For those who enjoy a perpetually beachy lifestyle, the sand and surf are right outside the door in La Selva Beach. Vista Properties Managing Broker Nicole Myhrstad describes this census-designated neighborhood as “a sleepy beach community with no restaurants, dining or commerce.” However, she adds that it’s very beach accessible. "It has a lot of vacation homes and properties on the bluffs and some townhouse complexes even have their own paths at the beach.” So while the main draw of this neighborhood may in fact be its waterside location, its proximity to local restaurants, unique schools and highway access also add to its allure.
Cliffside homes overlook the ocean along the bluffs in La Selva Beach.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk rises behind the busy shoreline north of La Selva Beach.
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Waterside and parkside relaxation
Manresa State Beach is the main spot to enjoy all beach activities. As a remote and largely uncrowded area, this stretch of uninterrupted coastline is much more tranquil than touristy. And while the strong currents and large swells don’t allow for safe swimming, they do fare well for ambitious surfers to ride the waves and fishermen to snag the catch of the day. From Manresa, beachgoers can take in the bluffs and the Santa Cruz mountains. Some days, they may even spot horseback riders galloping down the shore. When residents want to relax outdoors away from the beach, they can visit Triangle Park for picnics and games of horseshoes.
Visitors gather along the wide sands of Manresa State Beach near La Selva Beach.
Visitors walk and fish from the Capitola Wharf near La Selva Beach.
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Homes with views
Homes consist of condos, beach-style cottages and farmhouses painted in neutrals and softly muted pastels. Properties are often accompanied by wraparound decks and cliffside locations that provide exquisite ocean views. A three- to four-bedroom property can run for as low as $700,000 while larger homes that face the sea can go as high as $8 million. They will typically sell after a period of 49 days on the market, which is slightly above the national average.
A spacious beach cottage reflects the relaxed coastal style of La Selva Beach.
Cliffside homes overlook the Pacific along the bluffs in La Selva Beach.
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Local restaurants and grocers nearby
While La Selva Beach does not have any shops or restaurants of its own, residents only need to make a short drive to experience the local dining and shopping. In nearby Aptos, casual eatery Village Host Pizza & Grill serves pizzas, baked sandwiches and more. Elegant restaurant Sanderlings entices diners with inventive dishes and cocktails. Corner store El Patio Grocery includes a deli and a selection of grocery essentials. By making a short two-mile drive to Aptos, shoppers can find even more items at Seascape Foods.
Village Host Pizza & Grill offers casual dining in Aptos near La Selva Beach.
Sanderlings serves coastal cuisine along the Aptos shoreline near La Selva Beach.
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Pajaro Valley Unified schools
Pajaro Valley Unified School District serves local students in the area. Valencia Elementary School earned a B-plus from Niche, while Aptos Junior High School holds a B. Aptos High School maintains an A-minus and thanks to the school’s proximity to the beach, students can participate in athletic programs like varsity beach volleyball.
Valencia Elementary School serves students in the Pajaro Valley Unified district near La Selva Beach.
Aptos High School provides academics and beach volleyball programs in Aptos.
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California State Route 1
La Selva Beach residents will need cars to get around. California State Route 1 is an important thoroughfare along the northern border of La Selva Beach. This long road extends quite far, running across much of the length of the Pacific Coastline. The route can also transport residents to other nearby beachside communities in Aptos, Rio Del Mar and Port Watsonville. The closest major city to the neighborhood is San Jose, which requires a 42-mile drive northbound. Additionally, the closest and most-used airport is San Jose Mineta International Airport, which is also 42 miles out.
Written By
Julia Concepcion
Photography Contributed By
Timothy Cerva
Video By
Taylor Noll
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Winnie Kepler,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Welcome to Flora Vista Inn, a truly extraordinary coastal estate where historic elegance, modern comfort, and endless possibilities come together. Set just moments from the beaches of La Selva Beach and surrounded by picturesque agricultural landscapes, this one-of-a-kind property offers an unmatched blend of charm, privacy, and opportunity. The iconic residence features 7 bedrooms, 6.5
Perched above the breathtaking coastline of La Selva Beach, 405 Heather Point Lane is a rare coastal retreat designed for those who crave beauty, privacy, and an elevated lifestyle. Framed by sweeping Pacific Ocean views and unforgettable sunsets, this extraordinary residence blends timeless architecture with the serenity of California coastal living. Soaring ceilings, expansive walls of glass,
What if coming home felt like a vacation every single time? 315 Camino Al Barranco is your answer. Tucked inside the desirable gated community of Los Barrancos in La Selva Beach, this beautifully updated 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home sits just a short distance from Manresa State Beach, where the salt air does the work of unwinding you before you even unpack. Inside, everything is fresh and move-in
Welcome to Flora Vista Inn, a truly extraordinary coastal estate where historic elegance, modern comfort, and endless possibilities come together. Set just moments from the beaches of La Selva Beach and surrounded by picturesque agricultural landscapes, this one-of-a-kind property offers an unmatched blend of charm, privacy, and opportunity. The iconic residence features 7 bedrooms, 6.5
Perched above the breathtaking coastline of La Selva Beach, 405 Heather Point Lane is a rare coastal retreat designed for those who crave beauty, privacy, and an elevated lifestyle. Framed by sweeping Pacific Ocean views and unforgettable sunsets, this extraordinary residence blends timeless architecture with the serenity of California coastal living. Soaring ceilings, expansive walls of glass,
Zoned commercial ag, this property has 22 greenhouses on it with natural gas, space heaters and fans, plus side venting. There are outbuildings, and open farmland with distributed irrigation. There are two wells, one for reserve irrigation water. There is also a residential duplex with an ocean view. The property is currently leased through June 2020 and is earning $11,250 per month.
What if coming home felt like a vacation every single time? 315 Camino Al Barranco is your answer. Tucked inside the desirable gated community of Los Barrancos in La Selva Beach, this beautifully updated 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home sits just a short distance from Manresa State Beach, where the salt air does the work of unwinding you before you even unpack. Inside, everything is fresh and move-in
Experience the essence of La Selva Beach living in this exceptional home featuring two spacious bedrooms plus a versatile office/den. Built in 2010, this expansive 2,605 square foot residence offers a thoughtfully designed floor plan. The gourmet kitchen boasts a large island, custom cabinetry, and high-end Wolf gas range and refrigerator appliances, perfect for culinary enthusiasts. Throughout
Family life at the beach and fabulous sunsets can be yours today. Build your own family compound. Where can you do that anywhere along the California Coast these days? There is a path down the road, leading directly to Manresa State Beach & Park. The beach has a walking/biking distance of approx. 10-11 miles from Aptos to Pajaro Dunes (subject to tides of course). The three lots are all zoned CA
Live the beach life! At the end of a country road in South Santa Cruz County just past Sea Horse Lane and the Sand Dollar development near La Selva Beach you will discover an intimate community of homes nestled on the beach with sweeping ocean views from Monterey to Santa Cruz. 753 The Shoreline offers potential buyers the opportunity to create life long memories with family and friends. Surf
Tucked along the tranquil La Selva Beach coastline, this 2023 reimagined retreat blends architectural elegance with sweeping Pacific views. Perched on a bluff with an infinity edge that disappears into the sea, it captures 180 panoramas of Monterey Bay and nightly sunsets. Set on over 10 acres, the home showcases refined textures, sophisticated finishes, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The
Family life at the beach and fabulous sunsets can be yours today. Build your own family compound, where can you do that anywhere along the California Coast these days. There is a path down the road, leading directly to Manresa State Beach & Park. The beach has a walking/biking distance of approx. 10-11 miles from Aptos to Pajaro Dunes (subject to tides of course). The three lots are all zoned CA
A spacious 1 bedroom apartment in the heart of La Selva Beach. Newly carpeted and painted! Light and bright with a beach cottage feel. Generous sized kitchen with dining area. Single level unit in a collection of 8 units. All situated in the lovely community of La Selva Beach.
3 Bedroom / 2 Bath – Country Living at Its Best!Enjoy the charm of peaceful country living with a short commute into town. True to its name, this home is nestled in a quiet, peaceful valley setting.Features include:Spacious large yardLight and bright interiorFresh new paint throughoutWasher & dryer includedThe home operates on:Well water
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