Rio del Mar, CA

34 Apartments for Rent

This Santa Cruz neighborhood does lack a body of water of the same name as you would expect. A small creek is all Rio Del Mar has in the way of water -- if you ignore the nearby Pacific Ocean, of course.

Rio Del Mar is adjacent to beautiful Seacliff State Beach, which isn't just a fun place to surf or swim. Tourists have visited the beach to see the remains of ship S.S. Palo Alto, which once served at war and returned home to act as a carnival space before the company went out of business. The S.S. Palo Alto is now beached and broken. However, the rental houses in Rio Del Mar are far from broken down. Known locally as the "Rio Del Mar Flats," the area appeals to beach lovers and tourists, so it's easy to find month to month rental options in addition to even shorter rental periods.

Moving to Rio Del Mar

It's difficult to differentiate between Rio Del Mar and other areas in Santa Cruz especially Aptos, which has its own mall. They all share the same California attitude and sunny beaches, where you'll see tanned bodies and hear laughter. Images you've seen of boardwalks and beaches on the Pacific Ocean are absolutely the picture of relaxed Rio Del Mar. The types of homes for rent you'll find in this area are typically of beach rentals -- with two stories, townhouses, balconies and carports. All you have to do to enjoy the ocean breeze is step out on your own balcony. It's ideal to head to Rio Del Mar for summer rental apartments, but mild winters mean that you might just want to stay all year round, too. The popular location for condos and townhouses to rent means you'll pay more than other rentals, and there's plenty of other renters. Many landlords rent out properties for nightly or weekly rates, so start your rental search early and have realistic expectations when it comes to prices.

Living in Rio Del Mar

Of course, if you're not a big fan of sun and sand, then Rio Del Mar isn't the place for you. The same is true if you're not a fan of tourists, because many head to Rio Del Mar on their vacations. However, this means there's plenty of shopping, strip malls and stretches where you can walk if you enjoy that aspect of California culture. If you head inland, you can enjoy Aptos Village Park or Seascape Golf Course, too. Mild weather means you can enjoy a stroll no matter the month, even when the ocean is a bit too cool to dip in your toes. You'll be among your kind if you bike, walk or roller blade, and you can ditch your toes for a long walk on the beach during sunset. Even Fido is allowed on the beach if you keep him on his leash, and you won't want to rent in Rio Del Mar without man's best friend!