10 Best Long-Term Rentals In Santa Cruz, California - Updated 2024

Nicole
Nicole 
Updated
| 5 min read

A gorgeous city and a fabulous destination worthy of a long visit, Santa Cruz has exciting attractions waiting for its visitors. Its strategic location on California’s central coast provides vacationers with scenic beaches for playgrounds. From swimming to surfing, Seabright Beach offers exciting watersports opportunities. After a day of reconnecting with the sea, you can relive your best childhood memories by indulging in exciting rides at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Lighthouse Field State Beach invites you to soulfully relaxing oceanfront strolls with your leashed fur babies. Holidaying with a lover? A dreamy date in UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden should be on your itinerary. For your upcoming month-long vacation, have you secured accommodation yet? If not, browse through this list of the best long-term rentals in Santa Cruz, California.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, decor, availability of dates, and long-term stay rules and regulations. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.

1. Roomy retreat for big families, Seabright (from USD 460)

Ideal for big groups, this roomy retreat can accommodate eight and more - with additional guest fees. Designed with pastel hues, the interiors are easy on the eyes. Apart from the aesthetics, the fully furnished concept is a win, too. It comes outfitted with a kitchen, laundry appliances, and Wi-Fi, which is very important for remote workers. The front deck offers the perfect spot for cookouts.

This VRBO can host a minimum of four-night stays. Guests can save bucks if they book longer stays, with monthly discounts.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Cruz, California, United States
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
it was really clean and comfortable
house was clean and we found nearly everything we needed in the kitchen
Host:
this property is ideal for a family the owner is communicative and helpful
host provided helpful information on site and was very responsive to any question
Location:
loved this place loved this location wish we could have stayed longer
very short walk to the beach and nice walk to boardwalk
off street parking a huge plus
we had a wonderful time visiting with family who all live close by
Read more reviews
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2. Oceanfront retreat with sunny interiors, Westside Santa Cruz (from USD 700)

If you wish to wake up to majestic ocean scenery every day of your long holiday, this waterfront VRBI on West Cliff Drive will suit you well. Thanks to expansive windows, the inside of the house also allows guests to admire the scenery. Since it is fully furnished, you can cook, do laundry, and work if you need to. Just note that the house is non-smoking, but you can enjoy your vice outside.

Weekly and monthly discounts are up for grabs here, and you might want to consider them when booking this stay.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Cruz, California, United States
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Host:
liz was very responsive to questions
Location:
great location and comfortable house
fantastic location everything you need or want
the location is perfect for strolling the scenic path for 3 miles
Read more reviews
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

3. Charming VRBO with a clawfoot tub, Beach Hill - Beach Flats (from USD 630)

There is a lot to love about this accommodation, from its strategic location within walking distance of the beach to its Victorian charm. What’s for rent here is the roomy upper level of the house, which welcomes kids, making it ideal for families. It showcases everything you need, including kitchen essentials, laundry, and internet access. From the four-poster bed in one room to the clawfoot hot tub, visually pleasing details with a quintessential charm can be found here.

You might worry about this VRBO’s rates being a little expensive, but with the weekly and monthly discounts, they will surely fit your budget.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Cruz, California, United States
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

4. Tourist-friendly Victorian dwelling, Santa Cruz (from USD 520)

If you want a convenient long vacation in Santa Cruz, it pays to book a tourist-friendly vacation home. This downtown dwelling that affords guests easy access to the beach, shops, and dining spots is a good choice for tourists, especially first-time travelers. Apart from the location, the Victorian charm and updated amenities are worth appreciating. Vacationers will love the well-appointed kitchen, with wooden countertops, stainless appliances, and cutlery. No need to spend extra money on laundry, thanks to the available washer and dryer. Travelers on a work-from-home setup will benefit from free internet access.

What makes this accommodation even more appealing to long-term holidays is its discounted weekly and monthly rates.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Cruz, California, United States
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

5. Sunny retreat with magical views of Monterey Bay, Westside Santa Cruz (from USD 816)

This vacation rental is a jackpot for sun-seekers as it is close to the beach. Expansive windows and glass doors adorn this accommodation, drenching the interiors in natural light throughout the day. You can work your culinary magic in the open kitchen and enjoy meals in the dining area with a view of Monterey Bay. You’ll have a laundry room, internet access, and a back deck for cookouts. Coffee-making essentials, including espresso and drip machines, will take care of your daily caffeine fix.

The best part? This VRBO has weekly and monthly discounts for long-term guests.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Cruz, California, United States
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 12 Guests 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the views are spectacular and the accommodations are comfortable
except we ran out of supplies like toilet paper garbage bags and electric dishwashing soap
the views from living room is amazing
the rooms were nicely sized and furniture was in decent condition except for the mattresses
the house afforded plentiful sleeping options enough bathrooms a relaxing atmosphere and spectacular views
Cleanliness:
it was clean and well maintained
the house was clean and had everything we needed
Host:
however property manager was responsive
the owner and manager are very responsive and nice
the owner was extremely responsive to questions and support and easy to work with
merc is a responsive host
the management was responsive honest and helped to make out stay a positive experience
Location:
the location is perfect
the location is great and convenient to several grocery stores and restaurants
this location was perfect for us
the location is ideal within walking distance of most of what brought us to santa cruz
you can’t beat the location we will definitely be back
Read more reviews
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

6. Fabulous pet-friendly retreat, Westside Santa Cruz (from USD 871)

Spending a long family vacation in Santa Cruz? This accommodation, which is the owner’s residence, has all the ingredients for a blissful month-long holiday. It welcomes all members of the family, including the four-legged little ones for a fee. Also, it is fully furnished, guaranteeing guests a smooth-sailing experience. You can use everything in the house, including the host’s food items and toiletries. As a bonus, you can access the swim spa and hot tub outdoors. With a European wood burner in the living room, you’ll love cozying indoors, too.

This VRBO delights guests with its seasonal discounts, as well as long-term rate slashes.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Cruz, California, United States
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 7 Guests 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

7. Centrally located townhouse with a deck, Upper Seabright (from USD 192)

A long vacation will be even more worthwhile if you find accommodation that rewards your lengthy stay with discounts. This modern townhouse does just that and more, providing vacationers with slashed monthly rates.

Apart from the budget-friendly pricing, guests can enjoy a tourist-friendly location near Seabright and Santa Cruz beaches - both reachable on foot. From a galley kitchen to internet access, must-have fittings are available in this VRBO. There’s a fireplace too, which comes in handy during cold seasons.

On pleasant days, the deck invites you to a cookout. Feel free to take advantage of the grill.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Cruz, California, United States
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the 2 bedrooms/bathrooms were clean and comfortable plus the loft was great fun for the kids
Host:
julie is a fabulous host and great communicator
mitch and julie could not have been more gracious and accommodating
Location:
great location yet still reasonably quiet
the condo is well-stocked in a great location and perfect for families
Read more reviews
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

8. Quiet sanctuary for remote workers, Santa Cruz (from USD 210)

Ideal for couples on a long honeymoon, solo travelers on a soul-searching adventure, and globe trotters on a work-from-home basis, this centrally located Airbnb is fully furnished. It is Wi-Fi-ready and equipped with a work desk, a must-have for remote workers. For entertainment, a 50" TV with Chromecast and Roku is available in the living area. Situated in Mission Hill District, this accommodation provides off-street parking to its patrons. A short stroll from here can take you to gorgeous local beaches.

While short getaways can be accommodated, week-long and monthly stays are rewarded with discounts.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Cruz, California, United States
102 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 2 Beds 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the wi-fi worked great and was fast
they responded and took care of any need or question i had regarding the apartment literally within minutes
the apartment is well stocked and efficiently and comfortably setup
the apartment is clean tastefully decorated and has its own little deck and entry
the shower had enough pressure and the secluded porch was a lovely place to sit and read
Cleanliness:
clean safe and quiet
a clean and comfortable one bedroom apartment
it was very clean and the bed was very comfortable
spacious clean quiet warm and comfortable
the space is clean cozy quiet and private
Host:
the hosts were accompanying and responsive
hosts are friendly and accessible
they were welcoming and helpful
very accommodating and helpful hosts
mike and mary are the two most friendly and attentive hosts we've ever had
Location:
good quiet location in generous sized flat
tidy place and great proximity to downtown
perfect little hideaway tucked away in a small hill while being close to downtown santa cruz
take advantage of the downtown location to walk around on first friday
super location to walk into town or out to the beach
Read more reviews

9. Serene haven with a shared patio, Santa Cruz (from USD 183)

If you’re a solo traveler whose main priority for their Santa Cruz holiday is peace and quiet, this vacation rental in a serene cul-de-sac will suit you well. While away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, the city center can still be reached on foot or a short drive. If you’re looking to spend the day at the beach, a less than 2 mi (3.22 km) ride can take you there. This modest-sized cottage has a kitchen and internet access. You can also enjoy shared amenities, including the patio.

Note that this accommodation has a minimum stay policy of 31 nights, ideal only for long-term guests. Discounts are provided.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Cruz, California, United States
137 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire guesthouse 1 Bed 1 Guest 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 1

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
i felt really comfortable while staying here for two months
the accommodations were comfortable and a liked the simple cozy vibes of the space
very comfortable and easy has everything needed for a stay in santa cruz
Cleanliness:
the unit was clean and appeared just as pictured and sallie was a great communicator
very cute clean and homey
the bathroom is nice and spacious with a window and the bed was very comfortable
Host:
sallie was a pleasant host
great stay and great host
amazing host check in was all self doing so it was nice to not have any time restraints
sallie has been a good host and provided a comfortable stay for me and my girlfriend
sallie was a wonderful host and it was great to meet her and stay at her place
Location:
really cute spot in a great location
this is a great location; in a quiet neighborhood but still close to everything
nice cute little place friendly outdoor cats and great location
great location to get around to most everything
a nice room in a quiet neighborhood that’s still near downtown
Read more reviews

10. Contemporary studio close to the harbor, Seabright (from USD 132)

This studio is a modest-sized haven that is immaculately furnished and well-equipped, convenient for modern travelers. While it is small in size, it is complete with the necessary fittings, from a stylish kitchen with cookware and cutlery to a dedicated workspace. Wi-Fi is a bonus. Feel free to take advantage of the Netflix-ready TV in your free time or wind down on the private patio while downing some drinks. You can also embark on a leisure walk to the harbor, which is nearby.

This vacation rental follows a 10-day minimum stay policy. Monthly stay discounts apply to long-term bookings.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Cruz, California, United States
60 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire guesthouse 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the single room is a lovely space and the flowers in the yard bring cheer to the heart
the light filled studio is lovely comfortable and spacious
a lovely bottle of wine and fresh flowers on the table
the furnishings have been carefully chosen to present a contemporary and comfortable look
the bed was very comfortable and the little patio is private and charming
Cleanliness:
very clean and updated
the apartment is clean and bright and well-equipped with dishes linens etc
the place is super clean well furnished and equipped + very convenient
very clean and modern studio with plenty of natural sunlight
the place was clean spacious and nicely located
Host:
anina was a delightful host
anina was a great host
anina was a very welcoming and thoughtful host
host is very accommodating and responsive
anina is a wonderful host and has thought of everything
Location:
the location is perfect you can walk or bike to everything
bright studio in private location surrounded by gardens
great location in a quiet neighborhood next to some nice parks and close to the beach
the location is perfect for a santa cruz visit
also located in seabright a quiet and lovely neighborhood (and a short walk to the beach )
Read more reviews

Have a fun month-long holiday in Santa Cruz

With gorgeous natural wonders, action-packed man-made recreational areas, and must-try dining spots, Santa Cruz has limitless offers, making it an ideal destination for month-long vacations. Plus, it provides comfortable accommodations with discounted rates. Refer to this list of the best long-term rentals in Santa Cruz, California.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nicole, a writer and traveler, also identifies herself as a free spirit with a wild heart. She is dedicated to telling authentic stories in a relatable manner. Nicole also enjoys exploring new,...Read more

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