Where California's redwood forests meet the shining sea, just east of Santa Cruz, you'll find the charming community of Aptos climbing the hills above the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful beaches, boutique shopping, and secluded villas await here in this paradise on the sea.

The community of Aptos is bisected north to south by the legendary Highway 1, aka Cabrillo Highway. To the west of this route are winding streets with single-family homes in various beachy styles. Clustered around the highway itself are various condo and townhome complexes, cascading down the hillsides to provide outstanding views to their residents. And east of the highway, nestled in the surrounding hills, are Aptos' luxury homes in Mediterranean, and Ranch-modern styles.

The whole area is just brimming with things to see and do, with a variety of landscapes, attractions, and real estate types.

To truly take in everything that Aptos has to offer, make sure to check out some of these areas:

Community Attractions in Aptos, CA

The community of Aptos is a treasure trove of attractions, bringing visitors from far and wide, and providing year-round enjoyment to its residents.

In Aptos Village for example, there are boutique stores, cafes, and eateries. Nearby you can also find a library, museum, and more conventional shopping for whatever you may need. If you're in town, make sure to partake in some of the high-quality wine made in the surrounding hills and valleys.

And if you can't find what you're looking for in Aptos, then you're in luck, because Santa Cruz is less than 15 minutes away.

Aptos - What's Nearby

Aptos is a dream for those interested in outdoor recreation. The hills to the north host miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, found particularly within The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, and to the south, stretching as far as the eye can see, scenic beaches provide unlimited opportunities for marine fun.

Diving and surfing are particular favorites, but you can also enjoy a relaxing stroll along the many seaside parks, or visit the S.S. Palo Alto, an experimental concrete ship sunk off the end of a pier.

Some other local highlights include:

  • Seacliff State Beach
  • Seascape Golf Club
  • Polo Grounds Park
  • Aptos Village County Park
  • New Brighton State Beach Park

Aptos also puts on a number of community events, like the world's shortest 4th of July Parade, and an annual blues festival which has featured such acts as B.B. King, Ray Charles, and the Doobie Brothers.

Schools in Aptos

Aptos, like so many communities in the Santa Cruz area, is one that many families call home. 

It's a fantastic place to live, with exciting things to do, see, and experience, and that also makes it a wonderful place to raise children, be a teenager, and start a life. The demand for quality schools available in Aptos was high, because when it comes to living here with kids at any age, education is first on the list for most parents.

Here is a list of many of the best schools in Aptos, Santa Cruz County, California.

Elementary Schools in Aptos

  • Valencia Elementary
  • Rio Del Mar Elementary
  • Mar Vista Elementary

Middle School in Aptos

  • Aptos Junior High School

High School in Aptos

  • Aptos High School

Private Schools in Aptos

  • Santa Cruz Montessori School
  • Orchard School
  • Twin Lakes Christian School

Post-secondary school in Aptos

  • Cabrillo College

Stay tuned to the My Santa Cruz Real Estate blog to see more in-depth community spotlights on some of our most desirable communities!

Posted by Lauren Spencer on
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