Santa Cruz County is on the central coast of California facing the Pacific Ocean. In the late 18th century, it was named Branciforte but two months later, it was renamed Santa Cruz, meaning “Holy Cross.“ Today, it’s a bustling area surrounded by beautiful landscapes with state parks, markets, museums, and wineries. Santa Cruz Mountains and redwood forests are popular for hiking or retreating away from the city. Visitors to the coast can witness sea lions on the beach, seagulls flying overhead, and whales breaking in the ocean. If you’re looking for a vacation with beaches, nightlife, or a peaceful retreat in the woods, then check out our list of the 10 best vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County, California.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 09, 2024.
1. Modern condo with sweeping ocean views (from USD 200)
This two-bedroom condo offers panoramic views of the ocean with Rio del Mar beach being a 10-minute walk away. It has a fully equipped kitchen with granite counters that lets you prepare a meal easily. The living area has large windows that overlook the surf, but you can go to the connecting deck outside for a better view of the ocean. This pet-friendly condo has two high-definition TVs, wifi, and a laundry area. When you walk towards the beachfront, you will come across cafes, delis, markets, restaurants, and stores. You can also go to Aptos Village County Park and Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, which are only a 20-minute walk away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view from the living room was breathtakingamazing view very comfortable condospent most our time whale watching from the balcony amazing apartment more then our expectationgreat place to stay lots of room and terrific viewsnice hike to sea scape resort for breakfast or lunchCleanliness:
the condo was very clean and decorated nicelyvery clean with comfortable beds great for two couplesthe condo was very clean and felt very bright and updatedit is very cleanclean place super easy check-inHost:
sundeep was very responsive when we contacted him with questions and a maintenance concerncomfortable beds too great hostthank you for hosting usowner(s) seemed very nice & sincerewe enjoyed our stay and rama was very responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and cute town to explorethis place is in a great location close to everythingit's a perfect locationit is fun being close to the cement ship and miles of beach to walka good food store and wine shop are a quick drive away
Superhost
2. Quaint forest cottage with a hot tub (from USD 185)
This one-bedroom cottage in a redwood forest is in the heart of Ben Lomond. It’s the perfect getaway retreat for a couple or a quiet vacation for a small family. Inside, a comfortable queen bed awaits with an extra pull-out bed in the living area. You can prepare meals in the fully equipped kitchen and eat on the spacious picnic deck surrounded by trees. While here, you can spend the whole day grilling on the barbecue, lazing in the hammock, or watching the kids play on the swing set. To cap it off, this cottage has a luxurious outdoor hot tub and shower.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there is a fireplace heater in the living room which is super (cozy)we loved everything about the home the kitchen the bedroom the deck & the hot tubalso enjoyed having the full kitchen to cook up a nice dinnerhot tub is amazing with an outdoor shower in the redwoodsCleanliness:
very clean woodsy but sunny country charm clean comfortablethe place is clean beautiful and amazingit is private and very cleanthe place is wonderful it was clean throughout the housethe house was super clean and had all the necessities availableHost:
our host was quick and responsiveellen is also a wonderful hostellen is a super hostellen is wonderful host and her home far exceeded my expectationsellen was so kind and welcoming and her home was cozy and charmingRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was very peacefulthe location is beautiful and quietthe location is perfect only six minutes from the cute town of feltonbeautiful little place for quick gateway close to homeellen’s place was a perfect location for a weekend getaway
3. Studio-type cabin with an outdoor bathtub and shower (from USD 98)
This studio-type cabin can accommodate two guests, which is perfect for a quiet couple’s retreat. Tucked in the woods up in Scotts Valley, one of its highlights is the ensuite bathhouse with a clawfoot bathtub and shower, where you can bathe with a stunning view of the surrounding forest. It has an outdoor firepit, small gas grill, and hammock nearby. Inside, a comfortable queen-sized bed and mini-fridge await when you’re ready to turn in for the night. If you want to go hiking, Glenwood Preserve is a 10-minute drive away, and you can go kayaking in the nearby creeks. You can travel to the coast for the beaches, which is about a 40-minute drive down.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
sleeping cabin wonderfully cozy and plenty warm with the space heateroutdoor tub was the highlight room was as expected and on the small sidethe bed and pillows are amazing although if you’re not into non septic toilets i’d definitely look elsewherethe enclosed outdoor tub and shower is aesthetic private and soothing to say the leastpretty interesting place glamping vibes the outdoor bathroom is so sick and the fire pit was relaxingCleanliness:
very clean and niceit was also very cleanthe studio was very clean and the bed was comfortablethe place was clean and the bath house was a neat experienceeverything was very clean and it was a perfect way to relax in natureHost:
the host is also amazingstephanie was an amazing host very responsive and helpfulstephanie was also very responsive and sweetstephanie is very responsive and professional as a host & extremely helpfuli appreciated stephanie being so attentive and respectfulRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful location in the woodsthe space and location was perfectbeautiful location cozy renewing staygreat place to get away from it allit made my birthday so memorable and special and the location was a huge plus
4. Modern townhome with a remote-controlled fireplace (from USD 300)
This three-bedroom townhome is in a charming residential community. It’s three blocks away from the beautiful Seascape Beach. Inside, the hardwood floors of the roomy living area, remote-controlled gas fireplace, and flat-screen TV await you. The kitchen is fully equipped so you can prepare meals for your group or family and enjoy it in the backyard with a glass of wine. Seascape Golf Club, Rio del Mar Beach, and La Selva Beach are less than 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) away. Out by the coast, you might see dolphins and sea otters playing by the surf during the day. For some exercise, you can go biking or hiking at Nisene Marks Park.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds were super comfy as well as the rest of the home’s accommodationsthe beds were comfortable and the gas insert was welcomegreat beds comfortable furniture well stocked kitchen and bathrooms easy to have my dog herethe townhouse is set up to make any stay as comfortable and convenient as possibleCleanliness:
condo smelled of popcorn (instead of a sanitizing clean smell) upon arrivalperhaps in the future the cleaning company will clean more thoroughlythe property itself was clean and absolutely beautifulgreat location and great patio & the townhouse was very clean and decoratedkitchen was clean large and had all of the necessary things to cook and bbqHost:
kelly was very helpful with minor glitchesRead more reviewsLocation:
location was ideal to a local shopping center with everything we needed and walking distance to the beachgreat location well maintained and stockedgreat location nicely furnished will stay againthe location was great and overall a good experiencegreat location a little bit of road noise at times
5. Peaceful beach house with backyard patio (from USD 538)
This three-bedroom beach house can host up to six people. The spacious living area has a fireplace, large TV, and a fully equipped kitchen to prepare your meals. It also has another kitchenette in the master bathroom. Relax in the hot tub after a day of surfing or enjoy the beauty of the surroundings on the private patio. You will have free access to the host’s surfboards and bikes, beach chairs, and kid’s beach toys to make your trip even more fun. You can bike along East Cliff Drive, trek up to Santa Cruz Hills, or head toward Pleasure Point. For some city sightseeing, Capitola, the oldest beach town with modern restaurants and a bustling nightlife, is a 20-minute walk away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable for our group with ages from 12 to senior citizenCleanliness:
super clean and very organizedloved itthe jacuzzi was clean and the bikes were a fun way to get around townthe house was very clean and had everything one would need: towels beach chairs bikes and boardshouse was clean beds were comfortable pack and play and high chair includedHost:
the owner was quick to respond to any questions or concerns and the home was cleanthe owners notes and information were very helpfulthank you lynne for hosting us in your homeRead more reviewsLocation:
location was also excellentgreat location loved the bikesgreat place to get away with the familyperfect location for walking or biking to the beachwe also enjoyed the 2 mile walk to capitola
6. Two-story cottage with direct beach access (from USD 400)
This beachfront cottage is in a quiet neighborhood. The upper-level entrance leads to a studio-type space with a modern kitchen and cozy living area. It has a charming fireplace and flat-screen TV with streaming services. From here, the large windows overlook Sunset Beach. If you step to the outdoor deck, you can watch sunsets and even see some whales. A spiral staircase leads to the lower level and features two bedrooms. A private path and three sets of stairs with 186 steps lead directly to the beach. Once there, you can walk along the coastline or Moss Landing for some kayaking. If you want to venture out further, Capitola is 8 miles (12.9 kilometers) away, while Santa Cruz Boardwalk is 11 miles (17.7 kilometers) away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen was well stocked and the cottage is cozy and comfortablewe were all very comfortable (2 adults 2 teens) and wouldn’t hesitate to book againCleanliness:
the kitchen and bathrooms are clean and well maintainedit’s a clean and cozy house in a secluded beach neighborhoodclean right on the beach lovely neighborhoodthe property was spotless and well stocked; the yearly upgrades are welcomedHost:
the owner was very responsivethank you to adi (property owner) for being helpfulowners are absurdly kind and accommodatingthe host is very responsive and accommodating - my family had a great experience overallthe home was clean and the owners were very accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
the property was lovely could not ask for a better locationthe access to the beach was easy and closewe will be back what an amazing placeexcellent location the beach in front of the unit was very private
7. Luxurious cottage with a hot tub (from USD 138)
This one-bedroom stone cottage, which is in the redwood forest, features large windows and a spacious deck where you can admire the landscape and birdwatch. Inside, it has a couch and loveseat near a rustic gas heater to keep you warm when it gets chilly. You can prepare a full meal here with its modern kitchen. If you love music, this is the place for you since it also has a piano. Located in Corralitos in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this cottage is near Pacific Coast Highway that leads to Monterey, Capitola, and Santa Cruz. When you’re done exploring the tourist spots on the coast, come home to your cottage and relax in the hot tub surrounded by the woods, or sleep in your queen-sized bed.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
cozy bed coffee ready to brew great deck with lots of birdswifi worked great and we enjoyed grilling dinner on the balcony and watching the many birds fly bycozy cottage in a beautiful forest settinga very peaceful cabin we enjoyed the view hot tub and cooking in the kitchenthe cottage is lovely cozy well-lived-in but not grungyCleanliness:
very clean and tidy spaceclean and very friendlyit was clean and very remotethe cottage was clean comfortable and overall a fantastic experiencelovely place clean roomy and cozy with a great kitchen and outdoor charcoal grillHost:
great host and very responsivehosts were very friendly and quick to respond to any questionsmary jane is a wonderful host and the place is a little slice of heavenmary jane was attentive yet respectful of our spacemary jane was very helpful with anything we needed and made our stay comfortableRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful location far from crowdsvery isolated place - so just the perfect place to unwinda good place for breakfast as wellmary jane's place is in a perfect location with amazing viewswe wanted a remote getaway and this was the perfect place to stay
8. Redwood treehouse with an outdoor deck (from USD 155)
This charming and secluded one-bedroom treehouse in the Santa Cruz Mountains has two live redwood trees growing through it. Make sure to pack light as the walk to the treehouse from the parking area is a moderately difficult hike. It has a rustic kitchen, fridge, and gas stove to keep you warm. Windows surrounding the house provide an almost full view of the surrounding forest. It has a cozy outdoor deck that leads to a charming bridge connecting the treehouse to the forest. To make your retreat even more relaxing, this treehouse also has a hot tub.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it was fantastic there is no internet/wifi/cable so plan accordinglylovely treehouse with plenty of space and amenities to make your stay comfortablei loved sitting on the deck for breakfastthe mattress was so comfortable and the tree in the bathroom and by the bed is amazingthere is no wifi and phone reception is spotty so you’ll pretty much be off the gridCleanliness:
clean and well organizedthe treehouse was very clean and just as picturedit's always clean but still feels like a quirky personal spoti really appreciated staying in tree house so nice clean and cozy’s i definitely coming back soonHost:
very nice hosts toomary jan was a great hostmary jane is an exceptional great hostwe were greeted by the friendly host when we arrivedgreat place and great hostRead more reviewsLocation:
loved the walk to the treehousewe love the secluded location amongst the redwoodsgreat place to get awayit’s the perfect romantic place to get away from the craziness of lai recommend timing a walk from parking to the cabin in the early evening
9. Seaside bungalow with an outdoor shower (from USD 350)
The Seabright Bungalow is a two-bedroom house that can accommodate up to five guests. It’s perfect for couples or a small family vacationing near Seabright Beach. This fully furnished home has a private shower outside for rinsing off after a day at the beach. You’re free to use the beach umbrella, towels, and chairs that your host has provided. Once inside, cozy up by the gas fireplace or prepare a scrumptious meal in the modern kitchen before retiring to your queen-sized bed in the master bedroom. It has a large front yard and patio, perfect for an outdoor barbecue while hearing the waves in the distance. A leisurely 10-minute walk or bike ride will lead you to Santa Cruz Wharf, Santa Cruz Boardwalk, National Museum of History, and a bowling alley.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
everything was super clean and comfortablesuper clean home with an amazing location one home from the oceanit was clean great location and very nicely furnished and comfortableHost:
the owners were very accommodating and friendlyeverything was fantastic owners are super nice and made renting their house very easyRead more reviewsLocation:
wonderful neighborhood close to everythingeasy walk to boardwalklocation is perfect within walking distance to beach wharf downtown etcit was the perfect location and steps away from the beachit was wonderful to have the beach close by
Experience a mix of outdoor fun and great nightlife in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz County is popular for its diverse landscape of mountains, forest, and beaches. It’s no wonder that visitors from all around travel to this coastal area for hiking, surfing, biking, and whale watching. If you’re looking for a vacation with a mix of outdoor fun, great nightlife, and some nature trails, then this list of the 10 best vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County, California, should help get you started.
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