Californian Town with Coastal Allure Provides Breathtaking Hiking and Wine Routes Unnoticed
Nestled along the central California coast, just 15 minutes south of Santa Cruz, lies the picturesque coastal town of Aptos. Known for its uncrowded beaches, thick coastal forest, and wine production, Aptos is a nature-lover's paradise that offers a variety of landscapes and experiences unmatched anywhere else in the US.
Aptos boasts a slow pace, making it pedestrian-friendly with quaint cafes, boutiques, antique shops, tasting rooms, and farm-to-table restaurants. In the evening, bonfires are built on Rio del Mar State Beach, and there's a strip of cafes, stores, and eateries nearby for a relaxing night out.
For wine enthusiasts, Aptos is home to numerous hidden gems. Situated near the Corralitos Wine Trail, a lesser-known grape-growing region in California, are several independent wine producers. The Corralitos Wine Trail features six family-owned galleries offering quality wines, particularly pinot noir and chardonnay. El Vaquero Winery, Alfaro Family Vineyards, Lester Estate Wines, Nicholson Vineyards, Storrs Winery, and Windy Oaks Estates & Winery are just a few of the wineries along this trail.
However, Aptos' wine scene doesn't end there. Mentone Winery, located in Aptos, offers tasting opportunities on weekends near "Little Beach." Sante Arcangeli Winery, known for its well-regarded Pinot Noirs with bright acidity and racy flavors such as raspberry and clove, is another must-visit. Aptos Vineyard and Rosscienda Winery, situated in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Aptos, provide an intimate mountain vineyard experience.
These areas offer a quieter, more local wine tasting experience compared to more famous California regions, with a focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from mountain and coastal vineyards. This cluster of wineries near Aptos highlights the Santa Cruz Mountains American Viticultural Area (AVA) as a key lesser-known but rewarding wine region to explore.
If you're looking for a slightly wider trip, Paso Robles is a noted wine region in California, but it's about a two-hour drive from Aptos and more mainstream compared to these local gems.
Nisene Marks State Park, a 10,000-acre forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains, acts as Aptos' de facto backyard and offers over 30 miles of hiking trails. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park features towering redwoods and offers vantage points to view Monterey Bay. Rio del Mar State Beach, located in Aptos, is a beautiful stretch of golden sand with opportunities for picnics, boogie boarding, and strolls.
Whether you're a wine lover, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Aptos, California, offers a unique blend of experiences that make it a must-visit destination on the central California coast.
For wine enthusiasts exploring Aptos, travel guides often suggest visiting the less mainstream Corralitos Wine Trail, home to several independent wine producers offering high-quality pinot noir and chardonnay. Alongside these hidden gems, lifestyle enthusiasts will enjoy the picturesque coastal town's quaint cafes, boutiques, antique shops, tasting rooms, and farm-to-table restaurants.
