Aptos is located on the “sunny side” of the Monterey Bay in Santa Cruz County, which is one of the smallest counties in California, but it contains the widest variety of beautiful scenery. We have magnificent mountains covered by towering redwood forests, some of the world’s most fertile farmland, long sandy beaches, and ocean cliffs. We are also a gateway to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This area bordering the Monterey Bay is truly nature’s playground. Learn what the name Aptos really means.

It is this incredible variety which makes the Aptos and the Central Coast such an exciting vacation destination with something of interest to everyone. Whether you visit one of our award winning wineries, hike in the forest, ride a rollercoaster or a steam train, walk on the beach, or do it all, we wish you an enjoyable visit!