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Off-season in Aptos can have some of the best weather of any time of the year. Escape the traffic, the crowds, and the other stresses of the daily grind to a place where the pace is slow and the surroundings are spectacular, Aptos (Rio Del Mar). Aptos, which is centrally located on the Monterey Bay, is close to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf, Pebble Beach’s 17-mile drive, and the small shops of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
This home, located a short walk from the beach, allows you the opportunity to stroll the miles of quiet beaches or wander down to the local coffee shops, restaurants, and grocery store. Or just relax and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean and cement boat from the living room or font deck. Or you may choose to enjoy the dramatic views of the Aptos valley from the kitchen, dining room windows, or two rear decks. Your options are many.
This bright, open, nicely refurbished, fully furnished and equipped, three-story home offers four bedrooms with two and a half baths sleeps eight and is highly suitable for multi or extended families. You enter at street level to three bedrooms and one bathroom with a private master bedroom deck that overlooks the Aptos hill. Downstairs you have a fourth bedroom and bath that doubles as a family room. The top level consists of an up-to-date kitchen with eating counter, large living room (high open beamed ceiling and fireplace), dining room, and decks with ocean and Aptos valley views. A big plus for this home - plenty of off-street parking.
GROUND LEVEL
- Entrance
- Bedroom #1 (Master): Queen bed, cable television, private deck overlooking Aptos valley
- Bedroom #2: Queen bed
- Bedroom #3: Bunkbed, cable television, DVD
- Full bath
UPPER LEVEL
- Kitchen: Refrigerator, oven, microwave, blender, utensils, cookware, cooking utensils, automatic coffee pot, dishwasher, toaster, garbage disposal, view of the Aptos valley
- Living room (large): Ocean views, television, DVD, stereo, fireplace, sofa bed (queen)
- Dining room (table seats eight, Aptos valley view)
- Half-bath
- Clothes washer and dryer
- Wrapped deck with ocean and Aptos valley views.
LOWER LEVEL
- Bedroom/family room, full bath, private entrance, futon (full bed), television, VCR
APTOS OVERVIEW
This area bordering the Monterey Bay is truly nature's playground. It is believed by some that when the Native Americans named this part of the county, they called it Awatos - "Where the Waters Meet." The name honors the spot where two creeks joined before traveling together to the bay. Today it's called Aptos.
You will find people living in everything from rustic mountain cabins in the redwoods to sprawling contemporary homes on the golf course. It follows that the sights of Aptos are equally diverse. Within a few minutes, you can go from the nature trails of a redwood forest to the relaxed elegance of Seascape Resort. Most likely, you will meet the same people in both places. This is a spot where nature and modern life get along just fine together.
Aptos Village itself is just a tiny dot on the local map, but it is well worth the visit. The old Bayview Hotel anchors this quaint shopping district, comprised mainly of friendly little shops and restaurants. A visit to the Cafe Sparrow is a must. This French-inspired cafe is a local favorite for Sunday brunch or casual dinners.
Down on the shore at Seacliff State Beach, you'll certainly want to inspect the remains of the Palo Alto, an experimental ship constructed of concrete. It made just one short voyage back in 1919 before dropping anchor here to become a restaurant and dance hall. Today, only the pelicans, seagulls, and fishermen occupy its once-grand hull.
In this place where the waters meet, you'll still find those special qualities here.
POINTS OF INTEREST
- Mystery Spot: Experience unique variations in gravity, balance, perception, height and light.
- Roaring Camp: Two historic railroads in the redwoods. Travel to the beach in Santa Cruz or tour the redwoods.
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: West Coast's only seaside amusement park: 27 rides, miniature golf, Casino Fun Center, restaurants, shops, fishing charters and boat rentals.
- Aptos Station: Interesting collection of photographs and artifacts representing area history. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History: Exhibits: native peoples, geology and regional animal life.
- Rio Del Mar Beach: A long strip of white sand. You can take your dog for a walk here (with a leash). Also enjoy fine restaurants and shopping nearby.
- Seacliff State Beach: An expansive white sand beach offers picnic facilities for day use. There is fine fishing off of the "Palo Alto" beached cement ship.
- Capitola City Beach and Wharf: Half-mile swimming and fishing beach with charming boutiques, restaurants and galleries.
- Aptos Village Park: A lovely creek-side park with picnic tables and a grassy play area. The park building has a full kitchen and fireplace, ideal for weddings and parties.
- The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park: This lush Redwood forest park has over 30 miles of hiking and trails. Horseback riding, dogs, and biking are allowed in portions of the park.
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, picnics, gift shop. Self guided tour through the Giant Redwoods.
- Wilder Ranch State Park: Historic ranch has hiking, bike and horseback riding trails. Old farm buildings dating back to the 1880's contain historic exhibits of interest to kinds and adults. Live farm animals. |
Pet Friendly
