Located in picturesque Rio Del Mar, this charming home has been owned and mindfully cared for by the same family since 1944. The third and fourth generations are pleased to and for the first time offer their family vacation home for rental. This truly is a much loved home, not just a place to stay.
The street level contains the living space, kitchen, and a queen bedroom. Six stair steps down from street level, the second level has a large primary/master suite with a full bath with tub, a smart TV [guests can stream from four sources using their personal accounts], and a DVD player. This level also has a second full bath with large stall shower and a bedroom with twin beds. Twelve further stair steps down, the third level is a sitting room or twin bedroom for one person with a wash basin. From this room, a doorway opens to a separate laundry room with toilet. Off the laundry room is a small railed back porch.
While the kitchen is small, it is mighty and thoughtfully contains everything guests might need to meet all their cooking needs. Wi-Fi is available throughout the house, with modems in the living area and master bedroom. The living space contains a smart TV with DISH service [guests can stream from multiple sources using their personal accounts]. There is a bar available for guest use, fully stocked with glassware. There is a mini-frig available in cupboard under TV for water/beverage storage. Beach toys, some beach chairs, boogie boards, beach bags, several sand umbrellas, and beach games are available for guest use, along with various board games, jigsaw puzzles, and a personal library with many books about the area. The patio has a table and chairs, flagpole, shade umbrella, four Adirondack chairs, and a Weber charcoal barbeque.
This home is located just a short drive away from many exciting things to do and see, as well as grocery stores, good restaurants, and other amenities. Best of all, the beach itself is located a short walk away, as are a dinner restaurant and a great spot for lunch.
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Please place all Linens and towels (excluding comforters and blankets in a pile.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadlock
Property Registration Number 221113
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
About the area
Aptos
Located in Rio del Mar, a neighbourhood in Aptos, this holiday home is near theme parks and near the beach. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Capitola Beach and Monterey Bay. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History and Boardwalk Bowl are also worth visiting. Sailing and surfing/body boarding offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and hiking/biking trails nearby.
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
Cabrillo College - 2 min drive - 2.5 km
Seascape Golf Club - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
Getting around
San Martin Caltrain Station - 45 min drive
Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 16 min drive
Restaurants
Whale City Bakery Bar And Grill Aptos - 17 min walk
Poki Bowl - 18 min walk
Starbucks - 19 min walk
Marianne's Ice Cream - 15 min walk
Sushi Garden - Aptos - 19 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Charming Rio del Mar Vacation Rental pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Charming Rio del Mar Vacation Rental?
As of 1 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming Rio del Mar Vacation Rental on 15 May 2026 start from £275, 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 at Charming Rio del Mar Vacation Rental?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Charming Rio del Mar Vacation Rental?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Charming Rio del Mar Vacation Rental?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Charming Rio del Mar Vacation Rental located?
Located in Rio del Mar, this holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Rio Del Mar Beach and Seacliff State Beach. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and Aptos History Museum are also within 1 mile (2 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We enjoyed our stay in this darling beachside cottage. It offered great beach access and plenty of room for the 6 of us. The kitchen was well appointed, the living area was comfortable and the beds were comfy and outfitted with cozy linens. Great shower too!
Great location. Just a walk down to the beach, shops and restaurants. House was very charming and welcoming. We will definitely try to stay again when we come visit.
This place was great! The view was awesome and we enjoyed the outdoor patio. The house had everything you could need. The street traffic got loud at times, but overall we loved this place!
This beach house was in the perfect location. 2 minute walk to the beach and eateries. The kitchen albeit small, had everything you need. We only used the king bed and it was very comfortable. The attached bathromm only has a tub but there is a shower in the guest bathroom. My favorite part was being able to sit at the dining table and look out at the water! The only thing I didn't like was that the sun was coming in through the living room window and although that day it only got up to about 70 degrees, it got hot in there.
Kathy H.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2026
Thank you for your detailed review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the location, easy beach access, and those beautiful ocean views from the dining area—it's one of our favorite spots too. We also appreciate your feedback regarding the warmth in the living room. We’ll be sure to take that into consideration as we continue to improve the guest experience. We’d love to host you again in the future!
Perfect beach rental! Walking distance to the beach, corner store and coffee shop. Love it!
Erin B.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Marsie Julia Bellezza M.
31 Jul 2025
Fun in Rio Del Mar
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We had a fantastic time. The location is perfect, we sit on the patio and can see the beach hear the waves!! we were blessed to have all sunny afternoons, except Sunday. We are already looking forward to next year.
Clean, comfortable, and a great location! Has everything you need. Property management was communicative and available if needed. Hosts clearly care that their guests have a positive experience. Would rent again!
Loved the location, aside from the very busy and noisy road. Walk down to the beach, deli, or store. Grandkids loved the shore fishing and bogey boarding.
House was steps from the beach! The kids had a great time at the house and were able to have their own area to play and hang out. Main living area had plenty of space and seating for all of the adults to visit. The front patio was nice with a great view of the ocean and sunsets. Would definitely stay again!
This is a well-loved home and it was evident in the upkeep and cleanliness of the property. The house had everything we needed and was literally a 30 second walk downhill to the beach. It was our first stay in this part of California and we had a really great time (had fun playing board games too). I would highly recommend a stay here.
Very cute home that’s centrally located in Aptos. Well appointed - we had everything we needed. Easy check-in/out.One minor note: while there are two bathrooms, there is only one shower. The king bedroom has a bathroom with a toilet & bathtub only. The hall bathroom is the only one with a shower. Not the end of the world but it did require coordination for our party.
This is a charming, older home that has been lovingly cared for. The upgrades were carefully chosen to blend with the original design of the house. There was a short but steep walk to the beach. The Aptos Creek trickles down, flowing along the beach where little ones safely play, escaping the waves of the ocean. The house had everything needed to make for a great vacay with family.
Betty G.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Kelly B.
26 Sept 2022
Great location
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Nice rental. Great location ocean view and walk to beach. Very comfortable and had everything that we needed. The closet even had booogie boards and sand toys. Enjoyed sitting on the front porch and bbqing after a full day. The road noise can be a bit loud for the front bedroom but other than that very quiet. The property management company was very friendly and professional to work with. Thank you.
Kelly B.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Walter R.
30 Nov 2024
Brief Vacation
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was more than happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Walter R.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Yvonne R.
3 Aug 2024
Charming home with an ocean view!
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
A welcoming and charming home with a beautiful view! It was perfect for our family of 6. Bailey Property Management were extremely accommodating.
Yvonne R.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Amy V.
31 Jul 2024
Perfect family get away
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
This was an amazing place to stay. It was absolutely spotless and met the listed description. The kitchen is tiny, but very mighty! The rental agency was very easy to work with and accommodated all of our needs. We will definitely stay here again. Thanks so much!
Amy V.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Marsie Julia Bellezza M.
27 Jun 2024
Mott's wonderful stay at 209 Rio Del mar
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
awesome, fantastic, cannot wait until next year,
Marsie Julia Bellezza M.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Jillann H.
15 Apr 2024
My Yearly Get-Away!
Rating Details:
The property manager was more than helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
It's a cozy, homey, home. Keep it that way!
Jillann H.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Erin B.
4 Apr 2024
Lovely house by the Ocean
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
It was a lovely house by the ocean that was very clean and well stocked for our needs. It was a very close walking distance to the ocean, coffee shop, restaurant and small grocery corner store. We loved our stay.
Erin B.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Michael C.
15 Nov 2023
209 Rio Del Mar Blvd
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
This home is cozy, well maintained and roomier than it looks from the outside. It is very close to the beach .
Michael C.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Newton J.
3 Apr 2023
Happy Beach Home
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Stayed here after roof fell in on our original reservation. Nice change of pace for our spring break.
The place was just right for our family, everything was close including the Safeway. The property had everything inside including beach stuff , the beds were very comfy but the only thing was not comfortable was the room downstairs with the bed , it was very dusty and
Smelly, my son was coughing a lot that he had to come upstairs to sleep , other then that everything was good
Thank you 😊
Joseph’s