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, 184 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

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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

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Top guest favorite
A welcoming living space features a comfortable armchair positioned next to a wooden coffee table. Natural light enters through double doors that lead to an outdoor patio area. Decorative elements, such as artwork and a light fixture, add character to the room.
Condo in Upper Seabright
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 348 reviews

Welcome to Harbor House. Your Favorite Home at the Beach.

Prepare to enjoy this retreat close to the ocean with warm light and comfortable furnishings. Relax and experience a beautiful sense of calm from this quiet retreat. Murray Street Bridge is closed for repair INDEFINITELY Relax and enjoy the new fire pit table during the cool summer nights on the updated deck or enjoy a dinner under the stars using the new BBQ in the new outdoor dining area. **BBQ AND FIRE PIT TABLE are for (June-Sept)This property is not suitable for guests under 12 years old.

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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, 102 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?

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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, 199 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!

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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, 141 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.

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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, 214 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!

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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, 576 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.

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Top guest favorite
A bright entryway features a wooden front door with glass panels. To the left, a plush gray sofa is accompanied by a small side table. A dining space is visible through an archway, highlighted by two pendant lights above a wooden table. Green plants add a touch of nature.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 277 reviews

Quiet Beach Cottage in the heart of Capitola

Nestled into the heart of Capitola, this beach cottage is walking distance to the best of Capitola (Rental Permit #261046). Newly remodeled stunning two bedroom home, two bath, with a Pottery Barn pull out couch, this home is built for comfort and relaxation. Walking distance to Capitola Village(1 mile) and pleasure point (.5). Just blocks to the beach, local breweries, restaurants, shopping and iconic surfing. This home was designed for a peaceful getaway!

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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, 143 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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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, 426 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!

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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.

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Popular amenities for Santa Cruz County vacation rentals

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