Places to stay near The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

El Nido; a Peaceful, Relaxing, Restorative Retreat

As an artist, I'm deeply interested in aesthetics. I think I've succeeded in creating a beautiful, restful venue for relaxation. The queen size bed overlooks a bird sanctuary over the Valencia Creek watershed. The kitchen includes a fridge stocked with goodies, toaster oven, microwave, coffee pot, French press and cooktop for light cooking. You're welcome to use the oven/stove in the main kitchen with prior arrangements. A backyard gas barbecue is available for heavier cooking (or if you're planning to cook fish!) Hairdryer and shampoo are available in the spacious private bath. Thick terry robes are provided for your comfort, and beach towels and chairs if you decide to spend some time on one of our beautiful beaches. There's a large flat screen smart TV complete with Netflix. Lots of reading material and a writing desk are also here for your use. You have a private entrance with a coded entry. You have a private entrance with a coded entry. Your rooms are private and you have your own porch and you're welcome to use the yards/patios. I share the front house with my partner and our two dogs. We'd love to meet you and perhaps share a cup of coffee or a glass of wine (depending on the time of day!) but will also respect your need/desire for privacy if you prefer. I'm happy to provide any information or amenities that will make your visit more comfortable and enjoyable. This home is close to the beautiful beaches of the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary and the Forest of Nisene Marks, just a mile from Aptos village, south of Santa Cruz and the Boardwalk and north of Elk Horn Slough and The Monterey Bay Aquarium. Parking is easily available on our quiet cut-de-sac. The flagstone path to the left of the property will lead you to a gate and your private porch/entrance. Provide a 4 digit code before you arrive and I'll program the entry for your convenience. No keys to hassle with. Public transit is available one mile from the house. Uber is a popular alternative in our area. We're just minutes away from a thriving downtown scene complete with music venues and restaurants, shopping, art galleries, and the SC Beach Boardwalk. Whale watching, kayaking, cycling and hiking trails are also just minutes away. My place is good for couples, solo adventurers, business travelers, or those looking for a quiet retreat.

Santa Cruz A-Frame

This unique A-Frame cabin, in a quiet mountain neighborhood with private creek access, was handbuilt in 1965 and remodeled in the summer of 2024. Now a little slice of heaven on the creek in the redwoods. *5-10 min to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Roaring Camp Railroad, Loch Lomond Recreation Area, the Trout Farm Inn, Quail Hollow Ranch + Felton stores. *20 min to Santa Cruz, beach + Boardwalk. *1 min to Zayante Creek Market (EV charger) Find us on social: Insta @SantaCruzAFrame

Walk to the beach, panoramic ocean view, and pool!

Kick back and relax in this calm, stylish space. With panoramic views of the pacific, chances are you'll see dolphins, otters, and even whales during season. Leave the doors open and nap to the sound of the waves hitting the shore! Heated pool on property & less than a 5-minute walk to the beach, restaurants, drinks, coffee, sandwiches and more! Recently upgraded with brand new flooring throughout condo, fireplace with mounted large smart tv (perf for movie nights!), soaking tub and comfy beds!

Aptos Forest Retreat Hot Tub DIY Breakfast #231294

Come and stay with us and relax! Hear the birds sing to you and BREATHE! Venture out the door and walk in our neighborhood or in Nicene State Park and see old growth redwoods. Let your cares drift away with a glass of wine by the fire.(fire restrictions apply) Take a soak in the hot tub then wrap up in the spa bathrobes. Please know we have two cats, dogs must be leashed at all times. For PETS (dogs only) $50. EARLY CHECK FEE OF $45 IS REQUIRED. Automatic charge for arrivals before 4:00.

Relax + Unwind in Brand New 2BD Modern Bch Retreat

Sea breezes and unobstructed 180-degree ocean front views greet you from the large private deck of RdM Lookout, a brand-new beach property with a bright open, mid-century modern beach design complete with a cozy fireplace, hardwood floors, and quartz counters. A beautiful, chic space, guests tell us they love the amazing beds, fluffy towels, and our gourmet kitchen with a stocked coffee bar with to-go cups for long beach walks. Come home to a relaxing, beach vacation in a charming beach town.

Coastal Architectural Gem in Capitola

A Nantucket-inspired cottage designed by award-winning architect Tobin Dougherty — featured in Sunset Magazine, Fine Homebuilding & Better Homes and Gardens. Don’t miss the signature Tower of Light: a family library with a plexiglass floor that floods the dining room below with sunshine. Three patios, including a front garden, a dining room terrace perfect for people-watching, and a second-story crow’s nest. Just .3 miles from Capitola Village, the beach, and the legendary Gayle’s Bakery.

Aptos Condo with Spectacular Ocean Views

Enjoy stunning full ocean and sand views from Monterey to Santa Cruz at this beautifully located beach retreat. Watch whales and dolphins from the deck, relax by the ocean-view swimming pool just steps away, or take a short walk to the beach. Santa Cruz Beach & Boardwalk is just 15 minutes away, world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and Pebble Beach 45 minutes, and Levi’s Stadium only 30 miles. This oceanfront escape is the perfect blend of location, comfort, and unforgettable views.

Luxury Aptos Home - Ocean Views & Hot Tub!

Experience coastal luxury in Aptos! (Permit 231134) This home offers a fully stocked chef's kitchen, an airy, open-plan living room, a loft, a hot tub, an outdoor shower, and an ocean-view deck. Space is plentiful with multiple sleeping options for families or groups. Just a short walk to the beach, immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Pacific Ocean. Unwind with stunning sunsets, relax in the hot tub, or rinse off under the outdoor shower after sandy beach days.

Kinderwood Farm Stay • Animal & Culinary Adventure

*UPDATE Piglets born July 13 2026* Nestled in an enchanting forest of redwood trees & ferns, lies a treasured, sustainability-focused homestead, waiting for you to enjoy its bounty. This is a one of a kind, immersive culinary & farm adventure with cozy accommodations & unique experiences. Subject to availability, Add-On Activities may include goat milking & feeding baby goats, cheesemaking, sourdough, and soapmaking. Join us for a visit you will remember for a lifetime.

Redwood Haven Cottage

Come and relax at this unique and tranquil getaway. Enjoy the beautiful redwoods in the comfort of our modern shiplap style guest cottage. It is a one room studio, with a private parking space, and entrance. We are 8 minutes to the beach, yet feels like another world. 5 minutes to Aptos Village. Hiking trails out the front door! Mountain bikers paradise in next door Nisene Marks state park. You can ride in from the house. Private parking and entrance. 

Aptos Beach Retreat • Hot Tub & 5 Min Walk to Sand

Unwind by the Bay at this luxury Aptos beach bungalow near Rio Del Mar Beach. Enjoy cathedral ceilings, a private outdoor hot tub, heated bathroom floors, and a fully equipped kitchen. Perfect for couples, small families, or remote stays with Wi-Fi and Roku TV. Walk to the beach or explore nearby Seacliff State Beach, Capitola Village, and Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Relax, recharge, and soak up Monterey Bay’s coastal charm. Permit #211099

Stairway to Treetop Heaven LOWER | 1bd | Hot Tub!

1 bedroom, 1 bath studio unit in a beautiful A-Frame in the trees of Aptos, CA (Permit 221336). This is the lower of two units in the house and features an efficiency kitchen, a full bathroom, a private deck with hot tub, bedroom, and living room area. Walk to coffee, grocery stores, local wine tasting, amazing hikes, and restaurants. There is free parking at the base of the hill for up to two cars parked in a row.