Aptos is an unicorporated area within the County of Santa Cruz and is comprised of the following areas: Seascape, Rio del Mar, Seacliff, and Aptos Hills. It is is considered the gateway to the forest of Nisene Marks State Park, as well as numerous beaches, including Seacliff State Beach pictured to the right. The ruins of the Palo Alto ship can be observed docked at the foot of the pier at Seacliff Beach, now home to many coastal bird species.

The local shopping district, Aptos Village, offers numerous antique shops and boutiques anchored by the historic Bayview Hotel, which is now run as a Bed and Breakfast. Aptos is also home to Cabrillo College, the only community college in Santa Cruz County.

Corralitos is a rich agricultural valley located between Aptos and Watsonville. The name Corralitos translated from Spanish means “little corral,” which is almost precisely what it consists of today. The small rural agricultural community has not changed a great deal over the last fifty years, which is part of its distinct charm.

The scenic San Lorenzo River winds its way north through the Santa Cruz Mountains and several communities established themselves along its banks. Approximately 28,000 residents reside within the unincorporated communities of Felton, Ben Lomond, and Boulder Creek. A favorite attraction in Felton amoung residents and vistors alike is the Roaring Camp Railroad.

The City of Santa Cruz is best known as the home of the Boardwalk and the quaint downtown shopping district known as Pacific Garden Mall, which was redeveloped following the Loma Prieta Earthquake in1989. The University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC) also calls the city home.

The City of Watsonville, located in the heart of the Pajaro Valley, is home to approximately 44,000 residents. The view of this agriculturally rich valley while travelling along Highway One, is similar to a “patchwork quilt” with different crops forming a distinct pattern along the landscape. The City of Watsonville is the proud host to the Santa Cruz County Fair in September of each year, which showcases the bounty of crops produced on our fertile soils. Along the coast just west of the city, the Pajaro Dunes offers a peaceful and stunning view of the Monterey Bay.