Things to do in Aptos

Activities, attractions and tours

A beach with a pier, houses, and palm trees.
A waterfront residential area with colorful houses and a bridge at dusk.
A three-seater cart with a yellow canopy, parked on a paved area with rocks and the sea in the background.
A pier extending into the ocean with waves crashing against it during sunset.
Colorful houses by a waterfront with palm trees in the background.

Things to do

Self Guided UC Santa Cruz Walking Tour: Unlock Secret Stories

UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour

RM20
per traveller
UC Santa Cruz: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Secret Beach Location

Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz

RM142
per traveller
Half Day Private Beach Tour in Santa Cruz
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour

Capitola Friday Night Food Tour

RM525
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Capitola Friday Night Food Tour
Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz

Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz

RM566
per adult
Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Redwoods Forest Therapy

Redwoods Forest Bathing

RM362
per adult
Redwoods Forest Bathing
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

RM566
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz
Mermaid family photoshoot Santa Cruz

Mermaid Experience & Photoshoot

RM895
per adult
Mermaid Experience & Photoshoot
See all activities in Aptos
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Aptos

Stay near popular Aptos attractions

A pier extending into the ocean at sunset with the sun reflecting on the water.

Rio Del Mar Beach

9.2/10 (216 reviews)
Rio Del Mar Beach offers a spacious sandy shoreline with a scenic paved promenade perfect for coastal strolls. Enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere where Aptos Creek sometimes forms a natural lagoon during summer months.
See properties

Where to stay in Aptos

Find the best Aptos areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Aptos
Learn more about Aptos
A beach at sunset with the sun low on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the sand and water.
Photo by Lingling ❤️
Open Photo by Lingling ❤️

Rio del Mar

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

A pier extending into the ocean with waves crashing against it during sunset.

Seacliff

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

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.

A beach with clear water, palm trees, and a cruise ship in the background.

Los Gatos

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 kilometres 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.