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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Located in a prime Rio del Mar neighborhood on a spacious 8,973 sq ft parcel, this 4-bedroom plus office home offers exceptional versatility and room to grow. Ideal for a large or extended family, the layout includes a generous lower-level family room with a private entrance perfect for in-law quarters, a guest suite, or just a welcomed second large living area. The home has been well cared for
Imagine unwinding in your favorite Adirondack chair, perhaps with a great book or glass of wine surrounded by lush, sun-drenched gardens filled with mature greenery. And the home itself? Just like Shangri-La! Get ready to fall in love with this beautifully refreshed 3-bedroom, 3-bath retreat, featuring a spacious living room, dining area, kitchen, and primary ensuite on the main level! The chefs
Welcome to 106 Farley, a stunning 2007-built Santa Barbara Spanish-style home on one of the best streets in Aptos Rio Del Mar neighborhood. Located mere steps from the beach, this Matson-Britton Architecture-designed 3BR/3.5BA home with ~3,500 sqft. on a 8,276sqft. lot is a sophisticated example of high-end beach living. From the radiant heated travertine and knotty alder floors to the gourmet
This turn-key single-family home in Rio Del Mar is a great investment opportunity, just a 3-minute walk to the sand. Featuring ocean views, a loft, and a blend of modern upgrades with relaxed coastal living, the open layout is filled with natural light and includes an upgraded kitchen and kitchenette, remodeled bathrooms, new flooring, dual-pane windows, upgraded electrical, and a newer roof. The
Living in this charming Rio Flats area home means you're just a short stroll from the beach, which is perfect for those who love spending time by the ocean. With its laid-back vibe, this property feels like the ultimate beach retreat. Inside, you'll find hardwood floors and two beautifully remodeled bathrooms that add a touch of modern style, while unique lighting fixtures give the space a fun
Located in a prime Rio del Mar neighborhood on a spacious 8,973 sq ft parcel, this 4-bedroom plus office home offers exceptional versatility and room to grow. Ideal for a large or extended family, the layout includes a generous lower-level family room with a private entrance perfect for in-law quarters, a guest suite, or just a welcomed second large living area. The home has been well cared for
Property Id: 1746968This is hidden gem in Rio Del Mar! Modern two bedroom one bath located on whole first floor of a well established residential house, it has private entrance, two driveway parking spaces, newly installed window shades, newly remodeled gorgeous bathroom with custom designed Valencia tile accents in the shower, new marble top vanity, new mirror, modern crystal chandelier,
Property Id: 1681813This is hidden gem in Rio Del Mar! Modern two bedroom one bath located on whole first floor of a well established residential house, it has private entrance, two driveway parking spaces, newly installed window shades, newly remodeled gorgeous bathroom with custom designed Valencia tile accents in the shower, new marble top vaniThis is hidden gem in Rio Del Mar! Modern
Furnished two bedroom ,two bath Right out of Aptos village lots of dining and shopping just a short walk away from the village. Remodeled house couple years back running it to some great wonderful people to enjoy Aptos area. Outside deck with Hot Tub area to grow and plant your own flowers are vegetables. Cozy surrounding of the natural Aptos scenery.
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Average Home Value
Source: Public RecordsDisclaimer: 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.
