Family-friendly vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County

Find and book unique family-friendly homes on Airbnb

Top-rated family-friendly rentals in Santa Cruz County

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

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Guest favorite
An A-Frame cabin is surrounded by lush greenery, positioned on elevated ground. A stone pathway leads to the entrance, flanked by wooden railings. The cabin features large glass panels on its façade, allowing natural light to flood the interior. A deck with seating overlooks the nature surroundings.
Cabin in Felton
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 188 reviews

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

Indoor spacesFamilyParks

Guest favorite
A uniquely designed treehouse is elevated among the trees, showcasing large glass windows and wooden beams. A wooden walkway leads up to the structure, enhancing the connection with the surrounding natural environment.
Treehouse in Aptos
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 612 reviews

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.

FamilyKitchenAmenities

Top guest favorite
A cozy living space is presented with a daybed adorned with an assortment of colorful pillows, complemented by a natural wood coffee table. Light enters through large windows, highlighting a vibrant piece of wall art. A small desk and chair are positioned nearby.
Guesthouse in Upper Seabright
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 772 reviews

Sunny Harborside Bungalow

Private small cozy 1 br/1ba bungalow. This space boasts a taste of Latin American beach, tile floors and wood furniture. Kitchenette with an induction burner and xl toaster oven (no range) , full size fridge, private patio seating, umbrella, tropical plants. Bathroom with a small shower. Curtained off bedroom with full closet, queen bed. Living room has day bed/couch with twin mattress for 3rd guest. Plz read “other details to note” before booking, turn on app notifications for communication.

Indoor spacesKitchenCheck-in

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, 142 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.

KitchenIndoor spacesHeating

Top guest favorite
A welcoming entryway is framed by vibrant flower beds, featuring red roses and lush greenery. Large windows allow natural light to brighten the exterior, while a bright red door serves as a focal point, inviting guests into the residence.
Apartment in Santa Cruz
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 579 reviews

Santa Cruz Comfort - Close Clean Convenient

Welcome to your Santa Cruz home away from home. Exclusive, private use of the fully appointed first floor of this beautiful, centrally located Santa Cruz residence in a family friendly neighborhood located on a very quiet street. 1200 square feet, spacious enough to affordably accommodate up to 6 friends and family members... and still cozy enough for romantic couples' getaways. Close to downtown, the beach and Boardwalk, forests, hiking, mountain biking, golfing, and UCSC.

FamilyKitchenSleep quality

Top guest favorite
A red picnic table is nestled among lush greenery, surrounded by orange trees and flowering plants. A peaceful garden setting is enhanced by a rock perimeter and various shrubs, creating a tranquil retreat perfect for outdoor meals or relaxation.
Guest suite in Santa Cruz
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 1189 reviews

Jade Studio by Beach at Jasmine Garden Oasis

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. Eco-mindful, bicycle rental nearby, allergy-free, healing sessions, low-EMFs--renewing for heart, body & soul. Sunrise/sunset at beach.

FamilyKitchenView

Top guest favorite
A wooden cabin is surrounded by tall redwood trees, featuring a large deck that extends around the building. The exterior showcases natural wood tones, with a chimney visible and a large window that invites light into the interior.
Cabin in Soquel
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 211 reviews

Redwood Ridge Retreat by the Sea

Unparalleled redwood seclusion at the top of a sunny ridge with a view of Monterey Bay. Just 10 mins to downtown Soquel and 15 mins to the Santa Cruz beaches. 40 mins to Silicon Valley, a rare property with a Big Sur feel close to everything. Vacation permit #191374. Enjoy cozy wood heat or cool shade provided by surrounding redwood and oaks. Extensive decks for outdoor dining, relaxing, yoga, sunbathing, birdwatching! We are happy to answer your questions!

KitchenFamilyDecor

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
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 223 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!

KitchenIndoor spacesGrill

Top guest favorite
A spacious living area features vaulted ceilings supported by wooden beams. A light-colored sofa and armchairs are arranged around a round coffee table. A wall art piece is visible, along with indoor plants, creating a comfortable and inviting space for relaxation.
Home in Felton
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 145 reviews

Mount Hermon Creekside Cottage

Have fun with the whole family at this adorable cottage nestled in the redwoods. (Permit Number 231151) Views of the creek and only steps to the conference center at Mount Hermon, less than 1/2 mile to the famous redwood forest of Henry Cowell; this home is perfect to stay in and relax or to go explore and use as a homebase. Newly remodeled kitchen, with everything you would need to host a dinner party, kids games, books, TV and so much more.

FamilyKitchenQuiet

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
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 429 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!

Indoor spacesKitchenBiking

Top guest favorite
A rustic caboose, painted in bright red, is nestled among lush green trees. Vintage machinery, featuring large wheels and a copper detail, is positioned nearby, surrounded by a gravel area. The ambiance is quietly rural, under the canopies of towering redwood trees.
Train in Cupertino
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 466 reviews

Caboose in the redwoods just outside of Cupertino

This rustic caboose is just 10 minutes from Cupertino and downtown Saratoga, perfect for both business travelers, outdoor adventurers, and everything in between. There are lots of nearby hiking and biking trails, as well as other exciting outdoor activities. Being so close to Silicon Valley, yet feeling so far from it all is a truly unique experience unlike anywhere else. Pets generally ok. Check with hosts. Pets must not be left alone.

KitchenIndoor spacesCleanliness

Guest favorite
Greenery surrounds the property, featuring an array of tall palm trees and lush vegetation. In the distance, a rolling hillside is visible against a blue sky mottled with clouds. A concrete path leads gently down the slope, enhancing the serene outdoor atmosphere.
Guest suite in Soquel
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 363 reviews

5 Acres Mountain Retreat - 2 BR / 1.5BA

SC County Short-Term Rental Permit #231090 Beautiful, two story, Mediterranean-style home. Private downstairs guest suite (750 sq ft) is available for our guests (2 bedrooms/1.5 baths/living area/kitchen nook). Mountain/Canyon views. Wildlife and tranquility. Lots of nearby restaurants. 5 mins to Capitola / 50 mins to Monterey/Carmel. Naima will be your hostess at the property.

KitchenFamilyAccess

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