Things to do in Aptos
Azalea State Reserve
a profusion of pink and white blossoms scents the air. There is a picnic area available. Plan to visit in April and May when azaleas are in bloom. Call 707-488-2041 for more information.
Cabrillo Art Gallery
The Cabrillo College Gallery is recognized throughout the state as one of the finest Community College exhibition spaces. With a focus on national and international artists the gallery also hosts a very popular annual student exhibition. Call 831-479-6308 for more information.
6500 Soquel Drive, Building Rm 1002, Aptos, CA 95003
Seacliff State Beach
This beach is known for its fishing pier and concrete freighter, The Palo Alto. Unfortunately, the ship is unsafe and closed to the public. Only the pier is open for fishing. The beach is also a popular swimming spot. There is a long stretch of sand backed by bluffs. There is a covered picnic facility. The park also has an interpretive center. Call 831-685-6442 for more information.
Seacliff State Beach Visitor Center
Extensive exhibits about "The Palo Alto Cement Ship" along with natural history, marine and plant life exhibits. Books on marine and plant life, history, etc. are available. Call 831-685-6444 for more information.
State Park Drive, Aptos, CA 95003
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
The park offers rugged semi-wilderness, rising from sea level to steep coastal mountains of more than 2,600 feet. Once the site of logging operations until the 1920s, visitors can still find evidence of logging operations, mill sites and trestles in the park. The land was donated to the state by the Marks family in 1963. Call 831-763-7062 for more information.