Family-friendly vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County

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

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.

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!

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

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.

Oceanview Family Playground

Family-friendly oceanview home at Pleasure Point. This inviting retreat offers a backyard play area, including a water table and climbing structure for the little ones. Enjoy outdoor dining, the BBQ grill, the hot tub, hammocks. Inside, take in two living areas, two en-suite bedrooms, toys, playhouse, and baby amenities. EV charger in garage. Nearby, find great surfing spots, a coastal bike trail, Capitola Village, and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Create memories at your Pleasure Point home!

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!

Coastal Architectural Gem in Capitola

A Nantucket-inspired cottage designed by award-winning architect Tobin Dougherty — featured in Sunset Magazine, Fine Homebuilding & Better Homes and Gardens. Don’t miss the signature Tower of Light: a family library with a plexiglass floor that floods the dining room below with sunshine. Three patios, including a front garden, a dining room terrace perfect for people-watching, and a second-story crow’s nest. Just .3 miles from Capitola Village, the beach, and the legendary Gayle’s Bakery.

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.

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.

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!

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.