This Overlooked California Town Full Of Coastal Charm Offers Scenic Hiking And Wine Trails

California! Just the word conjures up images of sunshine, surf, and glimmering movie magic. Whether you're looking to relax on a gorgeous and uncrowded beach or embrace the serenity of its serene desert towns, the Golden State has something for everyone, offering up a variety of landscapes and experiences unmatched anywhere else in the US.

The long stretch of California's coast near San Francisco is a particularly rich place. This wild and wonderful region is not only a nature-lover's destination, but also home to cool, laid-back beach towns such as Aptos. Situated just 15 minutes south of the more well-known Santa Cruz, Aptos has most everything you could ask for in a California town: waves, thick coastal forest, and plenty of wine. 

Aptos sits in the shadow of one of California's most under-the-radar grape-growing regions — the Corralitos Wine Trail — with a number of independent operators cultivating vines in the fields and hills outside town. The area also boasts numerous hiking paths, where you can lace up your shoes and hit the trail, soaking up the deep-wooded ambiance and rugged beach glory that the central California coast is so known for.

Home to about 6,700 residents, Aptos is more a village than a town. This pedestrian-friendly settlement moves at a slow pace and is home to quaint cafes, boutiques, antique shops, tasting rooms, and quality farm-to-table restaurants. While stopping in town is certainly a must while in the area, what really draws people are the natural splendors on display.

Forest of Nisene Marks State Park acts as Aptos' de facto backyard. This 10,000-acre expanse of lush forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains features over 30 miles of hiking trails that can be explored on-foot, mountain bike, or horseback. The towering redwoods that make up this remarkable forest envelop the surroundings in massive shadows, and from a few vantage points you'll also be able to view the azure expanse of Monterey Bay.

For a closer look at the water, head to Rio del Mar State Beach, a beautiful stretch of golden sand where you can enjoy a picnic, ride the waves on a boogie board, or simply take a stroll while the wind whips through your hair. In the evening both locals and visitors build bonfires in the stone rings above the high-tide line, and there is a nice little strip of cafes, stores, and eateries. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for marine wildlife while there, including sea lions, dolphins, porpoises, otters, and during certain times of year — humpback whales.

While Napa Valley receives the lion's share of attention and accolades when it comes to California wine, there are plenty of smaller, underrated wine regions that produce quality stuff, and this includes the Corralitos Wine Trail. This string of six, family-owned galleries sits just a stone's throw from Aptos village, sampling its offerings while soaking up the idyllic countryside.

The coastal microclimate of the southern Santa Cruz Mountains is ideal for growing pinot noir and chardonnay, which make up the majority of the grapes cultivated along the Corralitos Wine Trail. Start with El Vaquero Winery (which hosts live music) before heading up to Alfaro Family Vineyards — a couple-run outfit with 60 acres of vines along with a tasting room. Specializing in Chardonnay and Syrah, Lester Estate Wines occupies a 210-acre ranch and one-ups the idea of a tasting room with a whole "tasting barn," picnic areas, and lawn games. Nicholson Vineyards creates small lots of handcrafted wines; Storrs Winery sits in an old quarry and only grows organic grapes, while Windy Oaks Estates & Winery has won accolades for its exceptional pinot noir.

Unlike more well-known wine regions in California, there are currently no shuttles or organized tours of the Corralitos Wine Trail. This means your best bet is to take a personal car (with designated driver,). For more of California's coastal gems, check out this family-friendly town with beautiful, pristine beaches.