Only 80 miles south of San Francisco, along California’s Pacific coast, lies the popular beach town of Rio del Mar. Where the local Aptos Creek meanders along colorful flat townhouses, before flowing off into the ocean surrounded by enticing beach houses. Vacation rentals at Beach Drive are just steps away from the wide sandy beaches, while the neighborhood of Rio Highlands sits on the bluff above the ocean. Local vacation homes feature generous outside areas, ocean views, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Choose the perfect vacation rental
Best Vacation Home Deals in Rio del Mar
Save up to 60%
Discover a vacation rental fitting your needs among the 325 unique accommodations from several providers in Rio del Mar. The website HomeToGo immediately compares all of these vacation rentals so you can save up to 60%!
Top-Rated Rentals and Accommodations in Rio del Mar
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Recommended Vacation Rentals in Rio del Mar
Find your perfect vacation rental in Rio del Mar: from $179 per night
Budget-friendly Vacation Rentals in Rio del Mar
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Vacation Houses With Pools
Make a splash on your next vacation! Over 44% of in Rio del Mar vacation rentals have a swimming pool.
Dog-Friendly Vacation Rentals
Bring Fido on your next trip and book a stay in one of these pet-friendly rentals in Rio del Mar!
Best vacation rentals with a balcony
Looking for a home with a balcony? Check out these vacation homes in Rio del Mar with their own private patios and balconies.
Popular Rental Amenities in Rio del Mar
Using our filters will help you find the ideal property in Rio del Mar. HomeToGo's data shows that "Pets allowed" and "Balcony/Patio" are the most frequently offered features in Rio del Mar. You can also search for a vacation rental in Rio del Mar if you want a rental with a sauna as 5 of the listed rentals there offer "Sauna."
Waterfront Vacation Rentals in Rio del Mar
Searching for a fantastic beachfront rental in Rio del Mar?
Use the 'distance to water' filter while searching and discover the perfect beach houses for your vacation. You can choose from a number of accommodations in Rio del Mar that are located only a short distance from the ocean. From dog-friendly homes by the beach to waterfront cabins with jacuzzis, the ideal accommodation in Rio del Mar awaits - book it today with HomeToGo.
The Weather in Rio del Mar
- Rainy days
The above is a climate diagram for Rio del Mar. On average, the warmest month is September. Conversely, January is the coolest month in Rio del Mar, with temperatures going under 41° The rainiest month is December while the driest month is June.
7-Day Weather Forecast in Rio del Mar
Accommodations for your vacation in Rio del Mar
In Rio del Mar, more than half of the accommodations are house rental, which represent 57.01% of its available properties. Interestingly, the average price of house rental is $671 per night, with an average area of 158 m². Furthermore, house rental are great for large groups, as most can accommodate 7 vacationers. Villa are the other most available property type in Rio del Mar. The average size of villa in Rio del Mar is 187 m², and the average price is $748 a night.
Where to find the best food in Rio del Mar?
Culinary delights around Rio del Mar
The numerous oceanfront restaurants around the area invite to baked oysters, seasoned prawns, and the catch of the day. Other choices include American classics like rib-eye steak, tasty burgers, and marinated chicken. Enjoy your meal with a glass of locally produced wine or visit one of the vineyards for some wine sampling. The Soif, located in Santa Cruz, offers a great wine selection along delicious, seasonal food creations.
To prepare your own delicious meal in your holiday home, shop at one of the nearby farmer’s markets to get the freshest local produce in the area. The closest one to Rio del Mar is located on Summer Avenue, it opens every Sunday in the months of May to October. Other notable markets in the area include the Aptos Farmer’s Market, every Saturday, and the Live Oak Market, every Sunday.
What are the best places to discover the arts and culture of Rio del Mar?
Imposing galleries and engaging museums
Striking galleries line the streets with creative displays, appealing museums teach about local history, and the Colligan Theatre invites you to watch dramatic live performances. Cultural activities abound around Rio del Mar, and you can even make your own artwork by joining one of the courses of the Mountains Art Center. The fun and instructive classes include painting, sculpturing, and working with ceramics, with varied courses for adults and children.
For skilfully made local handicrafts and paintings, tour the regional galleries in the area. Especially the well known Artisans Gallery in Santa Cruz features jewelry, wall art, woodwork, and ceramics with emphasis on native artists. To buy paintings and support a non-profit gallery, stop by at Cabrillo College Art Gallery, located on the college campus in Aptos.
What are the best activities for families in Rio del Mar?
Fun activities with kids
Rio del Mar and its surroundings offer plenty of activities for the whole family, from a variety of educational museums and exciting theme parks to child friendly hiking trails and beaches. Rent a kayak or join one of the many boat rides to explore the ocean and spot local wildlife like pelicans, sea lions, or dolphins. Back on land, discover the regional sights by bicycle, either on your own or through a guided tour by Santa Cruz Bike Tours.
Visit neighboring Santa Cruz for the popular Beach Boardwalk, a classic water and amusement park with rides and attractions for all ages along mini golf, an indoor arcade, and food stalls. The venue offers fun family friendly events year round, like free movies on the beach, concerts during summer, and the Boardwalk Holiday Ice with ice skating at the beach during winter.
Where are the unique attractions in Rio del Mar?
Excursion destinations around the county
Close to your vacation home, you will find the world-class Seascape Golf Club and Seascape Sports Club complete with tennis courts, an extensive outdoor swimming area, and a fitness center. A variety of water sports including surfing, fishing, and sailing awaits you at the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Humpback whales and gray whales can often be spotted from the beach, especially during the months of September and October.
The town of Santa Cruz is only 11 miles away and makes for a fun day trip. Take a stroll along the iconic wharf with its many shops and restaurants, or visit the little Surf Museum located in the lighthouse. At nearby Natural Bridges State Beach you can view wildlife like otters, whales, and thousands of monarch butterflies that migrate to the area during winter. The park offers hiking and biking trails as well as picnic areas along wonderful beaches.
What are the best events and festivals in Rio del Mar?
Annual cultural and food events
The county around Rio del Mar exhibits an array of various cultural events throughout the year with food and wine festivals, theater performances, and live music. To enjoy a weekend of creative arts, fine wine, dance shows, and local cuisine, visit the Capitola Art and Wine Festival held annually in September with free admission. Capitola is also home to the yearly Twilight Concerts over the summer months.
Santa Cruz will intrigue you with its annual Film Festival and Shakespeare, a professional theater festival, held between July and September. The Santa Cruz Film Festival is presented at different venues and rewards its participants with awards for best documentary, audience choice, and best animation along other criteria. The producers will take the stage after each presentation to answer any questions about the movies.
Information about vacation rentals in Rio del Mar
| 🏡 Vacation rentals available | 329 homes |
|---|---|
| 💳 Possible discounts | up to 54% |
| 🌙 Nightly prices starting at | $179 |
| ⭐ Popular amenities | Pets allowed, Balcony/Patio and Pool |
| 🐾 Pet friendly homes | 47 homes |
| 🏊 Vacation rentals with pools | 145 homes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average price per night for a vacation rental in Rio del Mar?
The nightly price of accommodations in Rio del Mar starts at $179. If you would like to stay in a house rental, the average price is $671 per night. A villa Rio del Mar will cost on average $748 per night.
How many vacation rentals are available for booking in Rio del Mar?
There are currently 329 vacation rentals in Rio del Mar to browse and book for your upcoming trip.
What are the most popular amenities for vacation homes in Rio del Mar?
Travelers look for Balcony/Patio, Pets allowed, and Pool when booking a vacation rental in Rio del Mar.
How many vacation rentals with pools are there in Rio del Mar?
There are 145 rentals across 5 providers in Rio del Mar.
Are pets allowed in vacation homes in Rio del Mar?
Finding a vacation rental in Rio del Mar that allows pets is definitely possible, with 47 pet-friendly available.
When is it better to travel to Rio del Mar?
September and October are typically the warmest months in Rio del Mar with temperatures around 77 °F. January and December in Rio del Mar are the coldest, with 41 °F on average.
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