Guidebook for Aptos
Restaurants
I've only listed restaurants that are close by (up to 3 miles from Ohana)
Santa Cruz has many, highlights include Lillian's Italian, Crow's Nest (in the harbor) Santa Cruz Wharf, Hulu's Hawaiian
Manuel's Mexican Restaurant
261 Center AveGreat Food, reasonable prices
Aptos St. BBQ
8059 Aptos StGreat BBQ and lots of beers on tap
Beautiful setting, romantic, a little pricey, but good food and service. Nice bar and appetizers and Great to just go meander around the garden and walk through the many dining rooms. Shadowbox taxi available by request, classic checkered cab
205 locals recommend
Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf RdBeautiful setting, romantic, a little pricey, but good food and service. Nice bar and appetizers and Great to just go meander around the garden and walk through the many dining rooms. Shadowbox taxi available by request, classic checkered cab
Nice California Mexican and Seafood restaurant. Great bar and patio.
59 locals recommend
Palapas Restaurant & Cantina
21 Seascape VillageNice California Mexican and Seafood restaurant. Great bar and patio.
Good Food, great early bird specials in the bar, upscale restaurant
71 locals recommend
Bittersweet Bistro
787 Rio Del Mar BlvdGood Food, great early bird specials in the bar, upscale restaurant
Little Tampico
2605 S Main StReally good authentic Mexican food and Tequila Bar
Michael's on Main
2591 S Main StFine dining, great food and bar. Music on most nights
Starbucks
21620 E Cliff DrIt's Starbucks
Roux Dat Cajun Creole
118 Cooper Streasonably priced
The Hideout
9051 Soquel DrRecently re- opened, fine dining for lunch or dinner.
Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Beachside
131 EsplanadeNew restaurant, we haven't tried yet
Pizza My Heart replaced Pizza 1. many locations, but originated in Santa Cruz
10 locals recommend
Pizza 1
253 Center AvePizza My Heart replaced Pizza 1. many locations, but originated in Santa Cruz
Erik's DeliCafé | Aptos
102 Rancho Del MarSoul Salad
7957 Soquel DriveAwesome big salads
Four Streams Kitchen, Szechwan Restaurant
7960 Soquel DriveDelicious Szechwan Restaurant
Sightseeing
Home of the Cement ship. Great little museum of early Aptos history and wildlife display of the Monterey Bay. Also has a gift shop for souvenirs reasonably priced.
97 locals recommend
Seacliff State Beach
State Park DriveHome of the Cement ship. Great little museum of early Aptos history and wildlife display of the Monterey Bay. Also has a gift shop for souvenirs reasonably priced.
Trails through redwood forest for bikers, hikers and runners
272 locals recommend
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Aptos Creek RoadTrails through redwood forest for bikers, hikers and runners
New Brighton State Beach
1500 Park AveCalm Waters and nice beach, not too crowded
Capitola villiage/Beach has lots of small shops, restaurants, and bars right on the ocean, also a nice beach and good beginner's surf spot.
151 locals recommend
Capitola
Capitola villiage/Beach has lots of small shops, restaurants, and bars right on the ocean, also a nice beach and good beginner's surf spot.
Easy beach access, bathrooms, excellent for walking along the beach
63 locals recommend
Rio Del Mar State Beach
Easy beach access, bathrooms, excellent for walking along the beach
Manresa State Beach
1445 San Andreas RdAwesome beach
Kayak Connection
2370 CA-1kayaking tours on the slough
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 N Big Trees Park RdBeautiful Redwoods in easy walking trails
Roaring Camp
5401 Graham Hill RdTake a train ride thru the Redwoods
Essentials
little market, close by, has good local seafood and meat, deli, good wine and beer choices
11 locals recommend
AJ's Chevron Mart & Car Wash
5955 Soquel Drlittle market, close by, has good local seafood and meat, deli, good wine and beer choices
Safeway
2720 41st AveIt's Safeway
Nob Hill Foods
809 Bay AveGrocery Store
Deluxe Foods of Aptos
783 Rio Del Mar BlvdLocal ownership, good meat and produce
Whole Foods Market
911 Soquel AveIt's Whole Foods, in Capitola
Shopping
Capitola Mall
1855 41st AveMacy's, Target, Kohls, Chile's, Chapotle's,
Rite Aid
80 Rancho Del MarDrug store
CVS
1750 41st AveMisc needs
Arts & Culture
The famous Boardwalk, free admission and entertainment in summer
745 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StThe famous Boardwalk, free admission and entertainment in summer
Student Activities Center
6500 Soquel DrBeautiful campus with a great horticulture area.
Everything Else
Bargetto Winery
3535 N Main StLocal wine tasting
Drinks & Nightlife
Sante Adairius Rustic Ales
103 Kennedy DrHighly rated local brewery.
Discretion Brewing
2703 41st AveExcellent food and great local beer
Britannia Arms Of Capitola
110 Monterey AveBritish Pub, good food too
Café Sparrow
8042 Soquel DrFrench cuisine restaurant