San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
65 min drive
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Living Room 1
1 Single Futon
Living Room 3
1 Double Murphy Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Aptos Beach Retreat Hot Tub & 5 Min Walk to Sand
Permit: 211099 Unwind by the Bay in Your Aptos Beach Bungalow
Tucked away along beautiful Monterey Bay, this charming bungalow is designed to leave you refreshed and recharged. With cathedral ceilings, a private outdoor hot tub, a fully equipped kitchen, and heated bathroom floors, every detail blends comfort with modern touches. Just a short stroll to Rio Del Mar Beach, you’ll enjoy the perfect mix of coastal relaxation and luxury amenities — your true home away from home.
The Space:
Your Rio Del Mar Beach Bungalow Retreat
This bungalow has everything you need for a comfortable, coastal getaway. With unique beach-inspired décor and a cozy indoor fireplace, your days can be spent by the sea and your evenings relaxing in warmth. Whether you’re here for work or leisure, the private hot tub, soaking tub, and serene garden space make this the perfect spot to recharge.
Sleeps up to 4 guests | 1 bedroom + Murphy bed + Futon Bed | 1 bathroom
✔ Peaceful, private space after a day at the beach
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Additional Amenities
✔ Washer & dryer
✔ High-speed Wi-Fi
✔ Self check-in
✔ Free parking (driveway or street)
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Prime Location
This Aptos retreat is perfectly located:
5 min walk — Rio Del Mar Beach (swimming, surfing, sunbathing)
5 min drive — Seascape Golf Club (ocean-view fairways)
5 min drive — Aptos Farmers Market (fresh produce & local goods)
10 min drive — Manresa State Beach (hiking + ocean views)
15 min drive — Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
18 min drive — Pajaro Dunes (birdwatching paradise)
40 min drive — Carmel-by-the-Sea & Monterey
90 min drive — Big Sur coastal adventure
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Don’t miss out on this cozy Aptos bungalow. Whether it’s a family getaway, a romantic retreat, or a beach escape, this home offers the perfect balance of comfort, style, and location. Book your stay today!
Guest Access:
This home allows self-check in so you can check-in without worry upon arrival. Your host will provide you with detailed check-in information upon booking.
You’ll enjoy full access to the entire bungalow during your stay. Self check-in makes arrival simple and worry-free — detailed instructions and your unique door code will be provided before check-in.
To enter: Use the center gate, then head to the last door on the left (Unit A).
Parking is available in the driveway or directly on the street in front of the house.
The Neighborhood:
5-min walk. Visit Rio Del Mar State Beach, a beautiful stretch of sandy beach that's popular for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
5-min drive. Play a round of golf at the Seascape Golf Club, a challenging 18-hole course with panoramic ocean views.
5-min drive. Explore the Aptos Farmers Market, held every Saturday morning, to sample fresh local produce and other products from local farmers and vendors.
10-min drive. Take a hike at Manresa State Beach, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a variety of trails for hikers of all levels.
18-min drive. Go birdwatching at Pajaro Dunes, a secluded beachfront community that's home to a wide variety of bird species.
Very safe neighborhood. 5 minute stroll to the beach along the creek. Beautiful setting. Perfect for bird watching. Very close to the shipwreck and walking distance to nearby coffee shops and restaurants and watching the amazing sunsets!
Some of my favorite restaurants nearby include:
Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen \ Beachside
Parish Publick House
Pixie Deli \ Beachside
Akira Aptos
Sushi Garden Aptos
Mentone
Red Apple Cafe for breakfast
Nearby Grocery Markets:
New Leaf Market
Deluxe Foods
Safeway
Coffee Shops:
Cat & Cloud - Super friendly staff
Rio Flats - Across from the Rio Del Mar Beach down the street \ Beachside
Pacific Coffee Roasting Co
Getting Around:
Easy 5 minute, flat stroll to the beach along a tranquil creek with ducks. Quiet street with birds chirping. Perfect for bird watching. Easy access to coffee shops, restaurants and anything else you will need is 5 minutes from the house. Easy parking on the one way slow road street. You can park in the driveway or right in front of the house. Nisene Marks County Park is 5 minutes from the house with the most amazing hiking and world class mountain biking and breathtaking forest!
Other Things to Note:
Your comfort and safety come first. The bungalow is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before every stay, with extra care for high-touch surfaces like light switches, doorknobs, cabinet handles, and remotes.
Prime Location
This Aptos retreat is perfectly situated within walking distance of local restaurants, cozy coffee shops, and boutique dining. Spend your days soaking up the sun at Rio Del Mar Beach or exploring world-class hiking and cycling trails in the nearby redwoods.
For travelers, San José International Airport is just 50 minutes away, making arrivals and departures stress-free.
Interaction with Guests:
I was living in the house in the 1 bedroom until I had my baby. I do not live on the premises anymore so you will not see me. There is a detached studio with its own patio completely separate at the front of the house however you will enter the same gate to get to your unit.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please strip linens from Murphy and sofa bed and put in a pile on the floor.
Please pick up any toys and books and place where you found them. Put away lawn toys where you found them. Pick up dog poop in the backyard.
Put hot tub cover back on. Ensure the temperature is set to at least 100 degrees. If not notify host the temperature is below a 100, as a setting is probably not correct. Put hot tub cover back on.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number 211099
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
Long-term renters welcome
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 fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Aptos
Located on the waterfront, this holiday home is in Rio del Mar, a neighbourhood in Aptos. 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. Take the opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as scuba diving.
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
Aptos History Museum - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
Capitola Beach - 5 min drive - 6.1 km
Getting around
San Martin Caltrain Station - 45 min drive
Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 19 min drive
Restaurants
Poki Bowl - 11 min walk
Whale City Bakery Bar And Grill Aptos - 10 min walk
Peet's Coffee - 12 min walk
Marianne's Ice Cream - 17 min walk
Venus Cocktails & Kitchen - 5 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Aptos Beach Retreat Hot Tub & 5 Min Walk to Sand pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Aptos Beach Retreat Hot Tub & 5 Min Walk to Sand?
As of 8 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Aptos Beach Retreat Hot Tub & 5 Min Walk to Sand on 22 Jun, 2026 start from S$306, 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 Aptos Beach Retreat Hot Tub & 5 Min Walk to Sand?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Aptos Beach Retreat Hot Tub & 5 Min Walk to Sand?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Aptos Beach Retreat Hot Tub & 5 Min Walk to Sand?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Aptos Beach Retreat Hot Tub & 5 Min Walk to Sand located?
Located in Rio del Mar, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Seacliff State Beach and Rio Del Mar 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.
Beautiful property with all sorts of details that created a wonderful stay. All was efficient and easy to use and correspondence was kind and helpful. Lovely in many senses!
John A.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Feb, 2026
Thank you John for your wonderful review! It’s much appreciated. Please visit again!
The house was nice and clean. Perfect for two people. The hot tub was clean and we loved the gas fireplace for the cool evenings. There is ongoing construction on the street in front of the unit but parking is available in the drive. This unit is close to the beach and easily accessible. The host, Liz, was quick to answer questions. Cute little beach house.
Tonya W.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Jan, 2026
Thank you for your review, Tonya! It’s very much appreciated.
The bungalow was clean and comfortable, and just a quick walk to the beach. Time at the beach, followed by a soak in the hot tub made this a perfect visit.
Stayed with a friend. Place is very family and pet friendly. Lots of things for kids to do. Hot tub set at 100, a bit too cool for us. Need salt and pepper shakers. Maybe a list of what we could have recycled besides bottles and cans. Really nice. Would recommend to a small family.
Anna H.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Nov, 2025
Anna thank you for your review. I always normally have salt/pepper there. It’s in a cabinet you may not have known to open. I can’t set the hot tub temperature. You are able to move the temperature up and down. I give full directions on how to use the hot tub.
I’ll add more instruction for recycling.
This place was awesome. Very clean and well equipped with everything you need. Check in was super easy. Quiet little spot close to the ocean. Highly recommend!
Taylor G.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Dec, 2024
Thank you for your review!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Emily
7 Jun, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The space was very pet and kid friendly. We enjoyed the hot tub and all the kitchen amenities that were provided.
This bungalow was exactly as advertised and more. We had a great time, home was comfy, hot tub was hot, beach was close, and it was close to some great restaurants and hikes. 10/10 look forward to coming back and staying again!
Perfect spot for a weekend getaway. Great location !! Quiet and tranquil neighborhood. I would love to recommend this place to anyone that is heading to Santa Cruz area.
The house was very welcoming and sunny. With some communication prior to arrival, the host was able to accommodate all 4 of us in this moderate space. I wish we had more time to enjoy the outdoor space which included a hot tub and was as large as the inside of the house. The neighborhood was very quiet, and we had no issues with parking or finding the home. We did take advantage of the home's proximity to the beach (5 minutes) and took a long morning walk before our departure.
Lisa M.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Nov, 2025
Thank you so much for your review. I appreciate it.
Comfortable residence with nice fenced-in backyard. Very quiet location with a small-town relaxed feel, within easy walking distance of beach and restaurants, and with convenient access to HWY 1.
Jim S.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept, 2023
Thank you for your review Jim. Please visit again!
Weekend stay at a perfectly outfitted bungalow. Quick walk to the beach with provided chairs and umbrella, easy lunch at Pixie, delightful dinner at Persephone, quiet night's rest, private hot tub soaks, easy parking. Really a great location and lovely warm lodging. We hope to stay again!
Everything was great in the place. One minor suggestion would be to change the location of the sofas since it's easier to see the tv if the big sofa is facing it.
We celebrated or anniversary at this amazing property. Just perfect. Liz was an amazing host, and we look forward to many more stays at this property.
Nichole K.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept, 2023
Thank you for your review, Nichole! It's greatly appreciated. Please visit again!
About the host
Hosted by Liz Freitas
Growing up, Liz was lucky enough to spend most summers on Portugal’s Azores Islands with her parents. Traveling globally at such a young age lead to her deep love and yearning for exploring our world and celebrating all different landscapes, cuisines and cultures. Since those early days, she’s traveled extensively, venturing to Europe, Thailand, the Great Barrier Reef and Everest Base camp to name only a few.
Liz is a veteran of the tech world, and after 20+ years working long hours for various companies in San Francisco and San Jose, she was ready to pursue her ultimate dream of owning a vacation rental where travelers, could all enjoy a restful, creative and rejuvenating time. Rio Del Mar Bungalow is the culmination of all her vast travel experiences and hard work and she couldn’t be more pleased to welcome you to her new home. Liz invites you to share a story and a glass (or two!) of wine while enjoying the blue ocean, sunsets and gentle breezes.
Why they chose this property
This home is absolutely superior to any other accommodation located in the area for location, luxury, and comfort. The home is:
Beautifully and newly renovated- Contemporary and cozy, exuding cleanliness and a spacious concept.
5-Star Comfort and Luxury - Modern, sunny, and close to the beach!
Key Amenities- ● Indoor Fireplace ● Outdoor Hot Tub ● Soaking Tub with Heated Bathroom Floors ● Private Backyard ● Free Parking ● Fully Equipped Kitchen ● Contemporary Design ● In-Unit Laundry ● High-Speed Wi-Fi
What makes this property unique
Guest access- You will have access to the entire property. This home allows self-check in so you can check-in without worry upon arrival. Your host will provide you with detailed check-in information upon booking.
Other Things To Note: ***We want you to know that we are doing our part to help our guests stay safe by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the entire unit and frequently touched surfaces (light switches, doorknobs, cabinet handles, remotes, etc.) before you check in***
Prime Location - Conveniently located; you will find a variety of delicious restaurants and coffee shops within walking distance from the home! Be sure to head out and enjoy the great outdoors close by weather you hit the beach or experience the world class hiking and cycling!
San José International Airport is about a 50-minute car drive away.
Things To Do:
5-min drive. Visit Rio Del Mar State Beach, a beautiful stretch of sandy beach that's popular for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. 5-min drive. Play a round of golf at the Seascape Golf Club, a challenging 18-hole course with panoramic ocean views. 5-min drive. Explore the Aptos Farmers Market, held every Saturday morning, to sample fresh local produce and other products from local farmers and vendors. 10-min drive. Take a hike at Manresa State Beach, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a variety of trails for hikers of all levels. 18-min drive. Go birdwatching at Pajaro Dunes, a secluded beachfront community that's home to a wide variety of bird species.
Languages:
English, Portuguese
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests