The house is really just a few steps from the beach and Rio Del Mar beach is a great beach for dogs! We just love Aptos and come every year. Having a house so close to the beach was a real treat with our dog vs. having to get in the car to drive to the beach. The house is very cute with some nice touches like snacks and towel/toy/bowl for the dog as well as beach chairs and towels. Our dog loved it! Also, Mariam is a very responsive and helpful host. The house was a bit small for our family of 5 (2 parents, 2 adult children and a teenager) with only one bath, one king bed, two twin beds and one couch/futon, a table for four plus a couple of bar stools, but it worked Ok for us. I am sure it would be amazing for a family with younger children. Thank you Mariam for being a lovely host!