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Vacation rentals in Santa Cruz Mountains

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Popular amenities for Santa Cruz Mountains vacation rentals

Other great vacation rentals in Santa Cruz Mountains

Guest favorite
A well-equipped kitchen is showcased with a double sink under a window that invites natural light. White cabinetry and wooden countertops create a warm atmosphere. Shelving displays glassware, and a coffee machine is placed beside a vibrant houseplant for a touch of greenery.
Cabin in Santa Cruz
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 90 reviews

Robin’s Nest in the Redwoods

LaurenneRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
Robin’s Nest was such a beautiful getaway! Settled in the peaceful redwood forest above Santa Cruz (I rode my bike into town, which was fun!), it was a great place to escape the bustle, but close enough to enjoy some of the city’s amenities, food and culture. The bed was comfortable, kitchen was stocked, and the front deck/yard was such a lovely place for breakfast and morning coffee. I definitely plan on coming back when I need another escape!
Guest favorite
A charming yellow house is nestled among tall redwood trees, showcasing a spacious deck that extends toward the hillside. The home features blue-trimmed windows, and natural greenery surrounds the property, enhancing the serene forest setting.
Home in Felton
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 26 reviews

Lovely Home in the Redwoods

RyanRating, 5 stars1 month ago
A lovely little cabin in the rustic Lompico hills just outside of Felton. The open floor plan makes the cabin feel very roomy, and the bright interior, together with lots of natural light, makes the place feel very cheery and welcoming. The property sits on a half-acre of gently sloping land ringed by redwoods, it's gorgeous and peaceful. Our dog loved roaming, sniffing around and playing fetch with the tennis balls left by the host. Getting there is quite easy, just follow the host's directions...the narrow mountain road might seem a little daunting at first, but we got the hang of it quickly. About 5 minutes down the road is the Zayante general store for necessities and Felton proper is about 10 minutes away. Loch Lomond is also about 10 minutes away. Lompico is a beautiful area with a cool history (look it up!) and the perfect place to unwind. Thanks for having us!
Superhost
A modern kitchen features light wood cabinetry and a white countertop. A sink with a gold faucet is positioned under a large window, with utensils and a kettle neatly arranged nearby. Glass jars line a wooden shelf above the counter, adding to the organized look.
Guesthouse in Aptos
5 out of 5 average rating, 57 reviews

Casa de Rowan

KateRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
This place is absolutely incredible! It’s located in the mountains but not too far from town, it feels so peaceful when you are at the property and especially at Louie’s lookout. We stayed there for a week for our honeymoon, it’s within driving distance to so many special spots. Chris was awesome as well.
Top guest favorite
A cozy outdoor space is illuminated by warm string lights, creating a welcoming ambiance. A fire pit is surrounded by comfortable seating, and a small dining set is positioned nearby. The cabin stands nestled among towering trees, providing a serene forest setting.
Guest suite in Felton
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 202 reviews

Cozy Coastal Redwood Cabin

ClaireRating, 5 stars3 days ago
We had a wonderful stay in the cabin and were very comfortable. Tera and family were so sweet and helpful. Thank you for everything!
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
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 69 reviews

Santa Cruz A-Frame

YangRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
The Santa Cruz A-frame was such a serene retreat into the mountains for us, and an antidote to our overly digital and urban lives. Things we appreciated: easy parking, both an upstairs and downstairs bathroom, full kitchen supplies, private balcony, gorgeous forest views, creek in the back, and easy access to Loch Lomond (peddle boating on the lake was so peaceful), the redwood state park (hiking in the largely shaded trail was great on an otherwise sunny day), and local groceries and food (enjoyed the cute outdoor patio in the back of The Grove cafe and bakery). We had a wonderful rest!
Superhost
A cozy sleeping area within a geodesic dome features a spacious bed with neutral bedding. Large circular windows provide panoramic views of the surrounding greenery, while wooden furniture adds a natural touch. Soft light enhances the tranquil ambiance, inviting relaxation.
Dome in Watsonville
4.73 out of 5 average rating, 112 reviews

Apple view dome - stargazing galore!

HaroldRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
This was a great getaway in a beautiful countryside. If you're looking for something somewhat off-the-grid, I would wholeheartedly recommend this memorable little dome. Waking up to see and hear all the birds in the morning was lovely.
Guest favorite
A spacious back deck is set against a backdrop of towering redwood trees. Two lounge chairs are positioned for relaxation, accompanied by a small table with a potted plant. The warm wooden tones of the deck are complemented by natural forest surroundings.
Cabin in Bonny Doon
5 out of 5 average rating, 13 reviews

Eclectic Escape

MasonRating, 5 stars1 week ago
Staying at this cabin nestled in the heart of a redwood grove in the Santa Cruz mountains was truly magical. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this wasn't just a place to stay — it was a carefully curated experience. The host has thought of everything to make guests feel at home and beyond comfortable. The attention to detail was incredible: high-quality toiletries, a well-stocked pantry with essentials (and then some!), soft, luxurious bedding, and even thoughtfully placed candles that added a cozy, relaxing atmosphere. Every touch felt intentional and generous. What truly set this stay apart, though, was the host. Incredibly accommodating, kind, and flexible — they went out of their way to ensure every one of our needs was met with care and promptness. It’s rare to come across someone so committed to hospitality. Waking up surrounded by towering redwoods, with birdsong filtering through the trees, was unforgettable.
Guest favorite
Lush vineyard rows stretch across the foreground, leading towards a panoramic view of rolling hills. The sky is painted with soft pink and orange hues as the sun sets, creating a serene backdrop against the natural greenery.
Farm stay in Felton
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 95 reviews

Vineyard Retreat with Expansive Mountain View

MorganRating, 5 stars2 months ago
My husband used this spot to get ready for our wedding. While it was hard to get to, the instructions made it possible. The space was gorgeous inside and out and would have made a fantastic getaway. I would suggest getting there in daytime with lots of snacks so you don’t have to worry about leaving and coming back. This is a beautiful place to hunker down. She was thoughtful as well and left us champagne and chocolate!

Your guide to Santa Cruz Mountains

All About Santa Cruz Mountains

From the San Francisco Bay to the coastal community of Santa Cruz itself, the Santa Cruz Mountains are a collection of more than 125 peaks and adjoining ranges that rise from the coastal waters and head inland toward San Jose and the California interior. Due to its proximity to the humid coastal climate of the Pacific Ocean, many of the low-lying valleys contain temperate rainforest ecologies, with stands of old-growth forest in nearby state parks. These forests are also home to deer, mountain lions, bobcats, black bears, cougars, and the only marsupial native to North America, the Virginia opossum.

With hundreds of miles of trail systems that cross several state parks and preserves, there are opportunities to hike, bike, and play along the coastlines, among the forested valleys, and on top of Loma Prieta, the tallest mountain in the range. When deciding where to stay, there are numerous options. San Francisco to the north provides a more metropolitan feel, while San Jose in the east is a more sprawling suburban landscape. If you’re itching for a small-town experience, consider the beach community of Santa Cruz, where surfers and outdoor enthusiasts congregate.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Santa Cruz Mountains

The Santa Cruz Mountains encompass several microclimates with unique seasonal characteristics and variations. May through October provides the warmest temperatures and the lowest levels of rain. If you’re looking to take full advantage of outdoor opportunities, looking for cabins in Santa Cruz during these summer months may prove to be a good option. Seasonal variations in weather are minor, with only slight drops in temperature and moderate upticks in overall precipitation during the winter. Despite being only a few miles apart, the oceanside parks may have different climatic conditions from the higher peaks or inland valleys. Be sure to research the areas you intend to visit and plan accordingly.


Top things to do in Santa Cruz Mountains

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is home to some of California’s most majestic old-growth redwoods. Hiking trails and picnic areas amid the tall trees make for a great day of exploring the forests. Some of the park’s trees are more than two millennia old, and among the tallest living trees on earth. The Redwood Grove Loop Trail is one of the more popular trails in the park, with a wheelchair-accessible hike that is less than a mile long and takes visitors through some of the oldest redwoods in the area.

Felton Bridge

At more than thirty-five feet tall, this 1892 covered bridge is located on San Lorenzo River in the southern bounds of the Santa Cruz Mountains, just 15 minutes from Santa Cruz, and is said to be the tallest of its kind in the United States. After visiting the bridge and surrounding county park, the lumber town of Felton is worth exploring before heading back into the mountains. Check out some of the town’s mills, logging sites, and the mysterious Bigfoot Discovery Museum before crossing back over the bridge.

Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve

The Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve encompasses more than 19,000 acres of rugged wilderness in the eastern interior edges of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Miles of trails allow for the exploration of an ecological community that is quite distinct from the areas closer to the Pacific. The drier climate here provides conditions ideal for chaparral stands, sprawling grasslands, and oak forests that stand in contrast to the humid rainforest conditions found in the western reserves.

Destinations to explore