Forbes Advisor experts have compiled a list of the 50 best places to travel in 2024. Aptos made the list for those seeking a quiet slice of the California coast. If you suddenly find your quiet retreat full of strangers, this is why.
Here is what Forbes Advisor contributor Emily Jane Moore wrote:
“Finding a quiet slice of the California coast isn’t always easy. Aptos offers the peace and amenities laid-back travelers seek, with quick access to Santa Cruz’s buzzier food and drink scene.
Enjoy the famous drive along California’s Highway One to reach Aptos. Then, pack a cooler, chair and umbrella for a day at Seacliff State Beach, where a nearly two-mile long, commercial-free promenade beckons for scenic walks or bike rides. Escape the sun for the comforting shade of old-growth redwoods in the nearby Forest of Nisene Marks State Park.
For a morning latte fix, coffee lovers will make a habit of local roaster Cat & Cloud. After a day at the beach, freshen up for a visit to BAD ANIMAL in Santa Cruz, where you can enjoy a creative Thai menu, a natural wine selection and browse for rare books.
Or, keep it casual with the area’s best fish tacos at Steamer Lane. Take a short walk to the overlook, where you might catch a glimpse of the famous otter 841, who gained her notoriety for repeatedly stealing surfboards.
Rewards spotlight: Hilton Honors members and Hilton cardholders can cash in their hotel points at the Seacliff Inn Aptos, a Tapestry Collection property.”
Photo Credit: Ron S. Nolan