Food Scene
Many craft beers on tap and live blues almost every night. Very casual.
95 locals recommend
Aptos St. BBQ
8059 Aptos StMany craft beers on tap and live blues almost every night. Very casual.
Who doesn't love crepes? Only place I've found so far that serves crepes in the local area.
109 locals recommend
The Crêpe Place
1134 Soquel AveWho doesn't love crepes? Only place I've found so far that serves crepes in the local area.
Pizza My Heart
209 EsplanadeKids seem to love this place. Great place to take the family.
There is a local coffee shop on the left and a fine dining restaurant to the right with both inside and patio dining. This is walking distance from the house. Espresso drinks, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, pizza, and smoothies can be had on the left and steaks, seafood, burgers, desserts, and cocktails can be had on the right. Integrate as part of your morning or evening walks along the beach.
49 locals recommend
Café Rio Aptos
131 EsplanadeThere is a local coffee shop on the left and a fine dining restaurant to the right with both inside and patio dining. This is walking distance from the house. Espresso drinks, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, pizza, and smoothies can be had on the left and steaks, seafood, burgers, desserts, and cocktails can be had on the right. Integrate as part of your morning or evening walks along the beach.
Local inexpensive sandwich shop that is walking distance from the house. Clam chowder is good as are the sandwiches. Nice walking lunch break for business travelers.
40 locals recommend
Pixie Deli
111 Venetian RdLocal inexpensive sandwich shop that is walking distance from the house. Clam chowder is good as are the sandwiches. Nice walking lunch break for business travelers.
Essentials
Safeway
2720 41st AveGrocery store with the lowest prices in the area.
Very close grocery store. Prices are higher than Safeway and selection is more limited.
78 locals recommend
Deluxe Foods of Aptos
783 Rio Del Mar BlvdVery close grocery store. Prices are higher than Safeway and selection is more limited.
Drinks & Nightlife
Many locals meet up here daily for happy hour. Nice restaurant and cocktail lounge.
71 locals recommend
Bittersweet Bistro
787 Rio Del Mar BlvdMany locals meet up here daily for happy hour. Nice restaurant and cocktail lounge.
Entertainment & Activities
Carmel has boutique shopping, restaurants, and cocktails. Have not found a bad restaurant yet. Carmel is only about a 40 minute drive away and its nice to be able to dress up for dinner on occasion. There are many casual restaurants, too, if that better suits your taste.
354 locals recommend
Carmel by the sea
San Antonio AvenueCarmel has boutique shopping, restaurants, and cocktails. Have not found a bad restaurant yet. Carmel is only about a 40 minute drive away and its nice to be able to dress up for dinner on occasion. There are many casual restaurants, too, if that better suits your taste.
Legendary carnival atmosphere boardwalk. They still operate a wooden roller coaster. Kids love this place. Great for family entertainment.
745 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StLegendary carnival atmosphere boardwalk. They still operate a wooden roller coaster. Kids love this place. Great for family entertainment.
Parks & Nature
Redwood trees, outside the fog, beautiful for hiking.
335 locals recommend
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 N Big Trees Park RdRedwood trees, outside the fog, beautiful for hiking.
Local beach that is just minutes walk from the house. Often can see migrating whales a couple hundred yards off shore and porpoise frolicking along with the children playing.
63 locals recommend
Rio Del Mar State Beach
Local beach that is just minutes walk from the house. Often can see migrating whales a couple hundred yards off shore and porpoise frolicking along with the children playing.
Shopping
Los Gatos is full of boutique shops and fine restaurants. Very dog friendly community.
79 locals recommend
Los Gatos
Los Gatos is full of boutique shops and fine restaurants. Very dog friendly community.
Arts & Culture
University of California at Santa Cruz
Arboretum RoadLocal university.