you just need a good old fashioned ice cream. If you’re in old town Aptos this is a great spot to fill that craving.
The Penny Ice Creamery Aptos Village
141 Aptos Vlg WySometimes you just need a good old fashioned ice cream. If you’re in old town Aptos this is a great spot to fill that craving.
Italian influenced cuisine with a twist. A step up from your standard dining experience and great for special occasions!
Restaurant Malik Williams
Italian influenced cuisine with a twist. A step up from your standard dining experience and great for special occasions!
A classic deli with all of your Erik‘s favorites Including soups, sandwiches, salads and desserts. Now serving local coffee too.
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Erik's DeliCafé | Aptos
102 Rancho Del MarA classic deli with all of your Erik‘s favorites Including soups, sandwiches, salads and desserts. Now serving local coffee too.
A new (2023) second location of Felton’s famous Castelli’s Deli! Fantastic light breakfast options, and of course the deli sandwiches and sides are amazing and perfect to take down to the beach. Currently 9-4 Tu-Sun and Closed Mondays. A great addition to Seacliff’s local and walkable food options.
Castelli’s Caffe & Deli. Seacliff area
A new (2023) second location of Felton’s famous Castelli’s Deli! Fantastic light breakfast options, and of course the deli sandwiches and sides are amazing and perfect to take down to the beach. Currently 9-4 Tu-Sun and Closed Mondays. A great addition to Seacliff’s local and walkable food options.
A wonderful and reasonably priced locally owned Mexican restaurant and full bar. Hearty serving sizes, and an absolutely fantastic huevos rancheros.
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Little Tampico
2605 S Main StA wonderful and reasonably priced locally owned Mexican restaurant and full bar. Hearty serving sizes, and an absolutely fantastic huevos rancheros.
Entertainment & Activities
No trip to Aptos would be complete without a day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! If you enjoy roller coasters there's just two words: Giant Dipper. And a few more-- balloon races, the band shell on the beach, cotton candy, dippin' dots, the log ride, the arcade, salt water taffy, Laughing Sal, the carousel ring toss, bumper cars, Sea Swings, and the Sky Glider. A classic day out for the whole family.
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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StNo trip to Aptos would be complete without a day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! If you enjoy roller coasters there's just two words: Giant Dipper. And a few more-- balloon races, the band shell on the beach, cotton candy, dippin' dots, the log ride, the arcade, salt water taffy, Laughing Sal, the carousel ring toss, bumper cars, Sea Swings, and the Sky Glider. A classic day out for the whole family.
Another Santa Cruz classic. Ride the Roaring Camp railway through the redwoods from Felton to the Beach Boardwalk and back, or just take a train ride through the redwoods. It's also a great way to get to & from the Boardwalk and not have to deal with Boardwalk parking! Kids love it, and Roaring Camp Redwoods is another great park with an amazing Redwood forest for hiking and picnicking.
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Roaring Camp
5401 Graham Hill RdAnother Santa Cruz classic. Ride the Roaring Camp railway through the redwoods from Felton to the Beach Boardwalk and back, or just take a train ride through the redwoods. It's also a great way to get to & from the Boardwalk and not have to deal with Boardwalk parking! Kids love it, and Roaring Camp Redwoods is another great park with an amazing Redwood forest for hiking and picnicking.
An amazing trip through surfing history, and a great spot to visit even if you’re not a surfer! Located in the old lighthouse right next to a popular surf break this is a really fun and interesting museum.
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Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
701 W Cliff DrAn amazing trip through surfing history, and a great spot to visit even if you’re not a surfer! Located in the old lighthouse right next to a popular surf break this is a really fun and interesting museum.
The longest wharf on the west coast has shops, restaurants, great views, and is a must if you want to get the true Santa Cruz experience. 
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Santa Cruz Wharf
21 Municipal WharfThe longest wharf on the west coast has shops, restaurants, great views, and is a must if you want to get the true Santa Cruz experience. 
Drinks & Nightlife
If you enjoy an exceptional Gin, Whiskey, Tequila, or Aquavit, this is the place in Santa Cruz to taste them. Technically it's a distillery, not a brewery, but it's a similar experience with distilling happening on the premises and a tasting room. Wonderful spirits in all categories, and make sure to try their Aquavit- it's our favorite.
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Venus Spirits
200 High RdIf you enjoy an exceptional Gin, Whiskey, Tequila, or Aquavit, this is the place in Santa Cruz to taste them. Technically it's a distillery, not a brewery, but it's a similar experience with distilling happening on the premises and a tasting room. Wonderful spirits in all categories, and make sure to try their Aquavit- it's our favorite.
A favorite local brewery and taproom serving their signature organic beers that also happens to serve great food. They also have an outdoor beer garden, and it's located in the Swift Street Courtyard along with lots of other food and drink options. A great stop on the way to or from Natural Bridges.
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Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard
334 Ingalls StA favorite local brewery and taproom serving their signature organic beers that also happens to serve great food. They also have an outdoor beer garden, and it's located in the Swift Street Courtyard along with lots of other food and drink options. A great stop on the way to or from Natural Bridges.
An extensive selection of wine and beer sourced llocally and internationally. Tasty tapas and indoor and outdoor seating make this a great afternoon/ evening spot to unwind after a long day at the beach.
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Cantine Winepub
8050 Soquel DrAn extensive selection of wine and beer sourced llocally and internationally. Tasty tapas and indoor and outdoor seating make this a great afternoon/ evening spot to unwind after a long day at the beach.
Parks & Nature
A hidden gem and one of California's truly beautiful State Parks. Wonderful trails under towering Redwoods that are great for walking, hiking or mountain biking. Perfect for the whole family.
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Il-Parke tal-Forest ta 'Nisene Marks State
Aptos Creek RoadA hidden gem and one of California's truly beautiful State Parks. Wonderful trails under towering Redwoods that are great for walking, hiking or mountain biking. Perfect for the whole family.
Seacliff Beach. Great sand, small to moderate surf, and best of all, a five minute walk from the house. Family friendly and free!
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Seacliff State Beach
State Park DriveSeacliff Beach. Great sand, small to moderate surf, and best of all, a five minute walk from the house. Family friendly and free!
A great beach, and fun to see the remaining arch before its gone! The tide pools are a must see, and you might glimpse the monarch butterflies as they rest in the trees here on their yearly migration. For the best tide pool experience be sure to check the tide tables for the day of your visit- it's ideal to be there slightly before low tide.
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Natural Bridges State Beach
2531 W Cliff DrA great beach, and fun to see the remaining arch before its gone! The tide pools are a must see, and you might glimpse the monarch butterflies as they rest in the trees here on their yearly migration. For the best tide pool experience be sure to check the tide tables for the day of your visit- it's ideal to be there slightly before low tide.
A great park that starts at the beach and continues all the way up the hill to Empire Grade with lots of great trails and interesting historical buildings. A wonderful place for stroll along the beach, a bike ride, or a hike in the woods.
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Park Nazzjonali ta 'Wilder Ranch
1401 Coast RdA great park that starts at the beach and continues all the way up the hill to Empire Grade with lots of great trails and interesting historical buildings. A wonderful place for stroll along the beach, a bike ride, or a hike in the woods.
A great little beach just north of Aptos. There’s also lots of great shops and restaurants in Capitola to explore before or after heading to the beach.
Capitola State Beach
A great little beach just north of Aptos. There’s also lots of great shops and restaurants in Capitola to explore before or after heading to the beach.
Essentials
Safeway
2720 41st AveIf you need some basics and Safeway doesn't have it, Rite Aid probably does.
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Rite Aid
80 Rancho Del MarIf you need some basics and Safeway doesn't have it, Rite Aid probably does.
Sightseeing
A must-see when you're in Aptos. The S.S. Palo Alto has been at the end of the pier at Seacliff State Beach since 1929! Although you can no longer board the old ship, it's worth the walk to the end if the pier to get as close as possible to the old gal.
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S.S. Palo Alto
201 State Park DrA must-see when you're in Aptos. The S.S. Palo Alto has been at the end of the pier at Seacliff State Beach since 1929! Although you can no longer board the old ship, it's worth the walk to the end if the pier to get as close as possible to the old gal.
The town next door to Aptos / Seacliff is Capitola. A wonderful array of restaurants, shops, bars, a movie theatre and Capitola Beach make it worthy day trip.
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Capitola
The town next door to Aptos / Seacliff is Capitola. A wonderful array of restaurants, shops, bars, a movie theatre and Capitola Beach make it worthy day trip.