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.

Peaceful Treehouse with Ocean View

Permit 171035 Featured by Sunset Magazine as a “chic escape,” this Peaceful Treehouse-style retreat blends mid-century design with natural materials like wood and stone for a calming, sanctuary feel. Light pours through floor-to-ceiling windows beneath soaring wooden beams, and Japanese-inspired doors add to the architectural charm. Set high in the trees with ocean views, the home offers three elevated decks including one with a hammock. Perfect for relaxing and enjoying the surrounding canopy.

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

Cozy retreat near woods and sea

Whether you seek a cozy retreat out in the woods or wish to enjoy a beach getaway with the family, we got you covered! Ideally located in the enchanting forest of Nisene Marks, our newly refurbished home is the perfect getaway for some well deserved R&R. Nestled in the heart of a majestic redwood forest, our home offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With towering trees as your neighbors and the ocean just a short drive away, you'll have the best of both worlds!

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.

Capitola Village Wind + Sea Home

Our beautifully renovated 2 bedroom (Both upstairs) and 2 full bathrooms (One on the ground floor and one on the upper floor) along with a ground floor plush queen sleeper sofa and ground floor great room with dining for 7 plus a bar table separating the kitchen from the living room is in the perfect location. Walk to the beach, shops, restaurants, or a nice walk along the river. We are right in the Capitola Village. We hope you enjoy your stay. If you have questions, we respond promptly.

Short walk to beach - Perfect beach getaway

Our house is a permitted Vacation Rental. Permit#191317. Near Seacliff State Park and Rio del Mar. Short walk to beach, Marianne's Ice Cream, and Manuel's Restaurant. Access to mountain and street biking nearby. Near Aptos Village shops and restaurants. Quiet neighborhood. Upstairs great room is a bright, wonderful place to spend the day rain/shine. Games cabinet is filled with family games. Beach chairs, beach towels and beach toys are available. Please read all information before booking.

Sunny Beach House • Walk to Beach • Sleeps 8

Permit # 231282 Get cozy and comfortable in this pet-friendly, sun-filled beach house. Walk to the beach! Enjoy all that the quaint town of Aptos has to offer. Connect as a family, spend quality time together - play board games, cook meals using the full-service kitchen or BBQ grill, listen to the waves out on the deck, have dinner/drinks under the stars, or stream movies on one of five flat-screen televisions. Easy walk to popular Seacliff Beach; unwind and enjoy the ocean breezes.

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. 

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.