The name says it all: Seacliff is where residents can walk out the front door and take in the ocean views from seaside bluffs that overlook Monterey Bay. Locals who walk down to the beach are greeted with the sound of waves, colorful beach umbrellas and dolphins bobbing along in the surf. While Seacliff is just 8 miles south of the city of Santa Cruz, its beaches aren't much of a tourist destination by comparison. "It's very popular for families and locals. We also get some people coming over the hill from Silicon Valley," says Realtor Darren Houser of Bailey Properties, who lives in Seacliff.
Seacliff features a mix of single-family homes from the 1920s to 1960s.
Beachside paths at Seacliff State Beach draw frequent weekend walkers.
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Beaches, bluffs and ocean vistas
Seacliff State Beach is a wide beach that stretches for miles beneath chaparral- and wildflower-covered cliffs. Families flock to the beach on weekend, bringing beach towels, boogie boards and picnic baskets. It used to have a fishing pier that led to the SS Palo Alto, a crumbling U.S. naval vessel that is permanently docked on the shoreline. A major storm in January 2023 destroyed parts of the pier and the ship, leading county officials to remove the pier from the oceanfront entirely. What’s left of the ship still stands — it's become a popular perch for seagulls and cormorants.
At the heart of the community is Seacliff Village County Park, a local outdoor space with a skatepark, playground and a small walking loop. Just a mile-and-a-half north of the neighborhood is The Forest of Nisene State Park, a dense woodland filled with deep-green redwood groves and Douglas firs. Dozens of trails allow for long, looping hikes across steep slopes and mountain brooks. “If you’re into running, hiking or mountain biking, it’s just breathtaking,” says Realtor Amy Jeske of Coldwell Banker Realty, a longtime Aptos resident.
The SS Palo Alto remains off Seacliff as storms reshape the shoreline.
Seacliff State Beach spans miles beneath wildflower-covered cliffs.
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Eclectic, seaside homes
Homes in Seacliff are situated in the coastal highlands above the oceanfront. “It’s not a subdivision where you only have four home styles. It’s all over the board," Houser says. While the neighborhood’s residential streets typically don’t have sidewalks, they are usually free of through traffic. Lush landscaping, tall palm trees and beach scrub are a common sight here. Most of the homes were built between the 1920s and 1960s, and have seen additions, updates and renovations over the years. It’s typical for small beach bungalows to sell for between $800,000 and $1.3 million. Larger homes and those with bigger yards list for between $1.3 million and $3 million.
Larger homes appear on tighter lots closer to the bluffs.
Newer, larger homes appear alongside midcentury houses in Seacliff.
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Local businesses and more in Seacliff and Aptos
Seacliff has a small, commercial strip near the cliffs that feels like something out of an old movie. “It’s right at the entrance to Seacliff State Beach. It’s a very popular corner; a lot of the restaurants have been there for decades,” Jeske says. The Sno White Drive-In, in operation since 1957, is an old school eatery known for its burgers, fries and milkshakes. Across the street, Marianne’s Ice Cream has been a local institution for frozen treats since 1947. Manuel’s Mexican is a local favorite for Central American cuisine that opened its doors in 1965; nearly 60 years later, it still brings a crowd for dinner on the weekends. For everything else, Rio Del Mar Shopping Center is less than a mile away and has an array of restaurants, shops and a Safeway grocery store.
Center Avenue hosts small shops near Seacliff’s coastal strip.
Frank Restaurant offers contemporary dining near Seacliff.
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Highly rated schools in Pajaro Valley Unified School District
Students in Seacliff attend some of the highest rated schools in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. Young students attend Mar Vista Elementary School, a former winner of the California Distinguished Schools Award that holds a B-minus rating from Niche, before moving on to B-rated Aptos Junior High School. Upperclassmen attend A-minus-rated Aptos High School, where students have plenty of options for clubs, sports and afterschool activities.
Mar Vista Elementary School is a very community oriented school for Seacliff residents.
Seacliff students go to B-rated Aptos Junior High School.
Aptos High School is where potential meets performance for Seacliff Upperclassmen.
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Getting around Seacliff and beyond
Seacliff is bordered at its northern edge by State Route 1, a major regional commuter corridor that connects with Santa Cruz and Monterey. Traffic can be hectic and heavy during rush hour as people leave and return for work. The neighborhood is served by Santa Cruz Metro bus lines for those who prefer public transit. The nearest hospital is Dominican Hospital, about 5 miles west in the City of Santa Cruz.
State Route 1 edges Seacliff and links commuters to Santa Cruz and Monterey.
Just two miles west of Seacliff is Dominican Hospital, the area’s leading medical center.
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Need to know
Seacliff is at an increased risk of flooding because of its proximity to the ocean. Several major storms have damaged its beaches and infrastructure in recent years, including in 2023, when a storm swept away the Seacliff State Beach’s campground. California State Parks began a wide-ranging study in 2024 to better understand the effect global sea level rise will have on the beach's shoreline, and to determine the best way to mitigate its impacts.
Written By
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Jeffrey Knight
Video By
Jeffrey Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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This charming Beach Bungalow is nestled in the tranquil Seacliff neighborhood, just a short stroll from miles of pristine beach. Featuring 2 cozy bedrooms and a beautifully renovated bathroom and kitchen, it offers modern comfort with air conditioning and heating in the living room and both bedrooms. The spacious backyard extends to the street behind, providing ample space for an ADU if
Fully Remodeled Single-Level Seacliff Home on a Rare Double Lot Just Moments from the Beach. Located in the established Seacliff neighborhood of Aptos, this fully remodeled single-level home offers thoughtfully updated living on a rare double lot, just a short walk to Seacliff State Beach and Rio Del Mar. While the light toned floors and abundant natural light set a welcoming tone throughout, the
Nestled in an ideal location, 129 Santa Cruz Ave offers stunning ocean views, natural light, & is tailored to the iconic west coast lifestyle. Extensively renovated with high-end finishes in 2021, this Seacliff gem with vaulted ceilings on both levels, a new solar system, & an entire home water purification system, is essentially a new home with nearly every upgrade imaginable. Bring the outdoors
This charming Beach Bungalow is nestled in the tranquil Seacliff neighborhood, just a short stroll from miles of pristine beach. Featuring 2 cozy bedrooms and a beautifully renovated bathroom and kitchen, it offers modern comfort with air conditioning and heating in the living room and both bedrooms. The spacious backyard extends to the street behind, providing ample space for an ADU if
Fully Remodeled Single-Level Seacliff Home on a Rare Double Lot Just Moments from the Beach. Located in the established Seacliff neighborhood of Aptos, this fully remodeled single-level home offers thoughtfully updated living on a rare double lot, just a short walk to Seacliff State Beach and Rio Del Mar. While the light toned floors and abundant natural light set a welcoming tone throughout, the
6am: Coffee on the front deck, ocean doing its thing, nowhere you need to be yet. 9am: Surf board's off the rack, you're down the beach path before most people have found their keys. 12pm: Back home, showered, new floors under your feet, tall ceilings above your head, the kind of place that makes a normal Tuesday feel like a vacation. 3pm: Wander into Aptos or Seacliff. Grab something from the
Welcome to the the Seacliff neighborhood that blends beachfront living with friendly neighborhood community. Enjoy beach access within minutes via Beachgate Pathway 0.2 mi away, watch the sunset there every evening! Close by dining, coffee, shopping, dessert etc only 0.3 miles from the front door. Enter the light-filled home with high ceilings, double pane windows & a newer roof. Step onto the
Nestled in an ideal location, 129 Santa Cruz Ave offers stunning ocean views, natural light, & is tailored to the iconic west coast lifestyle. Extensively renovated with high-end finishes in 2021, this Seacliff gem with vaulted ceilings on both levels, a new solar system, & an entire home water purification system, is essentially a new home with nearly every upgrade imaginable. Bring the outdoors
Commercial zoned 19,754 sq. ft. vacant lot has great possibilities. Live/Work at the beach in the Seacliff/Aptos neighborhood. Sitting above Seacliff State Beach with easy beach access. The County approves 75% residential (or more), 25% commercial. (buyer to verify all). Included drawings (not blueprints) are plans for 3 residential units on second and third floor with ocean views, awesome
Corner Lot Nestled in the heart of Seacliff. Imagine your morning beach walk starting here. This coastal retreat captures everything buyers love. The home features a beautifully updated kitchen, bathroom with jetted tub/shower combo, a bright sunroom and a loft style studio with it's own updated bath and kitchenette and roof top deck with ocean views. Prime coastal setting just a block from
Imagine starting your morning with coffee in hand and the ocean just moments away. By afternoon, you're enjoying lunch at Mentone, grabbing a drink at The Hideout, or treating yourself to Marianne's Ice Cream before returning home to your own private retreat. Tucked into one of Aptos' most beloved neighborhoods, 243 North Avenue captures the coastal lifestyle that keeps people here for
Rare opportunity to acquire three contiguous parcels in the historic Aptos Beach Country Club subdivision. Offered together as a package, these parcels present a compelling opportunity for investors, neighboring property owners, or buyers looking to establish a foothold in the Aptos area. Set among the natural beauty of the Santa Cruz coastline, the parcels offer ocean views and are just minutes
Behind the private gate on Beach Drive, within the exclusive Rio Surf and Sands community, lies a stunning parcel of land ready for your vision. Imagine crafting your dream beach home tailored to your lifestyle, with conceptual contemporary designs already envisioned. These plans feature high ceilings and expansive glass walls to showcase the breathtaking coastal and ocean views of Monterey Bay.
Tucked away along the peaceful banks of Aptos Creek, this enchanting Craftsman-inspired retreat feels straight out of a storybook. Thoughtfully remodeled by a stained glass artist, the home is filled with warmth, creativity, and timeless charm. Inside, youll discover 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2,226 sq. ft. of inviting living space rich with character and artisan details. Beautiful stained glass
Welcome Home! This rare legal duplex in the heart of Aptos coveted Rio Del Mar neighborhood just moments from the beach. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, 307 Treasure Island Drive offers the perfect blend of coastal lifestyle and investment potential. The property features two separate units totaling approximately 1,400 sq ft, including an upper 2-bedroom, 1-bath residence with vaulted ceilings,
The current lease is up for renewal End of October, which is why the last is stated to be 4 months, but it is up to renew if it's a good fit for all. This is ROOM for rent not the whole home.?? ROOM FOR RENT – APTOS, CA (Rio Del Mar) | 1 Block to the OceanPrivate bedroom available in a warm, quiet 3BR/1.5 bath single-family home with a fenced yard — one block from Seacliff State
$3,300 per month
Oceanview Oasis: Second Story Retreat with Deck, Balcony, and Fireplace near Rio Del Mar Beach in...
Discover your own slice of coastal paradise in Aptos. Just moments from the stunning Rio Del Mar Beach, this inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort, charm, and laid-back seaside living.Step inside to find a warm and welcoming retreat designed for relaxation. The spacious outdoor deck invites you to unwind, entertain, or soak in the refreshing ocean air,
$4,500 per month
Beautiful 3 bedroom in Rio Del Mar Flats with Ocean Views!
Welcome to your new home in Aptos! This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the desirable Rio Del Mar Flats offers stunning ocean views and a spacious layout perfect for comfortable coastal living.Enjoy easy beach access just moments away, making it simple to soak up the sun, take evening walks, or enjoy the ocean breeze anytime you like. The home also includes one covered carport
$4,950 per month
Fully Furnished- 2 bedroom/ 2 bathroom in Seacliff neighborhood walking distance to the beach
Step inside this charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom house, perfectly situated near Seacliff Beach. The living room offers a comfortable space to relax and unwind. Both bedrooms provide a private retreat, with a queen bed in the master and two single beds in the second bedroom. Enjoy the convenience of two full bathrooms. Outside, a private patio and a fenced front yard with grass await, ideal for
$3,800 per month
Short walk to the Beach / Available Now / Pets Welcome
Welcome to your new home! This beautiful two-story residence offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and coastal living. Nestled in a desirable neighborhood, this property is available for long-term rental, providing you with the ideal setting to create lasting memories.As you step through the front door, you'll be greeted by a warm and inviting living room, providing a
Aptos/Seacliff, Small studio in great Seacliff location. Steps to Beach, shops and restaurants. Newer paint, wood look tile flooring, tile stall shower (no tub), small kitchen area with gas range and refrigerator. All utilities paid (water, garbage, gas, electricity). Indoor cat ok. No laundry onsite (laundromat is 1 block away). Tenancy term is month-to-month.Applicants must drive
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