Northern California Beach Town Offers Great Hiking, Barbecue, Ice Cream and More

Aptos is often overlooked due to its more high-profile neighbors.

Aptos Village offers plenty of dining and shopping options. Jim Harrington/Bay Area News Group/TNS

By Jim Harrington The Mercury News

Aptos is often overlooked due to its more high-profile neighbors—the “Surf City” of Santa Cruz, just a few miles to the north, as well as the twin tourism capitals of Monterey and Carmel, a relatively short drive to the south.