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Shell Cottage - Steps From Rio Del Mar Beach!

Photo gallery for Shell Cottage - Steps From Rio Del Mar Beach!

A living room with a sectional sofa, a small rug, a console table, and a ceiling light fixture.
A single-story building with a flat roof, wooden pillars, and a small front yard with grass and plants.
A living room with a sofa, a chair, a lamp, and a decorative shell.
A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a stove, and a dishwasher.
A dining area with a table, chairs, a clock, and a window with blinds.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Rio Del Mar Beach
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Balcony
  • Internet access

Explore the area

View in a map
Aptos, CA
  • Place, Rio Del Mar Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Seacliff State Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪65 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Balcony
Garden

About this property

Shell Cottage - Steps From Rio Del Mar Beach!

Summary:

Welcome to the Shell Cottage! This home sleeps 6 with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, a bright living room, and a fully stocked kitchen. Enjoy a private backyard with outdoor seating—perfect for relaxing after a beach day. Just a short walk to the beach and minutes to local cafés, shops, and coastal trails.



The Space:

- Comfortably sleeps up to 6 guests

- 2 bedrooms: 1 king bed, and 1 bunk bed featuring a full-size bed on the bottom and a twin bed on top.

- 1 bathroom

- Free street parking is available directly out front, first come, first served.

- Fully stocked kitchen with drip coffee maker

- Living room

- Backyard with outdoor seating



Note:

- No gatherings or parties allowed (strictly enforced)

- The exterior of this home is monitored by 24/7 surveillance recording devices for safety.

- Smart TVs with streaming capabilities.

- NO PETS (due to severe allergies)



Guest Access:

Guests will have access to the entire home, except locked owner's storage.



The Neighborhood:

Aptos is a coastal gem nestled in Santa Cruz County. With its stunning beaches, including Rio del Mar and Seacliff State Beach, it's a haven for sun-seekers and surf enthusiasts. This charming town boasts a laid-back vibe, a mix of boutique shops, and a vibrant dining scene, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing vacation. The iconic Cement Ship at Seacliff Beach is a must-see, and nearby forested parks like Nisene Marks offer hiking and biking trails. Aptos combines natural beauty, small-town charm, and easy access to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, creating an ideal coastal escape for visitors.



This home is designed for relaxing, low-key stays. Out of respect for our neighbors, we kindly ask that there be no parties or gatherings, and that quiet hours and guest limits are observed.



Getting Around:

Seacliff State Beach (nearest beach): ~5 min drive / ~15–20 min walk

Nearest grocery store (Safeway Aptos): ~5 min drive / ~20 min walk

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park: ~7 min drive / ~25–30 min walk

Capitola Village: ~10 min drive / ~30 min walk

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk & Main Beach: ~15 min drive

The Mystery Spot: ~20 min drive

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: ~25 min drive

Monterey Bay Aquarium: ~45 min drive



Other Things to Note:

- The owner of this home has severe pet allergies, unfortunately this means WE ARE NOT ABLE TO HOST PETS OF ANY KIND.

There is no reserved parking for the home, but free street parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

- We have landscapers, pest service, and other property maintenance done on a weekly basis. You may see or hear these service professionals during your stay as they let themselves into the backyard to service as needed. Please be sure to ask about this before booking if you think it might be an issue for you.

- The exterior of this home is monitored by 24/7 surveillance recording devices for safety.

- We are required to stick to our cancellation policy and we suggest adding trip insurance for any last minute issues that may impact your travel (Weather, Illness, etc). We are not able to cancel, move or refund bookings that do not fall in our cancellation policy for any reason.



**Booking Requirements**



To help ensure a safe and secure experience for our guests and homeowners, the primary guest is required to complete identity verification and sign O'Neal Vacation Rentals' Vacation Rental Agreement after booking confirmation. Instructions will be provided shortly after your reservation is confirmed.



Guests wishing to review the Vacation Rental Agreement before booking may find it on the O'Neal Vacation Rentals website under the "Vacation Rental Agreements" section.



By booking, you acknowledge and agree to complete all required pre-arrival documentation. Failure to complete required documentation may affect your ability to access the property and may result in cancellation of the reservation where permitted by the booking platform and applicable policies.



Interaction with Guests:

OVR is local in Santa Cruz and available for questions at any time!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Primary booking guest must complete identity verification and sign O'Neal Vacation Rentals' Vacation Rental Agreement prior to arrival. Guests may ...

Important information

You need to know

Property # 5234167
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

Aptos

Located near the beach, this vacation home is in Rio del Mar, a neighborhood in Aptos. Mystery Spot and Roaring Camp Railroads are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Monterey Bay and Capitola Beach. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History are also worth visiting. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding, rock climbing, and cycling nearby.
Map
Aptos, CA

What's nearby

  • Rio Del Mar Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Seacliff State Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Aptos History Museum - 19 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Capitola Beach - 6 min drive - 6.5 km

Getting around

  • San Martin Caltrain Station - 45 min drive
  • Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Marianne's Ice Cream - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Venus Cocktails & Kitchen - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Farm Bakery Café & Gifts - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Hideout - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Peet's Coffee - ‬16 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Shell Cottage - Steps From Rio Del Mar Beach! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Shell Cottage - Steps From Rio Del Mar Beach!?

As of Aug 8, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Shell Cottage - Steps From Rio Del Mar Beach! on Dec 7, 2026 start from $353, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Shell Cottage - Steps From Rio Del Mar Beach!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Shell Cottage - Steps From Rio Del Mar Beach!?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Shell Cottage - Steps From Rio Del Mar Beach! located?

Located in Rio del Mar, this vacation home is within a 5-minute walk of Rio Del Mar Beach and Monterey Bay. Seacliff State Beach and The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 1 out of 1 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 1 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 1 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 1 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 1 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean place with a great backyard and perfect location from the beach. Excellent pillows for sleeping. Definitely a great place to go back too!!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026

About the host

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