Vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County

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

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Top 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
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 174 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

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, 605 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.

Top guest favorite
A cozy living area showcases a wood-burning stove with a warm fire glowing inside. The walls are painted in a calming green hue, accented by rustic decor such as a mounted deer head and circular wall art. A view into another room is visible through French doors.
Cabin in Felton
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 195 reviews

Redwood cabin retreat + spa + dogs + A/C + creek

Escape to Whiskey Creek (Permit #231409), a peaceful cabin in the Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Relax in the private hot tub beneath towering trees, explore nearby trails, and return to a cozy wood-stove retreat just minutes from the beaches of Santa Cruz. Perfect for couples, families, and friends, Whiskey Creek offers a fire pit, A/C, Sonos speakers and fast Wifi. Minutes from Henry Cowell State Park, Roaring Camp, world-class mountain biking, and the coast. You will love it here!

Top guest favorite
A cozy, dark green cabin is nestled among towering trees, showcasing a large window and a glass-paneled door. Three steps lead to the entrance, surrounded by a natural landscape of redwoods.
Guesthouse in Felton
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 332 reviews

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.

Top guest favorite
A private yard is surrounded by tall trees, featuring a hot tub with bubbles rising to the surface. A hammock is visible to the side of the yard, alongside two Adirondack chairs. The cabin's entrance is shown, with a window allowing natural light to enter.
Cabin in Boulder Creek
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 133 reviews

Forest Cabin & Hot Tub

Take it easy in this cozy cabin retreat in the Santa Cruz Mountains. 30 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz and beaches. This charming 400 sq. ft. studio is the perfect setting to disconnect from city life and immerse yourself in the redwoods. The cabin features a queen bed, full bathroom, kitchen & BBQ. The private yard includes a hot tub, propane firepit and hammock to fully relax and unwind. Please note the cabin is on a one way, windy road. There is WiFi but no TV or A/C. SCC Permit# 241449

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, 206 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
Cabin in Boulder Creek
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 107 reviews

Either Way Hideaway

Relax and enjoy riverside views in our tranquil Santa Cruz Mountains guesthouse. Cozy by our fire pits, take a dip in a private hot tub and enjoy the sounds of the river flow by. Hike Big Basin, Castle Rock and Henry Cowell State Parks. Close to historic downtown Boulder Creek and the Santa Cruz boardwalk, it’s the perfect base for exploring Santa Cruz county. Immerse yourself in of nature while staying connected and comfortable. Either way, you’ll enjoy your stay! SCC Permit #251382

Top guest favorite
A hot tub is positioned under a wooden gazebo, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees. A colorful hanging chair is visible nearby, inviting relaxation. The outdoor space features a patterned area rug, and the sound of nature creates a tranquil ambiance.
Cabin in Soquel
5 out of 5 average rating, 237 reviews

Coastal Redwood Cabin | Hot tub | Private Creek

Welcome to our cozy cabin nestled in the serene beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains! Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of towering redwoods surrounding our charming studio-style cabin. Whether you're seeking a peaceful getaway or craving an adventure-filled retreat, our cabin offers the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. Follow us @thecoastalredwoodcabin We welcome one small pet (dogs only) to join in on the fun!

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, 217 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 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, 207 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!

Top guest favorite
A private living room features a wooden cabinet and a dark blue armchair beside a window with natural light. A small refrigerator and kettle are visible. A woven rug lies on the wooden floor, with magazines resting nearby, and greenery adds a touch of color.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 697 reviews

Town-and-Nature

Three beautiful, quiet, private and secure rooms within our home, with separate entrance. PLEASE NOTE: It is part of a home, not entire home as listing heading implies, due to Airbnb's limited choices. Lovely garden with outside sitting area. 20 minute footpath/walk to beach through green belt and harbor, great restaurants nearby including three at the beach, short drive to downtown for live music and arts. Host is German, practices acupuncture.

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, 139 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.

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