In the morning, Pacific mist gives way to Rio Del Mar’s sun-drenched bluffs, frothy waves crashing against the beaches and pelicans and seagulls swooping over the surf. For residents, the appeal is pretty straightforward: “I love being able to walk to the ocean every day,” says Raylene Mallon, a retiree who lives a few blocks from the beach.
Located just south of Aptos, California, this coastal community is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the colossal redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains. While tourists gravitate to the Santa Cruz boardwalk or Capitola Village during the summer season, Rio Del Mar is more likely to bring locals and their families to the waterfront. “I see people every day that I grew up with, that I’ve known all my life. That’s the kind of community this is,” says Realtor Amy Jeske of Coldwell Banker, a longtime resident who grew up in the neighborhood.
Pigeons like to hang around the Rio Del Mar Beach.
The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a popular place to go to in Santa Cruz.
Homes in Rio Del Mar are just short walks to the beach.
Living in Capitola means enjoying breathtaking sunsets, ocean breezes, and the unique character of this historic seaside community.
1/4
Beaches, bluffs and redwoods
Rio Del Mar State Beach stretches along the coast beneath steep, seaside bluffs dotted with foliage and colorful wildflower blooms. Residents and visitors can be spotted swimming, fishing, walking and taking in the salty sea air on sunny days. With mild weather in the summer and winter temperatures that rarely dip below 40 degrees, people enjoy the beach all year round. “I love the beach in the winter. It’s so moody and romantic,” says Donna Kaelin, who lives in the neighborhood and walks along the beachfront every day.
Some beaches are a well-kept secret, like Hidden Beach Park. It’s only accessible via a dead-end, residential street with a small parking area. A short path leads visitors through a wooded gulley that opens onto a wide, sandy beach surrounded by steep, scrub-covered cliffs. Those looking for relaxation on dry land can book a tee time at Seascape Golf Club, a century-old course that winds across the coastal highlands. Just north of the neighborhood is The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, a dense woodland filled with deep-green redwood groves, chaparral and Douglas firs.
“Rio Del Mar is really unique because you can be in one of the most magnificent natural environments at The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, and in less than five minutes you can be walking on the beach,” Jeske says. “Having a state park in your backyard is amazing.”
Tucked away on the coast of Santa Cruz County, Rio Del Mar is a peaceful retreat with endless natural beauty.
Explore the coastal trails, enjoy fresh seafood, and soak in the laid-back vibe of Rio Del Mar.
Experience the magic of Rio Del Mar, where every sunset paints the sky with breathtaking colors.
Seascape Golf Club offers stunning fairways, ocean breezes, and a challenging course surrounded by the natural beauty of the California coast.
1/4
Eclectic, hillside homes
Homes are situated along hillsides, beaches and narrow roads lined with palm trees, oaks, wildflowers and tropical vegetation. Architectural styles vary widely, and most of the homes date back to the mid-20th century. “These typically started off as smaller homes built in the 1930s, 40s and 50s. People were coming up from Modesto, Merced and Fresno to beat the heat and they built tiny little beach homes to come to on the weekends. Over time, they just kept adding on. My house has been added on to multiple times,” Jeske says. It’s typical for smaller, older homes to sell for between $1.2 million and $2 million, while larger, luxury homes with ocean views list for between $5 million and $10 million.
Wake up to breathtaking ocean views and the soothing sound of waves in the coastal homes of Rio Del Mar.
Experience the perfect blend of luxury and tranquility in Rio Del Mar, where every home feels like a private retreat.
Nestled along the Monterey Bay, the homes in Rio Del Mar offer stunning scenery, fresh ocean air, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
From charming beach cottages to modern oceanfront estates, Rio Del Rio Del Mar is a place where coastal living meets timeless beauty.
1/4
Shopping and dining in Rio Del Mar and Aptos
There’s a small commercial plaza at the corner of Aptos Beach Drive and Rio Del Mar Boulevard with two restaurants, a café and a corner market. With a view facing the beach, locals can sip coffee on the patio at Venus Pie Trap or sit down for dinner at Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen. Next door in Seacliff are local favorites like Manuel’s Mexican and Marianne’s Ice Cream. The nearest grocery stores are Safeway and New Leaf Community Markets.
Venus Pie Trap serves up handcrafted pizzas with bold flavors and fresh ingredients, creating the perfect spot for a laid-back dining experience.
Venus Pie Trap brings a unique twist to classic pizza, combining fresh ingredients with a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
At Venus Cocktails & Kitchen, every dish and drink is crafted with creativity and passion, offering a perfect blend of flavor and atmosphere.
Safeway is a great place to pick up some groceries in the Rio Del Mar area.
1/4
Highly rated schools
Students in Rio Del Mar attend some of the highest rated schools in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. Young students attend Rio Del Mar Elementary School, a California Distinguished School that holds a B-plus rating from Niche, before moving on to B-rated Aptos Junior High School. Upperclassmen attend A-minus-rated Aptos High School. In 2024, the school district was recognized as one of the best in the country for music education by the NAMM Foundation, a nonprofit that helps fund school music programs.
Aptos High School, excellence in education and sports.
Engage in diverse programs at Aptos Junior High School.
Mar Vista Elementary School is a wonderful school for new students in the aptos area.
Rio Del Mar Elementary School focuses on the higher education of its students.
1/4
Getting around Aptos and beyond
Rio Del Mar is bordered at its northern edge by State Route 1, a major regional commuter corridor. Traffic is typically heavy during rush hour as people leave and return for work. The neighborhood is served by several Santa Cruz Metro bus lines. Those in need of health care will find several small medical centers close by, including Sutter Health Palo Alto Medical in neighboring Capitola. The nearest large hospital is Watsonville Community Hospital, about 8 miles east of the neighborhood.
Low crime rates
Rio Del Mar is under the jurisdiction of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department. The county’s violent and property crime rates are significantly lower than California’s statewide average, according to FBI stats.
Flooding risk for coastal residents
Rio Del Mar is at an increased risk for flooding because of its proximity to the ocean. Several major storms have caused damages to beaches, infrastructure and some homes in recent years. People living at low elevations near the shoreline may be required to evacuate during severe weather events.
Written By
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Paolo Abellana
Video By
Lucas Dyke
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Teresa Huntley,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Rio Del Mar, CA sell after 5 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Rio Del Mar, CA over the last 12 months is $2,785,000.
Dreaming of being just steps to the sand? Love a quiet community of beach goers? How about long walks on the beach where you can walk miles and miles with your dog? This could be just the place for you with Seascape golf course on one side and the big blue ocean on the other. This spacious 1,842 sq ft home offers three bedrooms, including a primary suite retreat, and two full bathrooms,
Winding your way through the eucalyptus-lined streets of The Uplands at Seascape is like driving through a world apart. One senses a certain magic in the air -- a rare intelligence in the way this hushed neighborhood lives in harmony with the natural world, its magnificent estates poised at the edge of the sublime. Here is your chance to own one such estate. Rising from a lush hillside, this
Perched above the Seascape neighborhoods of Aptos, this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 3-bath home offers breathtaking ocean views and refined coastal living just minutes from the beach. Thoughtfully renovated with a blend of modern finishes, this home is designed to take full advantage of its idyllic surroundings. Step inside to find a bright, open-concept floor plan, where floor-to-ceiling
Dreaming of being just steps to the sand? Love a quiet community of beach goers? How about long walks on the beach where you can walk miles and miles with your dog? This could be just the place for you with Seascape golf course on one side and the big blue ocean on the other. This spacious 1,842 sq ft home offers three bedrooms, including a primary suite retreat, and two full bathrooms,
Winding your way through the eucalyptus-lined streets of The Uplands at Seascape is like driving through a world apart. One senses a certain magic in the air -- a rare intelligence in the way this hushed neighborhood lives in harmony with the natural world, its magnificent estates poised at the edge of the sublime. Here is your chance to own one such estate. Rising from a lush hillside, this
Perched above the Seascape neighborhoods of Aptos, this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 3-bath home offers breathtaking ocean views and refined coastal living just minutes from the beach. Thoughtfully renovated with a blend of modern finishes, this home is designed to take full advantage of its idyllic surroundings. Step inside to find a bright, open-concept floor plan, where floor-to-ceiling
MODERN COASTAL LUXURY | NEWLY RENOVATED DUPLEX IN SEASCAPE, APTOS $4,900/MONTH | 2 BED | 2.5 BATH | SEASCAPE NEIGHBORHOODLive the California coastal dream in this beautifully renovated duplex nestled in the heart of Seascape, one of Aptos’ most desirable neighborhoods. With high-end finishes, modern smart-home upgrades, and resort-style outdoor living, this home is perfect for remote
Discover this charming single level home in the beautiful city of Aptos/Rio Del Mar. With 3 spacious bedrooms plus office and 2.5 bathrooms, this residence offers comfort and functionality. The kitchen is well-equipped with modern appliances, including a gas cooktop, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator and oven. The kitchen seamlessly integrates with the family room, forming a cozy space perfect
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
