Discovered in the 18th century, this Californian coastal city means “Holy Cross” in Spanish. Downtown Santa Cruz is a good place to start exploring if it’s your first time in the area. You’ll find original art and a merry throng of street entertainers. The greenbelt open space and city parks are popular among families and health buffs. But the beaches and piers framed by colorful houses are the main attractions of Santa Cruz, while the marine protected areas are also worth visiting. Spend a holiday sailing and deep-sea diving one day and paddleboarding and swimming the next. Most locals also drive to Santa Cruz to surf. Head to the Boardwalk to ride a vintage roller coaster and see Surf City from another point of view. For accommodation, check out the best luxury rentals in Santa Cruz, California.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to luxury services and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 12, 2024.
1. The Captains Quarters (from USD 1063)
This well-provisioned mansion ensures eight guests a grand time in Santa Cruz. The Captains Quarters redefines luxury living, offering three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and ocean views throughout. The wraparound decks of this family home are ideal hangouts for guests.
The cul-de-sac location gives the occupants unparalleled privacy on Twin Lakes Beach. There is freshly caught seafood on the wharf, so fish can be on the menu daily, but there are restaurants nearby if you’re too busy to cook. At night, fire rings at the beach call out for a bonfire or two.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
two kitchens and 3 bathrooms 1 nicely remodeled makes for nice amenitiesit is comfortable though and dogs are allowedHost:
plus the beachnest staff was responsive and helpfuli highly recommend the property but encourage owner to address deferred maintenancethe place overlooks a beautiful swimming beach and both the beach and house are dog friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is amazingthe location is greatthe house is in a perfect locationit's great to be able to walk to the crows nestthe view from the house is awesome and the location is unbeatable
2. Executive retreat with backyard
Here is a contemporary three-bedroom nest with a backyard. Once featured in a magazine, this two-story house is a signature architectural gem with a spacious driveway. Use of the garden and courtyard is possible for booked guests.
A wood-burning fireplace will keep away the cold. There is a balcony with a splendid view when you are ready to bask in the California sun. Check out the kitchen with a Viking range and Cuisinart appliances. If you have to work, the desk and leather recliners in the den should do well as a luxurious office space.
Santa Cruz, California, United StatesAccommodates: 8
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsLocation:
great place and location we will definitely come backgreat place awesome location comfy bedsgets great sun with all the windows and super close to west cliff
3. Enormous villa for a seaside retreat (from USD 1809)
The Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf are a stroll away from this nine-bedroom villa with a four-car garage. The bedrooms, bathrooms, and common areas are spread around three floors, all done with travertine flooring. A splendid experience awaits your party, which starts in the roomy living areas and ends in the rooftop patio.
There are two full kitchens where the group’s chefs can cook up a feast for everyone. You can all sit down for meals on the dining set that sits 20 people. This vacation home boasts an expansive patio where you can drink, feast, and relax while enjoying views of Monterey Bay. The property has an outdoor kitchen and shower, too.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
penthouse patio with outdoor kitchen was awesomethe apartment units are really spacious and very well designedCleanliness:
very nice and clean propertyoverall cleanliness is goodit was clean beautifully furnished well-stocked with everything we neededHost:
the owner and property management were greatthe owner was very accommodating and helpfuland the owners are amazinggreat property for our annual staff retreatderek was a fantastic host and each of our guests had a wonderful timeRead more reviewsLocation:
great location -- easy walk to everythingperfect location and beautiful homethe location is good as wellfantastic location for a small management meetingfabulous location that we would return to in a heartbeat
4. Phenomenal estate in Upper Seabright (from USD 1250)
Stay in a historical home with a deck overlooking the Boardwalk for a different kind of holiday experience. The unique character of the main house is undeniable. All two floors and four bedrooms are available to guests. This rental has a library with books, art supplies, and games for kids. There is also a manual with instructions and activity guides for tourists traveling to Santa Cruz for the first time.
It is a cheerful home and a sanctuary with private grounds. The caretaker lives on the premises if you ever need anything. The beach waits for the next visitor right after the park, while in another direction is a local store of sweets and treats.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen was amazing and the deck was awesomeall of us enjoyed the beautiful kitchen expansive deck and the large well kept yardthe house was beautiful well maintained and with a professional style kitchenCleanliness:
the house was super cute and clean we had the best timeHost:
owners were very responsivethe owners are very responsive to any inquiry or need and the house is meticulously maintainedcamille was very helpful and responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was perfectthe rooms were great and easy locationan ideal place for a vacation either as a couple or with family
5. Expansive property with hot tub (from USD 900)
This spacious house for ten has three bedrooms, a hot tub, an outdoor shower, and a fire pit. From this rental, skilled surfers can head to Steamer Lane while butterfly enthusiasts can watch the monarchs at Natural Bridges State Park. At a cove nearby, novices can try out surfing in between bouts of paddleboarding and swimming. Boat tours launch directly from the shore.
This property is in the center of local surf culture. From the side porch and front patio, you can drink coffee while pondering the serene beauty of Monterey. Drink to the wharf lights after your surfing adventures and downtown excursions.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
bedrooms were clean linens were freshstocked with everything one would need to cook clean and entertain family and friends just bring the groceriesHost:
property manager is also very nice and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
very nice property with a great location across from the oceanprime location walking distance to boardwalk beautiful view from the living roomthe location like all homes on west cliff is perfect to watch the world go byincredible location celebrated a birthday with 6-8 lifelong friends and we loved the house
6. Opulent family-friendly beach house (from USD 188)
The seashore is only two blocks away from this upscale beach house with three bedrooms. This elegant rental features modern construction, thoughtful design, and updated appliances for an ideal escape. The balcony is a prime spot to watch the rollercoasters on the Boardwalk.
One parking space is available to guests. You can ask the host for tips about additional parking spaces if your company is bringing more than one vehicle. Guests must take note that the complex contains three separate properties, and access to the front yard are given to a specific set of guests.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the internet is really fast (65+ mbps even outside on the upstairs deck) thanks to the mesh wifiappreciated the washer and dryer and the kitchen suppliesthe house was in impeccable shape with comfortable bedsthe washer/dryer also worked really well and the kitchen was nicewe loved this bright airy space with comfortable beds and lovely common spacesCleanliness:
the unit was clean and well furnishedmodern decor clean impeccably maintained inside and outsideclean and stocked with everything you need for getawaythis is a very nice modern clean and comfortable housesuper clean and convenient for our entire family with little onesHost:
the hosts were responsive and hospitablehosts are responsive and helpfulthis was a wonderful host to communicate withowners were quick to respond and friendlyhosts responded quickly with booking and any questions we had would definitely stay againRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and very comfortablegreat location walking distance to the beach and the boardwalkwonderful spot & easy walking distance to many sitesgreat location — 3 minute walk to seabright beach; 7 minute walk to the boardwalka great place to stay and be so close to everything
Superhost
7. Grand estate with treehouse (from USD 1050)
Modern architecture and stylish architecture greet guests of this Airbnb Plus property. It’s only 40 minutes by car from the airport, while the Boardwalk is 20 minutes away on foot through a park. The Le Corbusier chair makes the view from the bay window even more exquisite. A professional chef will find the kitchen more than suitable with its Wolf stove and two dishwashers.
Designer touches make the house even more interesting, and there is a library with a respectable selection of books for children and adults. Hidden among the redwoods is a treehouse. You can lose yourself on the grounds or go cycling in the park before heading downtown.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
oh and the bed sheets were divinethere was even a room filled with books and games that my children lovedthe rooms are spacious well designed and comfortablebeds were super comfortable and lots of room for our kids and guests to roam and relaxthe beds were comfortable and the kitchen was fully stockedCleanliness:
the kitchen is well stocked and very cleanthe beds were so comfortable and the entire place was very clean2) the home is clean and spaciouswe all felt at home and slept well in the cozy and clean bedsHost:
our host was also extremely helpfulthe owners were a pleasure to work withcamille was a great communicative & helpful host would definitely stay here againgreat playground just a few houses down too great hosts awesome instruction book will recommend to otherscamille is a fantastic host incredibly helpful with everything we threw at herRead more reviewsLocation:
great location in santa cruzgreat location about a mile from the boardwalk with bakeries and restaurants in close proximity toowonderful location: walking distance to parks restaurants and barsgreat place to stay so close to everything from the boardwalk to the grocery stores etcgreat market downtown boardwalk all within walking distance
8. Luxurious beach bungalow with hot tub (from USD 466)
This family-friendly accommodation features two bedrooms and a hammock. Four beach cruisers, a hot tub, and a game room are the top amenities of this upscale beach house. Guests may leave the car and take a stroll downtown. See the sights and check out the shops at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, then return to your cozy lodgings without losing a beat.
The backyard has a swimming pool, a basketball court, and a ping pong table. The easy ambiance inside and outside the house will make you appreciate luxurious living even more.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very clean cool game roomdavid’s place is great it was clean roomy for 5 and you can’t beat the locationHost:
he was very accommodating and the yard was so lovelyRead more reviewsLocation:
super cozy clean spot in a great location in santa cruz
9. Lovely spot in Westside Santa Cruz
This oceanfront Spanish villa features a hot tub, a furnished patio with an excellent view, and a detached guest house. The West Cliff Promenade is right across the street. If you have time to cook, you can partake in sumptuous meals at your exclusive alfresco dining area. Walkable destinations include Lighthouse Point, the wharf, and the Boardwalk.
The living room has a fireplace, and the kitchen is fully stocked with upscale amenities and a two-seater bar. The dining area looks out to the ocean. The primary bedroom has a queen-sized bed and a walk-in shower in the en-suite bathroom.
Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy :
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
loved the view chairs n living room allowed relaxed full view all day longfresh flowers in every roomreviewer comments: the view is everything kitchen was well stockedthe home is so comfortable with all the amenities neededthere were fresh flowers in many of the rooms when we were there which made me happyCleanliness:
very clean and with everything you needthe house was clean kitchen adequately stocked for preparing mealsvery nice and clean with a great viewthe vacation rental was very cleanhome was very cleanHost:
host was very responsive to all of our questionsrating details: the property manager was very helpfulrating details: the property manager was very helpfulrating details: the property manager was very helpfulrating details: the property manager was very helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was basically perfect for allthe house was great and it's located within walking distance to the down town areareviewer comments: the house was well stocked and super cute with a great locationparking was easy and close to surf spots restaurants etcsanta cruz is a favorite location for us
10. Corner beach home with upstairs deck and patio
Experience upscale living in this three-bedroom beach home. The backyard patio is a good space to hang out, but you will be happy to spend time at the upstairs deck or the open-plan living room. Have a stimulating conversation in a great room with a fireplace, then share a hot meal on the glass-topped table for six. Luxurious amenities include a walk-in shower, a well-appointed master bedroom, and top-of-the-line security.
Lighthouse Beach State Park, the home of monarch butterflies, is right across the street. Restaurants and shops are nearby, and you can enjoy a walk back to the house in the sunset. Better yet, sign up for a sunset bay tour, or take your first surfing lesson.
Santa Cruz, California, United StatesAccommodates: 8
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the open kitchen and deck enjoy these viewsCleanliness:
the place was very clean and it was nicely decoratedthe two other bedrooms are a little more shabby chic but very cleanvery clean well equipped kitchen spacious nice patios decks and backyardHost:
i was impressed by the response time and help provided by the hostRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful spot great location nice housethe location was fabulousbeautiful location right next to beach and trailseasy access to walking path pier downtown boardwalk beachvery nice location some ocean view
Bask in the sun in vibrant Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a coastal tourist destination with thriving surf culture, a year-long summer vibe, and a fine selection of vacation rentals. Book an upscale accommodation in Santa Cruz because you deserve to live life to the fullest in Surf City.
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