When the Native Americans named this part of our county, they called it Awatos -"Where the Waters Meet." The name honors the spot where two creeks joined before traveling together to the bay. Today, we call this place Aptos.

This is where you'll find people living in everything from rustic little mountain cabins in the redwoods to sprawling contemporary homes on the golf course. It follows that the sights of Aptos are equally diverse. Within a few minutes, you can go from the nature trails of a redwood forest of Nisene Marks State Park to the relaxed elegance of Seascape Resort.

The historic Aptos Village boasts boutiques, restaurants, and an 1878 hotel, The Bayview Hotel. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park offers 30 miles of trails. For a seaside stroll, Seacliff State Beach is the perfect spot. This is where the U.S.S. Palo Alto, "the cement ship", is docked at the end of the fishing pier. It is an experimental concrete vessel that made just one short voyage back in 1919 before dropping anchor here to become a restaurant and dance hall.