
Vacation rentals in Santa Cruz
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Santa Cruz
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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

Charming cottage in westside SC 2 blks from beach
Gingerbread-like cottage (600 square feet) was built from old growth redwood in 1922. Since remodeled with all the amenities. A private sanctuary, set back and hidden from street. Two block walk to ocean along tree-lined path in a quiet neighborhood on the west side. Serene and tranquil, lovely outdoor deck and garden. Half mile from selection of boutique wine tasting, breweries, and coffee roasters. We apologize for not being able to host children under 5 for safety reasons. 2 night minimum

Cozy Coastal Redwood Cabin
Rest and connect in this warm, cozy, and private cabin that is nestled in the redwoods. Only minutes away from Henry Cowell State Park, where you can enjoy world class mountain biking trails, hiking, or swimming in the river. Or, enjoy the beach 15 minutes away. This is a perfect place to refresh in the magic of the Coastal Redwoods. Music fills most nights either from the Felton Music Hall or from the chorus of frogs. And wake up in the mornings to the mist in the trees when the fog rolls in.

Redwood Riverfront Getaway
We are nestled in the beautiful California Redwood forest next to the San Lorenzo River. Guests can enjoy our private guest suite with its own entrance and full bathroom. Our property features tall trees, seasonal river swimming on our private beach, fishing, kayaking, and exploring. We are close to downtown Boulder Creek, minutes away from Santa Cruz, wine tasting, hiking, fine dining, and the coastline. We have no hidden fees and even offer a full return of our cleaning fee. Permit #181307

Whiskey Hollow A-Frame: As feat'd in Condé Nast!
Featured in Condé Nast's "30 Cozy A-Frame Cabins for Cold-Weather Getaways", Whiskey Hollow is a romantic retreat! View majestic Redwoods from the loft bed, luxuriate in the oversized bathtub by candlelight, cozy up in front of the wood fireplace, or cook a meal in the fully appointed kitchen. Nestled in the woods, you would never guess that it's only 2 miles to downtown Felton, 1.5 miles to Henry Cowell State Park, 15 min to downtown Santa Cruz, and 20 min to the beach (Permit #191282).

Melton Beach House. Private entry,space and patio.
Space is not suitable or safe for children under 5 years of age. Great location.We are conveniently a 10-15 minute walk to the Hook and Pleasure Point surf breaks.And in the other direction you have a 15 minute walk down to the adorably charming Capitola village and very lovely beach.There you'll find quaint boutique shops and many restaurants/bar choices along the beach esplanade. With in a 5 minute walk you'll find New Leaf market,Whole foods, Penny's ice cream,and 6 other restaurant's.

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.

Theory of Color: A Lazure Space
Welcome to your serene sensory retreat! Tucked away in a tranquil, private location, this charming space features vibrant walls painted with the Waldorf inspired Lazure technique and an outdoor bathtub, embraced by greenery. Unwind, recharge, and awaken to your senses. Built in 1928 and fully modernized, this stylish retreat is bright and inviting. Enjoy easy walks to the beach (0.7 mi), harbor (0.5 mi), boardwalk (1.1 mi), downtown (1.5 mi), Rio Theater (0.5 mi), and UCSC (3 mi).

Vintage Charm Close to Downtown and Beaches
This beautifully & recently renovated studio with separate entry and private bathroom is in the middle of everything Santa Cruz has to offer: downtown, beaches, boardwalk, West Cliff Drive, bike paths, etc. are an easy walk or bike-ride. The studio is also a quiet area for remote work. We are pleased to host you and help make your experience great. You may also access the common-space gardens and hot tub in the spa-like back yard (upon request).

Redwood Cottage & Hot Tub
Enjoy this quaint, peaceful redwood retreat tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This small private cottage comes with a private hot tub, outdoor shower, propane fire pit and hammock. You'll be 10 minutes to downtown Felton and 25 minutes to Santa Cruz beaches. The cottage is on a shared property and next door to the main house. Please note there is no indoor shower (outdoor only) and the road is one lane with a steep driveway. Permit #211304

Santa Cruz Guesthouse Surrounded by Redwoods
Get back in touch with nature in a farmhouse-style property next to abundant woodlands and hiking trails (Permit 181242). It's an airy, skylit space with honey-colored hardwood floors and a well-equipped kitchen. Bathe in a claw-foot tub and relax on a wooden porch. Please note that this house shares the property with the owners who live in the main house, and an Airstream. The property is also serviced by landscapers and pest services.

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.
Popular amenities for Santa Cruz vacation rentals
Santa Cruz beach vacation rentals

One of a kind full River and Ocean view!

Magical & Romantic Beachfront Home at Pajaro Dunes

Luxury Garden View - Relax and Unwind - Seascape

Copper Nest beach retreat with stunning views

Beachfront Tranquility

2B/2B Pajaro Dunes with Dunes and Ocean View

180° Oceanview Condo-Surfboards-Bikes

Charming Beachfront Cottage
Santa Cruz house rentals

Santa Cruz Beach Cottage Getaway

Peaceful Redwood Retreat in the heart of town

Modern Beach Retreat-Free EV Charging

Serene luxury beach bungalow in Pleasure Point

Modern Beach House/Short walk to beaches/Boardwalk

Pool, Hot tub, Sauna I Your Silicon Valley Luxury

Sunny Seabright Beach House

Mermaid Cottage - Walk to Beach+Boardwalk+Downtown
Pet-friendly vacation rentals in Santa Cruz

The Coach House

Bicycle Shack @ La Honda Pottery

2 bdrm Bungalow 3 blocks from the Beach

Peaceful & Private Seabright, 1 mile from beach

Apartment w hot tub / forest & ocean view

Private cottage in a garden

SkyHigh Redwoods Retreat with Bay Views

Gorgeous Bungalow 3 blocks to beach
When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz?
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Avg. price | G$54,320 GYD | G$53,902 GYD | G$55,991 GYD | G$58,707 GYD | G$60,379 GYD | G$68,109 GYD | G$68,945 GYD | G$70,407 GYD | G$62,677 GYD | G$58,081 GYD | G$58,290 GYD | G$59,752 GYD |
Avg. temp | 10°C | 12°C | 13°C | 15°C | 17°C | 19°C | 20°C | 20°C | 20°C | 18°C | 13°C | 10°C |
All About Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is the quintessential California beach town, where the waves are big, the vibe is laid-back, and every third person has a surfboard hanging out of their jeep. Here you'll find a treasure trove of funky thrift shops side by side with locavore restaurants that source their ingredients from nearby farms. The infamous Santa Cruz Beach, just a stone's throw away from downtown, is known for its vintage boardwalk and surf culture (the modern wetsuit was invented here). Venture inland to the Santa Cruz Mountains and you'll be greeted by nearly 2,000-year-old redwood trees and a handful of California’s most forward-thinking wineries. And there's no shortage of unique rentals to call home for your stay, from leafy beach bungalows on Laurel Street to relaxing Spanish revival abodes lining Soquel Avenue and the Victorian homes of Beach Hill.
Top things to do in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has attracted visitors for more than a century and is one of only two existing coastal amusement parks on the West Coast. This outdoor stretch boasts roller coasters, concession stands, and dozens of carnival games, all set against the backdrop of the dazzling ocean.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Save a day for a trip to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, four miles north of town. A 40-acre grove of sky-scraping old-growth redwood trees is the main draw, but the trails expand into other habitats including grassland, rivers, and sand hills. You can explore it via hiking trails, bike, or horseback.
Capitola
This cheery seaport village in Santa Cruz County is worth a visit for its unique Easter egg-colored cottages and seafood restaurants. Shops and galleries sell crafts and artwork by local artists, and the beach is perfectly positioned for a sunset stroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the weather in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and dry, warm summers. Average temperatures typically range from 70°F (21°C) in summer to 50°F (10°C) in winter.
What are some of the best things to do in Santa Cruz?
In Santa Cruz, you can explore the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, enjoy a walk along West Cliff Drive, or visit the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum. Surfing enthusiasts may also enjoy the waves at Steamer Lane or Pleasure Point.
What is the best time of year to visit Santa Cruz?
The most frequented time to visit Santa Cruz is during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, many visitors come for the Wharf to Wharf Race in July, and the Santa Cruz Shakespeare Festival, which runs from July to September.
What are the best places to stay in Santa Cruz?
Visitors to Santa Cruz often choose to stay in Downtown, West Cliff Drive, or Pleasure Point neighborhoods. Downtown is known for its vibrant culture, West Cliff Drive for its beautiful coastline, and Pleasure Point for its laid-back surf vibe.
What are the best places to visit in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz has many popular places to visit, such as the Natural Bridges State Beach, the Santa Cruz Wharf, or the Mystery Spot. The Seymour Marine Discovery Center is also a great place to explore marine life.
What are some hiking trails in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz has numerous trails for hiking enthusiasts. Some frequent choices are the Skyline to the Sea Trail, the Old Growth Loop at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and the trails at Wilder Ranch State Park.
What are some family activities to do in Santa Cruz?
Families visiting Santa Cruz can enjoy a picnic at Mission Hill Plaza, explore marine life at the Santa Cruz Wharf, or take a scenic train ride through the redwoods with Roaring Camp Railroads. The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is also a hit with families.
What are some of the best day trip ideas in Santa Cruz?
For a day trip, consider exploring the natural beauty of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, or take a journey to the nearby city of San Jose. Another frequently suggested day trip is to the quaint town of Capitola, just a short drive away.
What types of vacation rentals are available in Santa Cruz?
Uncover the perfect home-away-from-home with our diverse selection of vacation rentals in Santa Cruz. From over 780 house rentals to over 120 apartment rentals, we've got you covered.
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Santa Cruz?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 610 vacation rentals in Santa Cruz featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Santa Cruz
Total vacation rentals
Explore 1,400 vacation rentals in Santa Cruz
Verified guest reviews
Over 125,080 verified reviews to help you choose
Family-friendly vacation rentals
830 properties offer extra space & kid-friendly amenities
Pet-friendly vacation rentals
Find 380 rentals that welcome pets
Vacation rentals with a pool
100 properties feature pools
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
580 properties have a dedicated workspace
Wi-Fi availability
1,370 of Santa Cruz vacation rentals include wi-fi access
Popular amenities for guests
Guests love Beachfront, Self check-in, and Gym across Santa Cruz rentals
4.8 Average rating
Santa Cruz stays are highly rated by guests—averaging 4.8 out of 5!
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- Santa Cruz Beach
- Capitola Beach
- Stanford University
- Rio Del Mar Beach
- Carmel Beach
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Carmel Beach
- Seacliff State Beach
- SAP Center
- Montara State Beach
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
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- California’S Great America
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- New Brighton State Beach
- Bonny Doon Beach
- Sunset State Beach - California State Parks
- Half Moon Bay State Beach
- Asilomar State Beach
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
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