The Perfect Beach
Dec 30, 2009
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Yesterday I mentioned The Forest of Nisene Marks in Aptos. If you have some time, you cannot miss the stretch of beach between Seacliff and Manresa State Beaches. The best way to access the beach is to drive down Clubhouse Drive from the Rio Del Mar Boulevard exit off of CA-1. Turn left off of Clubhouse Drive onto Via Palo Alto or Via Malibu, park your car, then find the entrance to the beach on Via Palo Alto that will take you down to the vast white sands and comforting waves of what locals just call Aptos Beach.
Anytime of year is a great time to visit. Years ago, during a Super Bowl where I think the Denver Broncos were pounding Atlanta, I decided to take a walk on the beach with Indy, my parents' dachshund. No one else was on the beach, so it was a great opportunity to score some sand dollars that had washed on shore. Speaking of dogs, Aptos is also a wonderful place to take your pooch, as it is extremely dog friendly: just be sure to take some plastic bags that are at the Via Palo Alto entrance. While I see most dogs off leash, just keep your eye out on your furry friend--on Christmas day we witnessed an unfortunately event where a canine used someone's jacket as a litter box--keep your eye on the dog and don't ruin this spot for the rest of us! Any time of day works well, too: take a flashlight and walk along there at night: the constellations in the sky can actually be viewed here, with minimal city light emanating from nearby Capitola.
As much as I love the sound of the waves, I think the dunes are what makes this beach in Aptos magnificent. They boast a soft orange glow in the late afternoon, laden with succulents and tall grasses, dramatic as they pose against the cobalt sky. Walk further east and you will eventually reach La Selva, where you can climb up some steps and enjoy the view of Monterey Bay.
Our shih-tzu, Cosmo, is not the most adventurous fellow, but the few times a year I am able to make it up to Aptos, he has to go for a walk at Aptos Beach, even if he needs to be carried half the time. Last week I filmed our stroll, 80 seconds of which you can view here.
What beaches offer you an escape? Please share them with us!
