Enjoy a day trip to Aptos, California, with hiking through the redwoods of The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, breakfast at Cat & Cloud Coffee, and lunch or dinner with local beers at the Parish Publick House.
By Renee Salmón
Dec. 19, 2023—Perched along the coast in Santa Cruz County lies Aptos, California, a paradise for hikers, bikers, and coastal explorers. Only twenty minutes south of the city of Santa Cruz (on the marvelous days when traffic is sparse), Aptos was founded by the indigenous Ohlone people and named for the coming together of two creeks just outside of what is now a revitalized little downtown district.
Aptos offers a quiet and calm day trip along the California coastline. A perfect day in Aptos can be spent hiking and biking around The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, and there are a number of other hidden gems worth exploring in this tranquil coastal town.
Getting Your Day Started
Breakfast and a spike of caffeine at Cat & Cloud Coffee can kick off a good day in Aptos. This award-winning third-wave coffee shop, which is part of a small locally owned chain, features a bright interior and fresh menu. For the optimum fuel, check out the Cat and Cloud Burrito that’s filled with protein and their housemade tomatillo salsa. If you’re looking for something lighter, pair the avocado toast with their Paleo latte, which is blended with MCT oil and grass-fed butter.
If pastries are your morning jam, Loft Coffee offers freshly baked goods from Kelly’s French Bakery and Companion Bakeshop, both legendary in the Santa Cruz area. For something unique, pick up the olallieberry muffin and pair it with the Santa Cruz Fog drink, a fun play on a London Fog (which is essentially an Earl Grey latte, mate).
Some additional coffee shops in the neighborhood include Pacific Coffee Roasting, a mainstay since 1988, and California Coffee.
Hiking Your Way Through Aptos
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, named after a Salinas nature lover and mother, provides breathtaking views of forest, creeks, and, if you’re lucky, waterfalls. Before you head out, make sure to check the State Parks page for trail closures and weather conditions; this forest is considered semi-wilderness and can be rugged and sensitive to the changing seasons.
Most of this forest, like almost all redwood forests in California, consists of second- and third-growth trees—which are still pretty awesome. However, Nisene Marks does contain a rare grove of giant old-growth redwoods. Follow this link for directions to the Old Growth Loop, which will take you through one of the least-known ancient redwood groves in the state.
If you’re patient, you might see a waterfall!* Maple Falls is a popular destination for hikers in the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, particularly around springtime when the waterfall is at its peak. You may have to cross a creek to get there.
Wrapping Up the Day
Marianne’s Ice Cream was founded in 1947 and offers a wide range of handcrafted choices, including specialty flavors inspired by Santa Cruz County, such as the 2AM Truffle (fudge and blackberry swirled into vanilla), and the Amarettini Swirl (toasted almond ice cream with Amaretto). Marianne’s is located steps away from the charming Seacliff State Beach, where you can gaze upon the SS Palo Alto, which is known locally as the “cement ship” because that's what it is.
The Parish Publick House is a great spot for people and dogs alike; you and your furry friend will feel welcome with outdoor seating and even a dog-friendly menu. While your pup chows down on a Buddy Bowl, you might try the Maiden Wings with your choice of sauce, some Gilroy Garlic Fries, or the Ooey Gooey burger. (For veggie lovers, each burger patty can be substituted for meat-free options.)
For some of us, no Day Trips and Sips can be complete without sips; Parish Publick House offers an array of draft beers to choose from, including some brewed here in Santa Cruz County. For pale ale fans, the Fog Adjacent from Humble Sea Brewing Company is a must-try. Check the website for rotating draft choices to see what’s in-house for the day of your trip.
Barbecue-lovers from all over Santa Cruz County go to Aptos because Aptos St. BBQ is that good. With locally brewed beer on tap and meat smoked with California oak, this spot is serious about locally curated BBQ and brews. Featured brews on tap include offerings from the Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing Company and Sante Adairius Rustic Ales among many other California brews. Their homemade berry cobbler is also renowned.
*Note: As of December 2023, please note the following trail closures in The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park due to storm damage earlier in the year. Due to storm damage, both Maple Falls and Five Finger Falls are currently inaccessible.
- West Ridge Trail Camp
- Aptos Creek Trail
- The Trail to Five Finger Falls closed at the Big Slide Trail/ Aptos Creek Trail intersect
- The last half mile of the Bridge Creek Trail to Maple Falls
Make sure to check back on The Forest of Nisene Marks web page for updates when trails and waterfalls will reopen.
Category:
