The Aptos center point is approximately 3 miles east of Capilota Beach and 4 miles east of Cypress Outpatient Surgical.
Aptos is blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate. It means that the area enjoys relatively comfortable weather throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for travelers at any time. However, the best season to visit largely depends on the kind of activities you're interested in. Summers are typically short and mostly clear. Temperatures during this season generally range from a pleasant 65 °F to a warm 73 °F. This makes it a perfect period for open-air pastimes such as hiking, surfing, and beach lounging. Fall offers pleasant weather and is a great time to explore the charming Aptos Village and its boutique shops and attend the Santa Cruz County Fair. Winters in Aptos are short, cold, and partly cloudy, with temperatures varying from a chilly 42 °F to a mild 60 °F. This season also sees more precipitation compared to summer, so it is less popular among tourists. Whether you prefer the warm, clear summer days or the cool, quiet calm of winter, the town will surely provide a memorable visit. However, for the best warm-weather experiences and outdoor pursuits, the period from late June to late September is recommended.
If you are looking to stretch your budget further while visiting Aptos, CA, then you're in luck. HotelPlanner offers a variety of special deals tailored for both group and individual travelers in Aptos and the nearby areas. These offers range from seasonal promotions to extended stay discounts. So whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer vacation, HotelPlanner will ensure your stay is affordable without compromising on comfort or convenience. Plus, if you're traveling with others, HotelPlanner group deals make it even easier to ensure everyone enjoys their visit while keeping costs under control. Don't let these opportunities pass you by! Secure your spot in one of Aptos's delightful hotels, inns, or suites today and prepare to experience everything this lovely coastal town has to offer, all while keeping your budget in check.
Aptos has a rich history that dates back to its original inhabitants, the Awaswas tribe of the Ohlone people. The name "Aptos" is one of the few native words that have endured as place names in Santa Cruz County, along with Soquel and Zayante. European exploration of Alta California began with the Spanish Portolá expedition in 1769, which passed through the area. The trip camped at a creek, possibly Soquel or Aptos Creek, noting its natural features in their diaries. In 1833, the Mexican government granted Rafael Castro the Rancho Aptos, comprising over 6,000 acres of land. Castro initially raised cattle on the land, but after California became a state in 1850, he leased it to Americans who established businesses such as a wharf, general store, lumber mill, and leather tannery. The original town, located where Aptos Village Square stands today, began to prosper. In the late 19th century, Claus Spreckels, a sugar millionaire, acquired land in Aptos and developed it into a resort area. He built a hotel near the beach, a summer mansion, and a ranch with a racetrack for his horses, establishing what became known as "the Deer Park." Aptos experienced a period of rapid development in the early 20th century, with the redwood timber industry booming before transitioning to apple orchards. The Valencia Mill and Loma Prieta Lumber Company played significant roles in logging the area, leading to the establishment of the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. In 1905, the Leonard Ranch near La Selva became the site of groundbreaking experiments with a tandem-wing glider designed by John J. Montgomery. These flights at high altitudes marked significant milestones in aviation history. Seacliff Park and Rio Del Mar Country Club were developed in the late 1920s, offering recreational amenities such as a clubhouse, grand hotel, polo field, and golf course. The SS Palo Alto cement ship was moored off Seacliff State Beach, serving as an amusement pier during Prohibition. The 1960s saw rapid development in Aptos, including the establishment of Cabrillo College, the Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, Seascape Resort, and various residential developments. Don't miss the chance to explore Aptos' fascinating past and make your own memories in this captivating coastal town.
Below are reviews of the city of Aptos, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Aptos is great! We have staved in the area over a dozen times in the last twenty years!
Room was clean, bed comfortable! staff very nice and friendly. Aptos is great…. Been many times before, but first time staying in town.
The Mexican restaurant Manual was actually superb and also the ice cream parlor across the street!
Good breakfast spots. Sand Farm is a beautiful wedding venue.
The beach and the forests! The hotel is within walking distance to grocery store and shops
Aptos is pleasant and quaint, and has some nice restaurants, but there never seemed to be enough parking anywhere, especially the closer to the beach you got, and we were not even here during a holiday or any other large special event.