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Bright, artsy, and cozy home 500 feet from the beach, 500 feet from the river

Family-friendly holiday home in Aptos

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Beach nearby - Bright, artsy, and cozy home 500 feet from the beach, 500 feet from the river (Aptos)
Terrace/patio - Bright, artsy, and cozy home 500 feet from the beach, 500 feet from the river (Aptos)
Smart TV, fireplace, books - Bright, artsy, and cozy home 500 feet from the beach, 500 feet from the river (Aptos)
Exterior - Bright, artsy, and cozy home 500 feet from the beach, 500 feet from the river (Aptos)
Smart TV, fireplace, books - Bright, artsy, and cozy home 500 feet from the beach, 500 feet from the river (Aptos)
Escape to the Coast Queen, a charming retreat in Rio Del Mar, just minutes from the beach and Santa Cruz. Unwind on the spacious deck with an outdoor grill or cozy up by one of two flat-screen TVs with Netflix. The fully-stocked kitchen is perfect for meal prep while high-speed internet keeps you connected.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 493 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Bright, artsy, and cozy home 500 feet from the beach, 500 feet from the river

The Coast Queen is a wonderful house for a pleasant getaway to the coast for the weekend. It's a perfect place for a family, a couple or even two couples. It's a short two minute walk to the beach (and coffee shop, deli, corner market, and restaurants) providing a great anchor for days at the beach, yet it's only a few miles from Santa Cruz to enjoy the wonderful food, and activities in Santa Cruz.
Rio Del Mar is one of the last of the quaint, small village areas on the central coast. You can walk about a mile north from here, and seemingly endless miles south. We are close to the cement ship as well.

The house has been recently remodeled, with new floors and appliances in a full-stocked, fully functional kitchen. The deck upstairs is a wonderful place to hang out on sunny and shady days, along with an outdoor grill and comfortable seating.

There are flat screen televisions both upstairs and downstairs, along with cable and free Netflix. We also have high speed internet.

We have a car port for two cars off street parking.
We are a legally permitted vacation rental in Santa Cruz County.

We also have - special for kids - a Harry Potter closet! It is equipped with a super comfy mattress-type thing, and pillows. (We are still waiting for an owl to find us.) Kids have been known to read books there for hours, sleep there, and play spooky games there too. (There is good light in there, for those who want it.)

We are dog friendly BUT WE HAVE A PET POLICY. If you are interested in bringing a dog you MUST tell us at the time of booking. We will share our pet policy and you must agree to it. If you do not tell us you are bringing a dog (and agree to our pet policy), we will charge an extra $200 cleaning fee.

We have a general maximum of four adults. If you plan on having more than 4 adults, you need to check with us. We charge an extra fee of $20 per night for extra adults.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: We do not allow smoking on the property.

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • Near the marina
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Recycling
  • Unit size: 1,000 square feet
  • Water-efficient toilets

Similar properties

Exterior detail
COZY BEACH HOUSE near YACHT HARBOR
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, 246 reviews
COZY BEACH HOUSE near YACHT HARBOR

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 12:00 PM

Special check-in instructions

An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Make sure the heater is off!
Send me a message letting me know you’re leaving. Thanks!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

Please be aware of water use: we are in a drought. Do not overload the washing machine, as it will stop working! Lock all windows when leaving.

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Please contact us for details.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
We do not allow smoking on the property.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

500 Feet Ocean 500 Feet River House Aptos
500 Feet Ocean 500 Feet River Aptos
500 Feet Ocean 500 Feet River
House
500 Feet From the Ocean 500 Feet From the River
500 Feet From the Ocean, 500 Feet From the River Aptos

About the area

Map
Aptos, CA

What's nearby

  • Rio Del Mar Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Seacliff State Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Cabrillo College - 2 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Seascape Golf Club - 3 min drive - 2.9 km

Getting around

  • San Martin Caltrain Station - 45 min drive
  • Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Marianne's Ice Cream - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Sushi Garden - Aptos - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Whale City Bakery Bar And Grill Aptos - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Venus Pie Trap - ‬2 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Bright, artsy, and cozy home 500 feet from the beach, 500 feet from the river pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at Bright, artsy, and cozy home 500 feet from the beach, 500 feet from the river?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Bright, artsy, and cozy home 500 feet from the beach, 500 feet from the river?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Bright, artsy, and cozy home 500 feet from the beach, 500 feet from the river?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Bright, artsy, and cozy home 500 feet from the beach, 500 feet from the river located?

This family-friendly Aptos holiday home is located by the sea, within a 5-minute walk of Rio Del Mar Beach and Seacliff State Beach. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and Aptos History Museum are also within 1 mile (2 km).

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Reviews

Bright, artsy, and cozy home 500 feet from the beach, 500 feet from the river Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.4

Cleanliness

9.6

Location

8.0

Staff & service

8.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 112 out of 133 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 133 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 133 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 133 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 133 reviews

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Laurie M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Great location!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

B. Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is our 2nd stay here. It's so comfortable and has a nice big deck. Our stay for the
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katherine M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!

Love the location. Bedrooms are a bit small, but living room and deck are great
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Theresa V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

Good location, clean and comfortable. I would choose this rental again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy and Quaint

Listening to the waves while sipping coffee on the deck will be a favorite memory!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Callie H., Grass Valley

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great trip

Great, cozy, comfortable place! Enjoyed the accommodations very much!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gerald S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet, and roomy unit

Very comfortable for a family or couple (two bathrooms).Walkable to beach in quiet neigborhood.Met all our needs.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wahid R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect family getaway

Location and property just as described. Very clean, and the manager was very responsive.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ron-Barbara O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

So close to the beach!

The house is very nice. So close to the beach. Has everything you need for a comfortable stay. And the owner is quick to respond.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We love the Coast Queen.

3rd time staying. We love the comfort of this house and the proximity to the beach.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Thomas J., Harrisonburg, Va

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good Stay

The property was clean, good kitchen and living space had plenty of room
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ray O., Roseville, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Beach Getaway

Great time spending a sunny winter-day at the beach. Great location! Home was nicely decorated, comfortable and beachy. I appreciated the check in emails from the owner, the easy/secure parking and large outdoor deck.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Suzy J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location!

Our family really enjoyed staying here. It is in a great location. Close to the beach as well as a coffee shop and a few other eateries. We loved being able to just walk everywhere. We also appreciated all the information given to us from the owner regarding the location and things to do nearby. We look forward to staying here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Bruno H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Santa Cruz

Very comfortable home great location and very quiet.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

nancy j.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great little get away for family and paws!

We really enjoyed our weekend at the Coastal Queen! Very clean, comfortable, and in a great location by some of the best beaches, Seacliff and New Brighton! If you like to walk, enjoy the beach, and like to have your pup with you, then a stay here is a win-win-win! Thanks to the owners for making it such a pleasant time!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

judith l.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Aptos visit

Very clean. Easy walk to beach
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Theresa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Simple & satisfactory!

Great location to beach, cute and tidy home; love the local recommendations in the guest book. Thanks for a good time!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Colleen R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beach Retreat

There was plenty of room to spread out. I appreciated the heater in the master bedroom. It was very comfortable and super close to the beach and coffee shop!!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christi M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place by the beach

This is our second time staying here and we love it. It is walking distance to the ocean and a great walking path. Owner is quick to respond and we loved having coffee on the balcony. A fire pit or a hot tub would make this place perfect !.tuoumake this perf td perf
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Coby T., Sacramento, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great for a small family

This is a cute little place that is great for a small family. The owners are wonderful and responsive to questions. It has great appliances and a well stocked kitchen for making all your family meals on vacation. A very short (and flat) walk to the beach is definitely a plus for us with kids!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Deborah D., Santa Rosa

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous house near the beach

My husband and 2 teens and dog and I had a fantastic stay at this house. It’s very close to the beach, has everything you could need, and is quiet and comfortable. A great value for this amazing neighborhood! We’d love to come back soon.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sherry S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home away from home

My husband and I come quite often to visit our daughter and grandson in Santa Cruz. We have stayed in many VRBO properties and this one was one of the best. Very clean, comfortable king bed, kitchen with all the necessary dishes, etc. for cooking meals, and a great location. Can walk to a beautiful beach and a quick drive to Santa Cruz.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Matt L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enjoyed It!

Overall, we enjoyed our stay. Good location (loved beach access and convenience of local restaurants, not crazy about motel across the street), comfortable accommodations. Only issue we had - downstairs bathroom light did not work.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

6/10 Okay

Erica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This property is set up great for people traveling with small children, but not so much for someone traveling with an elderly adult. It was surprisingly quiet for the location but river or beach is not visible from the property the view is the hotel across the narrow crowded street.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Som X.

2nd time to this lovely home

My kids love it. They refer to it as "The beachhouse." They're expecting us to go every year now because they enjoy it so much! We love the short walk to the beach. The cozy home is just right for our little family. There is nothing we would change. Two thumbs up!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018