Family-Friendly rentals near Rio Del Mar Beach

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.

Peaceful Treehouse with Ocean View

Permit 171035 Featured by Sunset Magazine as a “chic escape,” this Peaceful Treehouse-style retreat blends mid-century design with natural materials like wood and stone for a calming, sanctuary feel. Light pours through floor-to-ceiling windows beneath soaring wooden beams, and Japanese-inspired doors add to the architectural charm. Set high in the trees with ocean views, the home offers three elevated decks including one with a hammock. Perfect for relaxing and enjoying the surrounding canopy.

Sea-salt and Sunshine

Permit 201365. This spacious, beautiful home has a comfortable open floor plan. A large kitchen designed for the chef at heart. Plenty of space for family or friends to ENJOY! The living room is newly furnished with a 75"TV that has sports channels and apps for streaming. Bask in the well-landscaped yard with outdoor seating and a fire table. There's a bedroom downstairs with a full bath and 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths upstairs. Just a short walk to the beach, close to Seascape Golf Course...

Walk to the beach, panoramic ocean view, and pool!

Kick back and relax in this calm, stylish space. With panoramic views of the pacific, chances are you'll see dolphins, otters, and even whales during season. Leave the doors open and nap to the sound of the waves hitting the shore! Heated pool on property & less than a 5-minute walk to the beach, restaurants, drinks, coffee, sandwiches and more! Recently upgraded with brand new flooring throughout condo, fireplace with mounted large smart tv (perf for movie nights!), soaking tub and comfy beds!

Relax + Unwind in Brand New 2BD Modern Bch Retreat

Sea breezes and unobstructed 180-degree ocean front views greet you from the large private deck of RdM Lookout, a brand-new beach property with a bright open, mid-century modern beach design complete with a cozy fireplace, hardwood floors, and quartz counters. A beautiful, chic space, guests tell us they love the amazing beds, fluffy towels, and our gourmet kitchen with a stocked coffee bar with to-go cups for long beach walks. Come home to a relaxing, beach vacation in a charming beach town.

Short walk to beach - Perfect beach getaway

Our house is a permitted Vacation Rental. Permit#191317. Near Seacliff State Park and Rio del Mar. Short walk to beach, Marianne's Ice Cream, and Manuel's Restaurant. Access to mountain and street biking nearby. Near Aptos Village shops and restaurants. Quiet neighborhood. Upstairs great room is a bright, wonderful place to spend the day rain/shine. Games cabinet is filled with family games. Beach chairs, beach towels and beach toys are available. Please read all information before booking.

Aptos Condo with Spectacular Ocean Views

Enjoy stunning full ocean and sand views from Monterey to Santa Cruz at this beautifully located beach retreat. Watch whales and dolphins from the deck, relax by the ocean-view swimming pool just steps away, or take a short walk to the beach. Santa Cruz Beach & Boardwalk is just 15 minutes away, world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and Pebble Beach 45 minutes, and Levi’s Stadium only 30 miles. This oceanfront escape is the perfect blend of location, comfort, and unforgettable views.

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.

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

Blue Whale Bungalow

200 steps to the beach, not beachfront. Furnished two story home across from Rio Sands hotel. Nearby restaurants, walk/jog path, whale watching, etc. Dog friendly(2 dogs max. with dog fee! Front yard with patio set to enjoy the outdoors. Two bedrooms and 1 bathroom/shower located on 2nd floor up a flight of stairs. Wi-Fi included. Amenities : Washer/dryer, dishwasher, stove, and refrigerator. 2 car private parking available in the back of the house.

OCEAN Views and Steps from the BEACH, New & Modern

Enjoy spending time with family and friends in this large 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo with a beautiful ocean/ beach view from Monterey to Capitola. . This single level unit offers a spacious floor plan with large picture windows and a full deck with patio furniture. BBQ on the deck while you listen to the soothing waves, watch the dolphins and view a gorgeous sunset. Walk to restaurants, delis, coffee shops and the beach in just a few seconds.

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