Compare Vacation Rentals & Airbnb in Santa Cruz, CA

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Santa Cruz, CA vacation rentals
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647 Rentals and Airbnb in Santa Cruz, CA

Best family friendly Santa Cruz, CA vacation rentals

Among the 647 accommodations in Santa Cruz, CA, here are the 4 best family friendly rentals

Sunlit Surf Guest House Downtown (1bd/1ba) - Santa Cruz, CA
9.9 448 reviews

Sunlit Surf Guest House Downtown (1bd/1ba)

apartment, Santa Cruz
This charming apartment is just a stone's throw from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Wharf, and West Cliff Drive, making it ideal for exploring the vibrant heart of Santa Cruz. It consistently receives excellent ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience.
The apartment is a private back house, offering a tranquil retreat from the bustle of the city. Guests have access to a range of amenities, including beach cruisers, surfboards, and a fully equipped kitchen, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Luxury Ocean View W/ Hot Tub - Walk To Yacht Harbor, Beach & Dining - Santa Cruz, CA
10 75 reviews

Luxury Ocean View W/ Hot Tub - Walk To Yacht Harbor, Beach & Dining

apartment, Twin Lakes
This luxurious property, incorrectly described as a yacht, is a holiday home situated in Eastside Santa Cruz, California, a short distance from the Yacht Harbour and a block from the Sunday Farmers' Market.
The 265 square metre (2850 square feet) dwelling boasts four bedrooms, four bathrooms, sleeps ten guests, and includes a Jacuzzi, terrace, garden, and tennis court; nearby attractions include Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Ocean View
1 Block From The Beach
 Family Friendly - Santa Cruz, CA
9.8 306 reviews

Ocean View 1 Block From The Beach Family Friendly

apartment, Twin Lakes
This charming cottage is situated just a short 3-minute stroll from the beach in Santa Cruz, offering stunning ocean views from its decks and kitchen. It has consistently received excellent ratings for location, cleanliness, and user experience.
The property provides a spacious and comfortable living space, spanning 177 square metres and accommodating up to 8 guests. Enjoy the fully equipped kitchen, relaxing fireplace, private garden, and swimming pool, perfect for a memorable family getaway.
Sunny Private Bungalow - Santa Cruz, CA
10 19 reviews

Sunny Private Bungalow

apartment, Santa Cruz
This charming bungalow is situated in Santa Cruz's Eastside district, just 4km from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 6km from Monterey Bay, offering a peaceful retreat close to the action. It has consistently received excellent ratings from previous guests.
The one-bedroom property comfortably accommodates up to 3 guests and includes a living room, a dedicated workspace, and a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and electric kettle. Enjoy the beautiful Santa Cruz weather in the private garden with outdoor furniture, stay connected with Wi-Fi, and make the most of the nearby attractions and activities.

Best Santa Cruz, CA vacation rentals with a pool

Among the 647 accommodations in Santa Cruz, CA, here are the 4 best rentals with a pool

Chaminade Resort & Spa - Santa Cruz, CA
8.3 1331 reviews

Chaminade Resort & Spa

resort, Live Oak
Chaminade Resort & Spa in Live Oak is situated in the Santa Cruz mountains, 5 kilometres from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Pacific Avenue.
This resort offers a tranquil escape with amenities including a year-round outdoor pool, two restaurants, a spa, and complimentary WiFi, with car hire available for exploring the area's golfing opportunities.
La Bahia Hotel And Spa - Santa Cruz, CA
No reviews

La Bahia Hotel And Spa

resort, Santa Cruz
La Bahia Hotel and Spa is conveniently located in Santa Cruz, a short walk from the city centre and close to Santa Cruz Main Beach.
This pet-friendly hotel offers guests free Wi-Fi, a spa, and concierge services, along with business amenities including a conference room.
Spacious Santa Cruz Beach Home, Walk To The Ocean, Game Room, Pet Friendly! - Santa Cruz, CA
9.6 361 reviews

Spacious Santa Cruz Beach Home, Walk To The Ocean, Game Room, Pet Friendly!

apartment, Twin Lakes
This spacious house is located just steps from Twin Lakes Beach in Eastside Santa Cruz, offering a prime location close to the Santa Cruz Harbor, restaurants, and shops. The property has received excellent user ratings and is perfect for families and groups looking for a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the area.
The property spans over 372 square metres and comfortably accommodates up to 18 guests. The house features a fully equipped kitchen, a dedicated game room, multiple decks with views, a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a garden, a spa, a tennis court, and parking.
Blacks Beach Retreat,wi-fi, Near Harbor & Steps To Twin Lakes Beach! - Santa Cruz, CA
10 236 reviews

Blacks Beach Retreat,wi-fi, Near Harbor & Steps To Twin Lakes Beach!

apartment, Twin Lakes
This apartment is located in Eastside Santa Cruz, just a short walk from the private end of Twin Lakes Beach and within easy reach of the Harbour, Crow's Nest restaurant, Como di Lago Italian restaurant, and The Kind Grind Coffee Shop. The apartment is rated excellent by previous guests and offers a fantastic base for exploring the area.
This two-bedroom, three-bathroom home spans 130 square metres and comfortably accommodates up to six guests. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a private terrace, a swimming pool, a spa, and direct beach access, making it perfect for families and groups looking for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

Frequently Asked Questions about vacation rentals in Santa Cruz, CA

  • What should a first-time visitor not miss in Santa Cruz, CA?

    You definitely want to visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, it's a classic amusement park with a historic wooden roller coaster. The Santa Cruz Wharf is also a must-see, with shops, restaurants, and amazing views of the Monterey Bay.
  • What are the best Airbnb and vacation rentals in Santa Cruz, CA?

    Private Seabright Garden Apartment, Lovely Retreat Nestled In The Woods and Christine's Cottage are the most popular Airbnb and vacation rentals in Santa Cruz, CA among travelers.

  • Which neighborhood in Santa Cruz, CA should you consider for a vacation rental?

    The Seabright neighbourhood is a popular choice, as it's close to the beach and has a charming, relaxed vibe. You'll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops in the area.
  • What are the most popular Airbnbs in Santa Cruz, CA?

    Among the Airbnbs in Santa Cruz, CA, Lovely Retreat Nestled In The Woods, Private Seabright Garden Apartment and Garden Beach Cottage are the most popular ones.

  • What are the top family-friendly attractions in Santa Cruz, CA?

    The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a classic family-friendly destination. The rides are fun for all ages, and there are plenty of places to eat and shop. You can also visit the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, it's a great place to learn about marine life.
  • What are the best vacation rentals with a pool in Santa Cruz, CA?

  • When is the best time to book a vacation rental in Santa Cruz, CA?

    You'll want to book well in advance, especially if you're planning to visit during peak season, which is from June to August. The weather is best during those months, but it also gets very crowded. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in the spring or autumn.
  • What are the best rentals for families and kids in Santa Cruz, CA?

  • What events or festivals should visitors check out in and around Santa Cruz, CA?

    The Santa Cruz Wine and Food Festival is a great event for foodies, held in the spring. The Wharf to Wharf Race, a 10km race that starts at the Santa Cruz Wharf and ends in Capitola, is another popular event.
  • What are the best rentals or Airbnbs with a jacuzzi in Santa Cruz, CA?

  • What are the best budget-friendly activities in Santa Cruz, CA?

    You can take a walk or cycle along the scenic Coastal Trail, which stretches for 10km along the coast. The Santa Cruz Museum of Art is free on the first Thursday of every month.
  • What are the best restaurants with local dishes in Santa Cruz, CA?

    If you're looking for fresh seafood, try The Crow's Nest, they have a great view of the harbour. For a more casual experience, check out The Fish Hopper, they serve up classic fish and chips. If you're looking for something a bit more upscale, try The Blue Restaurant, they have a beautiful view of the ocean and serve up delicious Californian cuisine.
  • What are the best walking or cycling routes in Santa Cruz, CA?

    The Santa Cruz Wharf is a lovely place to walk, and you can also cycle along the beach. For a more challenging ride, try the West Cliff Drive, it's a scenic route with great views of the ocean. You can also cycle along the San Lorenzo River Trail, it's a flat, paved path that's perfect for a leisurely ride.
  • Are there pet-friendly attractions in Santa Cruz, CA?

    Yes, you can bring your furry friend to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, just be sure to keep them on a leash. You can also bring your dog to the Santa Cruz Wharf, just be sure to clean up after them. The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is also pet-friendly, just keep your dog on a leash and be respectful of other visitors.
  • What are the benefits of choosing a vacation rental in Santa Cruz, CA?

    Vacation rentals offer more space and privacy than a hotel, and they often come with amenities like kitchens and laundry facilities. They can also be a more affordable option, especially if you're travelling with a group or family.
  • What are the top sports attractions and facilities in Santa Cruz, CA?

    Santa Cruz is home to the Santa Cruz Warriors, the NBA G League affiliate of the Golden State Warriors. You can catch a game at the Kaiser Permanente Arena. There's also the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which has a variety of activities, including mini-golf, bowling, and an arcade. The area has a number of golf courses, including the Pasatiempo Golf Club, which was designed by the legendary architect, Alister MacKenzie.

Popular destinations

Best Santa Cruz, CA vacation rentals with a balcony

Santa Cruz Retreat Near Beach With Free Parking - Santa Cruz, CA
10 1 review

Santa Cruz Retreat Near Beach With Free Parking

house, Santa Cruz
This Santa Cruz cottage is a six-minute walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 2.1 kilometres from the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum.
This family-friendly holiday home offers 135 square metres of space, accommodating up to eight guests with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, complimentary Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and a balcony with sea views.
Beautiful View...and A Short Walk To Boardwalk! - Santa Cruz, CA
9.8 292 reviews

Beautiful View...and A Short Walk To Boardwalk!

apartment, Santa Cruz
This charming house is located in Westside Santa Cruz, just a short walk from Main Beach and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and within a 3.2 km drive of Monterey Bay. It has received excellent user ratings, making it a popular choice for travellers.
The property offers 167 square metres of space with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, comfortably accommodating up to 8 guests. The house is equipped with a kitchen, a terrace, a garden, parking, and free internet access, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
6+bd Downtown House Walk To Beach Boardwalk! - Santa Cruz, CA
9.6 8 reviews

6+bd Downtown House Walk To Beach Boardwalk!

apartment, Santa Cruz
This seven-bedroom Westside Santa Cruz holiday home is a two-minute walk from Pacific Avenue and a thirteen-minute walk (approximately 1 km) from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Sleeping fourteen guests, this property boasts a full kitchen, private garden, patio, covered parking, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a BBQ, placing it ideally for exploring attractions such as the Mystery Spot and Monterey Bay.
Seabright Sunset - Sunny Beach House - Santa Cruz, CA
10 27 reviews

Seabright Sunset - Sunny Beach House

apartment, Santa Cruz
This two-bedroom flat in Santa Cruz's Eastside is conveniently located a mere 300 metres from Seabright Beach and Twin Lakes State Beach, offering easy access to the Monterey Bay.
Guests can enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, on-site parking, a balcony with barbecue facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi, accommodating up to four people for a comfortable stay.

Best Santa Cruz, CA vacation rentals with parking

Giant Dipper House Near The Boardwalk - Santa Cruz, CA
9.7 175 reviews

Giant Dipper House Near The Boardwalk

house, Santa Cruz
This Santa Cruz townhouse is located just 1 kilometre from the Main Beach, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and the downtown shopping district, offering easy access to the town's main attractions. The property has consistently received excellent ratings for its location, cleanliness and overall experience.
The property offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms, comfortably accommodating up to six guests. The townhouse includes a fully equipped kitchen, a private garage with laundry facilities, a terrace, a garden, and air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Santa Cruz/seabright
Upper Harbor Attached Studio - Santa Cruz, CA
9.2 115 reviews

Santa Cruz/seabright Upper Harbor Attached Studio

house, Santa Cruz
This Seabright studio apartment in Santa Cruz is ideally located within easy walking distance of Seabright Beach, Arana Gulch park, and the Santa Cruz Harbor.
The self-contained unit sleeps three comfortably, features a kitchenette with an air fryer, free Wi-Fi and Netflix, plus outdoor patio seating and parking, making it perfect for exploring Santa Cruz.
Liberty Cottage - Walk To Beach - Santa Cruz, CA
9.9 89 reviews

Liberty Cottage - Walk To Beach

apartment, Santa Cruz
Liberty Cottage, in Santa Cruz, offers easy access to local attractions, though precise location details are not provided.
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom holiday home sleeps six, boasting a fully equipped kitchen, garden, parking, and outdoor amenities including a bocce ball court, BBQ, fire pit, and outdoor shower.
Beachcrest Cottage In Twin Lakes Beach - Santa Cruz, CA
10 4 reviews

Beachcrest Cottage In Twin Lakes Beach

apartment, Twin Lakes
This Eastside Santa Cruz flat offers direct beach access and is just metres from Twin Lakes attractions, including the Farmers Market, Twin Lakes State Beach, and The Crow's Nest restaurant.
Boasting 163 square metres of living space, this two-bedroom flat accommodates six guests and features a kitchen with a fridge, microwave, and dishwasher, along with a terrace, garden, parking, and outdoor entertainment spaces such as a firepit and heated shower.
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