Family-friendly vacation rentals in Santa Cruz

Find and book unique family-friendly homes on Airbnb

Quick stats about vacation rentals that are family-friendly in Santa Cruz

  • Total vacation rentals

    Explore 840 vacation rentals in Santa Cruz

  • Nightly prices starting at

    Santa Cruz vacation rentals start at G$14,640 GYD per night before taxes and fees

  • Verified guest reviews

    Over 62,970 verified reviews to help you choose

  • Pet-friendly vacation rentals

    Find 270 rentals that welcome pets

  • Vacation rentals with a pool

    60 properties feature pools

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    390 properties have a dedicated workspace

  • Wi-Fi availability

    830 of Santa Cruz vacation rentals include wi-fi access

  • Popular amenities for guests

    Guests love Kitchen, Wifi, and Pool across Santa Cruz rentals

  • 4.9 Average rating

    Santa Cruz stays are highly rated by guests—averaging 4.9 out of 5!

Top-rated family-friendly rentals in Santa Cruz

Guests agree: these family-friendly homes are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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Top guest favorite
The living area is adorned with warm wood paneling and features a cozy couch with colorful throw pillows. A glass coffee table sits in the center, while a television is positioned nearby. Natural light filters through the windows, highlighting the inviting atmosphere.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.79 out of 5 average rating, 702 reviews

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

Top guest favorite
A private entrance is visible, leading into the unit. Lush greenery hangs over the door, while a wooden deck offers space for relaxation. Potted plants surround the area, and BBQ grills are positioned near the poolside, enhancing the outdoor ambiance.
Guest suite in Scotts Valley
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 849 reviews

Snug and Cozy between the Skyline and the Sea

Super private, peaceful, and quiet; an excellent place for the traveler who is excited about exploring the Santa Cruz mountains and coast. Completely private In-law unit with extras needed to make it cozy. Snuggled between Scotts Valley, Felton, and Santa Cruz it's near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, 1440 Multiversity, and Mount Hermon Conference Center yet less than an hour from Silicon Valley. The Airbnb cleaning handbook is followed making this one of the cleanest places you’ll stay at!

Top guest favorite
A spacious living area features comfortable seating with a light-toned sofa and two woven armchairs. A round coffee table sits at the center, and large windows adorned with bamboo shades allow natural light to fill the room, creating a serene atmosphere.
Townhouse in Santa Cruz
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 197 reviews

Beach Hill Hideaway - Steps to Beach & Boardwalk

Escape to Beach Hill Hideaway, a bright 2,000 sq ft, 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Santa Cruz. Perfect for families and friends, it’s just steps from the Beach Boardwalk, Wharf, and downtown. One side of a duplex, it shares one wall with neighboring Unit A while offering a private entrance and outdoor spaces. Enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, free parking, EV charger, A/C, outdoor shower, BBQ, fire pit, Roku TV, piano, books, games, yoga mats, and workspace. Walk everywhere from this prime location!

Top guest favorite
A balcony with modern wicker seating is shown, offering a view of the ocean in the distance. Potted plants add a touch of greenery, while the wooden flooring complements the contemporary design of the home.
Home in Santa Cruz
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 101 reviews

Contemporary Seabright Beach House

Steps from the sand, this contemporary Seabright beach home is the perfect upscale beach getaway. The home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and sleeps 6 comfortably. Master bedroom features a king bed and private bath with deep oval soaking tub. Two guest rooms feature a queen bed and two twin beds. The living area is tastefully decorated and thoughtfully appointed with push button fireplace, large 4k TV, Jambox, PS4, etc. Did we mention the living area has a direct view of the beach and ocean?

Guest favorite
A charming red cottage is presented, featuring large glass windows and a sturdy staircase leading to the entrance. The exterior showcases a combination of rustic wood and modern elements, surrounded by greenery. Boogie boards are visible near the entrance, hinting at beachside adventures.
Cottage in Santa Cruz
4.8 out of 5 average rating, 562 reviews

Amazing Seabright Beach Cottage

Classic and sweet Santa Cruz cottage. This is literally our Grandma's beach house. 3 bedroom home that is 2 doors away from one of the best beaches in Santa Cruz. 2 queen bedrooms upstairs and 1 full downstairs. Could be described as "shabby chic" but we see it as the adorable original rustic vacation house it was built as and has been its whole 130 years. The kitchen is updated but maintains it's old charm. The rest (aside from the addition of indoor plumbing) is still pretty much the same.

Guest favorite
The exterior of the two-story home showcases a modern design with a combination of wood and gray siding. A large window allows natural light to enter, while a tree provides shaded greenery in the front. A walkway leads to the entrance, and parking spaces are visible.
Home in Capitola
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 140 reviews

Capitola Village Wind + Sea Home

Our beautifully renovated 2 bedroom (Both upstairs) and 2 full bathrooms (One on the ground floor and one on the upper floor) along with a ground floor plush queen sleeper sofa and ground floor great room with dining for 7 plus a bar table separating the kitchen from the living room is in the perfect location. Walk to the beach, shops, restaurants, or a nice walk along the river. We are right in the Capitola Village. We hope you enjoy your stay. If you have questions, we respond promptly.

Top guest favorite
The exterior of a two-story carriage house is displayed, featuring a spacious driveway and large garage doors. Lush greenery surrounds the area, contributing to a serene garden setting. Bright blue skies complement the well-maintained landscaping, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere.
Guesthouse in Santa Cruz
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 347 reviews

Charming Light-Filled Carriage House Apartment

Our 1928 carriage house apartment is walking distance to the Boardwalk, beach, wharf, basketball stadium, and downtown. Cowells and Main Beaches, Steamers Lane, Boardwalk, wharf, and West Cliff Drive (path along the ocean) are all a quick 5 min walk from our house. The apartment is located in a private garden setting, away from the main street, behind our home. There is a separate dedicated garden space for you to use. We hope you will love this historical neighborhood as much as we do!

Top guest favorite
The view captures the ocean and sandy beach from a spacious deck, framed by tall trees. Clear blue skies and calm waters are visible, while a dining area with wooden chairs is set up on the deck, inviting relaxation and enjoyment of the surroundings.
Home in Santa Cruz
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 213 reviews

Beach Front Dream House! Hottub/E-Bikes/Surfboards

Permit# 231467 Incredible modern home just steps from the best beach in all of Santa Cruz! Ocean and sand views, listen to the waves as you sleep on designer beds, cook in the chefs kitchen, and soak in the hot tub. Perfect central location, less than 5 minutes to boardwalk and downtown. 5 minutes to colorful Capitola village. 9 minutes to UC Santa Cruz Campus. 4 Electric bikes, 4 surfboards, and a kayak to take out and play in the waves! Plus the beach is right out front to enjoy!

Guest favorite
A serene bedroom is showcased with a spacious bed adorned with a light cover and decorative pillows. A large photo of a pier at sunset decorates the wall above the bed. Two windows and skylights allow natural light to illuminate the room, complemented by bedside lamps.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 321 reviews

Lower Westside Sanctuary by Natural Bridges Beach

From our family of beach bums to yours: welcome to our newly remodeled, coastal sanctuary on the quiet lower Westside of Santa Cruz. Stroll 5 minutes to Natural Bridges Beach by day. By night, stargaze from the hot tub or gather around the gas fire pit. Wildlife abounds: from our resident hummingbirds and butterflies at home to occasional seal, otter and whale sightings at Natural Bridges. Hungry/thirsty? Stroll 10 minutes to the heart of Santa Cruz’s beer, wine, and foodie scene!

Top guest favorite
An open kitchen and living area are highlighted, featuring a modern counter with three bar stools. Bright wood flooring complements the white cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. A dining table for four is visible in the background, seamlessly connecting the spaces.
Home in Upper Seabright
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 425 reviews

Sunny Seabright Beach House

Sunny beach house located in Midtown, Santa Cruz. Amazing location with a five minute walk to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Just a few blocks from Seabright Beach, the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor and some of the best local restaurants and breweries in town. The home boasts a well-furnished rooftop deck, a beautiful open floor plan, and a fully equipped kitchen. This house is cozy, bright, and inviting. You will surely love your stay here!

Guest favorite
Home in Santa Cruz
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 167 reviews

Oceanfront Beach House overlooking the Boardwalk

Welcome to this stunning home located on West Cliff Drive! This one-of-a-kind property offers an unforgettable vacation experience with its ideal location and breathtaking natural beauty. This home consists of 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, and two private decks that provide the perfect vantage point to soak in the panoramic view of the beach, Boardwalk, and Wharf.

Guest favorite
A spacious deck is visible, adorned with modern outdoor furniture and surrounded by lush greenery, creating an inviting outdoor space. Large sliding glass doors lead into a bright interior with a cozy seating area and a fireplace, blending the indoor and outdoor environments.
Home in Aptos
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 269 reviews

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 and a projector. We do not have a standard TV or channels.

Popular amenities for Santa Cruz family-friendly rentals

When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz?

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg. priceG$69,646 GYDG$68,600 GYDG$73,829 GYDG$75,711 GYDG$82,613 GYDG$94,953 GYDG$92,443 GYDG$87,842 GYDG$75,502 GYDG$71,946 GYDG$77,175 GYDG$76,966 GYD
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