Family-friendly vacation rentals in Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley

El Nido; a Peaceful, Relaxing, Restorative Retreat

As an artist, I'm deeply interested in aesthetics. I think I've succeeded in creating a beautiful, restful venue for relaxation. The queen size bed overlooks a bird sanctuary over the Valencia Creek watershed. The kitchen includes a fridge stocked with goodies, toaster oven, microwave, coffee pot, French press and cooktop for light cooking. You're welcome to use the oven/stove in the main kitchen with prior arrangements. A backyard gas barbecue is available for heavier cooking (or if you're planning to cook fish!) Hairdryer and shampoo are available in the spacious private bath. Thick terry robes are provided for your comfort, and beach towels and chairs if you decide to spend some time on one of our beautiful beaches. There's a large flat screen smart TV complete with Netflix. Lots of reading material and a writing desk are also here for your use. You have a private entrance with a coded entry. You have a private entrance with a coded entry. Your rooms are private and you have your own porch and you're welcome to use the yards/patios. I share the front house with my partner and our two dogs. We'd love to meet you and perhaps share a cup of coffee or a glass of wine (depending on the time of day!) but will also respect your need/desire for privacy if you prefer. I'm happy to provide any information or amenities that will make your visit more comfortable and enjoyable. This home is close to the beautiful beaches of the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary and the Forest of Nisene Marks, just a mile from Aptos village, south of Santa Cruz and the Boardwalk and north of Elk Horn Slough and The Monterey Bay Aquarium. Parking is easily available on our quiet cut-de-sac. The flagstone path to the left of the property will lead you to a gate and your private porch/entrance. Provide a 4 digit code before you arrive and I'll program the entry for your convenience. No keys to hassle with. Public transit is available one mile from the house. Uber is a popular alternative in our area. We're just minutes away from a thriving downtown scene complete with music venues and restaurants, shopping, art galleries, and the SC Beach Boardwalk. Whale watching, kayaking, cycling and hiking trails are also just minutes away. My place is good for couples, solo adventurers, business travelers, or those looking for a quiet retreat.

Magical & Romantic Beachfront Home at Pajaro Dunes

Beautiful oceanfront condominium with an unobstructed view to Monterey Bay & the Pacific Ocean; just 20 minutes south of Santa Cruz & 30 minutes north of Monterey/Carmel. Newly remodeled with granite counters, new kitchen appliances, paint, furniture, tile and carpeted floors. Electric fireplace adds to the magical ambience this home embraces. High ceilings, just steps to the beach. Convenient parking. 2 bedrooms & 2 full bathrooms, 1200 sf. A great place to kick off your shoes and relax.

Santa Cruz A-Frame

This unique A-Frame cabin, in a quiet mountain neighborhood with private creek access, was handbuilt in 1965 and remodeled in the summer of 2024. Now a little slice of heaven on the creek in the redwoods. *5-10 min to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Roaring Camp Railroad, Loch Lomond Recreation Area, the Trout Farm Inn, Quail Hollow Ranch + Felton stores. *20 min to Santa Cruz, beach + Boardwalk. *1 min to Zayante Creek Market (EV charger) Find us on social: Insta @SantaCruzAFrame

Kinderwood Farms Suite

Nestled in an enchanting forest of redwood trees & ferns, lies a treasured, sustainability-focused homestead, waiting for you to enjoy its bounty. This is a one of a kind, immersive culinary & farm adventure with cozy accommodations & unique experiences. Subject to availability, Add-On Activities may include goat milking & feeding baby goats, cheesemaking, sourdough, and soapmaking. Join us for a visit you will remember for a lifetime. *Per Fire Code, our suite can accommodate only 2 adults

Birdsong Studio by Beach-Jasmine Gardens

Jasmine Garden Oasis Retreat House—3 block walk to quiet beaches. Ideal for individuals, couples, or families seeking serenity. SC Permit # 231326. Two upstairs independent guest studios inside our home, each with queen bed and extra beds for $25 charge: Jade Studio with private deck, and Birdsong Studio overlooking garden and hot tub. Meditation & QiGong instruction, bicycle rental nearby, allergy-free, healing sessions, low-EMFs--renewing for heart, body & soul. Sunrise/sunset at beach.

Charming Beachfront Cottage

Oceanfront Beach House with views from every room! Steps from the beach. Gorgeous sunsets on the spacious deck with views of Santa Cruz coastline. Close to wine tasting, vineyards and breweries. Prime location, Rio-del-Mar beach, walking distance to coffee shop, restaurants, store and State Park. Perfect for a Romantic get away or family vacation! No more than 6 guests. Includes Outdoor shower, Boogie boards (2), sand toys, Beach chairs Beach towels, Wetsuit

Modern Beach Retreat-Free EV Charging

This open and airy modern home is a 5 minute walk to Rio del Mar beach. Enjoy the clean design, large deck and indoor outdoor living. Numerous outdoor activities at your doorstep including golf, world class surf breaks, and renowned biking and hiking trails in the forest of Nisene Marks. Equipped with high speed internet, a projector and Sonos sound system. Our place comfortably hosts five and is good for couples, business travelers, solo, and families.

Warm & Cozy Villa for family getaways

Looking for a comfy space to spend time with friends and family? 10 minutes from Seacliff State Beach and 12 minutes to Nisene Marks, this sunny home is comfortable home base for your next adventure. Why not just hang out by 1 of 3 fireplaces with your crew? Swimming from May-September with a heating option October-April. Enjoy dining for 8 inside or on the patio. So close to the sea, but above the foggier lower elevations. Family friendly!

Aptos Beach Retreat • Hot Tub & 5 Min Walk to Sand

Unwind by the Bay at this luxury Aptos beach bungalow near Rio Del Mar Beach. Enjoy cathedral ceilings, a private outdoor hot tub, heated bathroom floors, and a fully equipped kitchen. Perfect for couples, small families, or remote stays with Wi-Fi and Roku TV. Walk to the beach or explore nearby Seacliff State Beach, Capitola Village, and Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Relax, recharge, and soak up Monterey Bay’s coastal charm. Permit #211099

Luxury Garden View - Relax and Unwind - Seascape

About This Condo NO AIRBNB FEES! Endless possibilities await you and this cozy beach resort! A stunning beach one-bedroom condo that has a stylishly decorated and recently remodeled interior that can accommodate up to a family of 4 with a super comfortable KING bed in the bedroom and a QUEEN sofa sleeper in the living room. Lots of extra amenities as well to make it relaxing and fun! We offer a 15% discount for weekly stays!

Mountain Top Yurt in the Redwoods

Peaceful, clean, spacious, beautifully decorated and quiet 24' Yurt completely surrounded by Redwoods on top of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Spend a couple days meditating, reading or writing the next chapter of your memoir. Walking distance to Mount Madonna Retreat Center (open now through reservation only). County Park hiking and horseback riding trails located within 3 miles. Ideal place for photography and mountain/road biking.

Serene 1 bedroom. Walk to secluded beach

Quiet one bedroom home, walking distance to our remote beach. There is 1 bed and 1 bathroom with a shower stall, a full kitchen and a small living room. The house has its own private entrance but is attached to our house by an exterior wall. We do not have access to the guest cottage but we will be next door during your stay.