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.

Manresa Surf House 1 bed upstairs unit #4

Welcome to Manresa Surfhouse, a trendy boutique coastal retreat just 500 yards from the beach! This stylish 1-bedroom, 1-bath unit sleeps up to 4 and is part of a spacious 5-unit property on half an acre. Enjoy your own private outdoor space, plus access to ' Platforms'—a shared community area perfect for relaxing. Designed as a complete coastal getaway, it offers everything you need inside and out. Grab our complimentary bikes and explore nearby Manresa State Beach, or venture minutes away to S

🍀Escape - Brand New Modern Chic Coastal Retreat🍀

Start the day snuggled up with an incredible, 180-degree unobstructed ocean view from the deck with coffee from the in-home coffee station. Take a dip in the pool overlooking the shoreline or grab some boogie boards for a day on the beach. Featured on the design website Houzz, this clean, breezy, modern seaside sanctuary features homey hardwood floors, smooth quartz counters and open floor plan living. Come relax with amazing beds + soft linens, a gourmet kitchen, and the charm of beach living.

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

Copper Nest beach retreat with stunning views

The Copper Nest is an ideal getaway located steps from the beach in the gated community of Pajaro Dunes where the Pajaro River meets the Pacific Ocean. This newly designed three bedroom home is customized to create a serene beach retreat for you and your guests. This newly designed three bedroom home has a well equipped kitchen and outdoor seating, game, and BBQ areas. There are stunning ocean and agricultural views from every room. Close to California's popular food and travel regions.

Beautiful La Selva Beach

Large 4 BR, 3 BA, 2,100 sq. ft. home in beautiful La Selva Beach! Just 1 mile from the beach. The entire home has been remodeled. The master bedroom includes a second living room area and an office. Enjoy a chef's kitchen, washer/dryer, ocean peak from the upper deck, large yard, and hot tub. Enjoy a BBQ, roast marshmallows, or just lounge and enjoy the views. Easy drive to Santa Cruz or Monterey. This is a quiet neighborhood, so no partying, excessive alcohol, or loud noise, please!

Old Amesti Schoolhouse mid-bay amidst farmland

This 100 year old school house surrounded by organic farms in the Pajaro Valley is a great starting point for your adventures in the Monterey Bay. From here you can reach Santa Cruz to the North or Monterey to the south in 30 minutes. When you are finished sightseeing come back to this comfortable home. A major renovation was recently completed to update the electrical, heating and plumbing yet preserving as much of the past as possible. Outside enjoy the pool, spa or game areas.

Private Pool Villa for family getaways

Looking for a comfy space to spend time with friends and family? Beach or great outdoors more your thing? 10 minutes from Seacliff State Beach and 12 minutes to Nisene Marks, this sunny locale is your comfortable home base for your next adventure. Why not just hang out by the pool? The water typically stays comfortable for swimming from April-September. Enjoy dining for 8 inside or on the patio. So close to the sea, but above the foggier lower elevations. Family friendly!

Kinderwood Farm Stay • Animal & Culinary Adventure

*UPDATE Piglets born July 13 2026* 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.

2bed OceanFront condo w/Pools+HotTub

Enjoy the comforts of a beach condo with the features of a luxury resort style retreat. This 2 bedroom 2.5 bathroom Villa has two balconies with incredible Ocean Views. Modern kitchen, and beach themed decor make this condo a vacation retreat you cannot miss. Plus 3 pools, heated year round! Located on 17-miles of secluded beachfront in Aptos California, south of Santa Cruz. Treat yourself to exquisite fine dining at the Sanderlings Restaurant, beach pathways and more!

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

La Selva Beach Oceanfront - Steps to Beach & Ocean

The beach and ocean is your backyard at this 3 bedroom, 2 bath townhome (sleeps 8). Relax and enjoy the ocean, beach, and breathtaking sunset's. Watch the dolphins, whales, seals, swim by one of Santa Cruz's longest semi private beaches and pelicans diving for fish and migrating birds. An ideal location to enjoy surfing, walking, running and relaxing while at the beach. The comfort of our guests is our first priority. We want everyone to enjoy their stay.