House vacation rentals in Santa Cruz

Find and book unique houses on Airbnb

Quick stats about house rentals in Santa Cruz

  • Total vacation rentals

    Explore 840 vacation rentals in Santa Cruz

  • Verified guest reviews

    Over 59,420 verified reviews to help you choose

  • Family-friendly vacation rentals

    630 properties offer extra space & kid-friendly amenities

  • Pet-friendly vacation rentals

    Find 230 rentals that welcome pets

  • Vacation rentals with a pool

    20 properties feature pools

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    360 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 house rentals in Santa Cruz

Guests agree: these houses are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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Superhost
A comfortable hammock hangs from a porch, offering a relaxing spot with an unobstructed view of the ocean. The surrounding scenery features vibrant greenery and a glimpse of passing vehicles along the road, enhancing the coastal atmosphere.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.83 out of 5 average rating, 375 reviews

Full Ocean View Cottage!HotTub+Bikes+Srfbrds+Kayak

Our cute beach home offers the best Santa Cruz location! First house in from the ocean, with fantastic ocean views. Watch whales passing by from the deck, ride the bikes down beautiful west cliff drive to the Boardwalk and Wharf down the street, take the surfboards out to Steamer Lane, launch the 2 person sea kayak from the harbor (already there, ready to launch), and come back to soak in the hot tub. **Are you getting a message from Airbnb blocking you from booking? Message us we can fix it**

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, 696 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 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 out of 5 average rating, 100 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
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, 131 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 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 out of 5 average rating, 201 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, 314 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!

Guest favorite
An open-concept living space features a white couch adorned with colorful cushions, a light blue area rug, and a small dining table with stools. The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, and large windows allow natural light to flood the room, highlighting beach-themed decor.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 204 reviews

Mermaid Cottage - Walk to Beach+Boardwalk+Downtown

Welcome to the Mermaid Cottage located in the heart of Santa Cruz! This cute and cozy retreat is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun. Just a short walk away, you'll find yourself on the sandy shores of Cowell's Beach, where you can swim, surf, or just relax and soak up the sun. And if you're looking for some excitement, the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is also just a short stroll away. Short-term rental permit (STR22-0024) Transient Occupancy Tax No. 002482

Guest favorite
A uniquely designed white structure with rounded walls and irregularly shaped windows is surrounded by lush greenery. The building features a staircase leading to the upper level, and various plants and landscaping enhance the tranquil outdoor environment.
Home in La Selva Beach
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 116 reviews

Unique Sculptured House with Private Beach Access

Escape from the outside world to this one of a kind ROMANTIC Sculpture House. Enjoy its unique design, white rounded walls, sitting nooks, gas dome fireplace, and beautiful tranquil gardens. Sit back and relax in the rounded sunken bathtub perfect for two. This is the perfect romantic getaway and just one block away from private beach access. Named one of the most stunning Airbnb's in Santa Cruz. Enjoy more fun with zero extra Airbnb fees—we've got you covered!

Top guest favorite
The open-concept kitchen and living area feature a clean design with white cabinetry and a blue-tiled backsplash. A large window allows natural light to fill the space, illuminating the gray sofa and wooden coffee table. Four white bar stools are positioned at the kitchen island.
Home in Santa Cruz
5 out of 5 average rating, 216 reviews

Serene luxury beach bungalow in Pleasure Point

Just steps away from the breathtaking Santa Cruz coast lies Bungalow318. This 1940's bungalow has been meticulously renovated and is ready for your relaxing retreat, romantic getaway, surfing adventure or family vacation. Relax in the open concept family room, enjoy a day at the beach or surfing world-class surf breaks, lounge in the hot tub and spend a cozy evening on the patio lounge in front of a warm fire. The ways to enjoy this special property are endless!

Top guest favorite
A bright, airy sleeping area with a spacious bed centered beneath a sloped ceiling. Multiple windows allow natural light to fill the room. A wooden desk and chair are positioned against one wall, complemented by a small wicker chair nearby and an accent cabinet.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 174 reviews

Beach Suite

Welcome to your cozy private space, 1.5 blocks from a great local beach! The space is in a great centrally located neighborhood between downtown Santa Cruz and Capitola Village. Fully private suite with King size bed, living space and bathroom . A great location, charming, classic and cozy space. Many local beaches within walking distance. Soft top longboards, boogie boards, beach chairs, beach accessories available for use. No Animal Allowed!

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, 413 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 Aptos
4.83 out of 5 average rating, 437 reviews

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

Popular amenities for Santa Cruz house rentals

When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz?

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg. priceG$69,360 GYDG$68,110 GYDG$73,526 GYDG$72,901 GYDG$72,901 GYDG$85,190 GYDG$91,230 GYDG$87,481 GYDG$75,192 GYDG$71,859 GYDG$77,900 GYDG$78,316 GYD
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