Santa Cruz, California, is home to several state parks and stunning beaches, the latter being its selling point. Many travelers come here to enjoy a lot of things to do including watersports such as sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and surfing. Places such as Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Natural Bridges State Beach, and Santa Cruz Wharf are tourist magnets. Besides its beaches, this coastal city also has plenty of redwood groves to diversify its natural landscapes. Friendly and laid-back locals complete the scene, making Santa Cruz a welcoming hotspot for all travelers. If you don’t have any idea where to stay in this great beachside getaway, continue reading for the best Airbnb vacation rentals in Santa Cruz, CA.
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 08, 2024.
1. Cozy beach bungalow with bunk beds (from USD 89)
This one-bedroom bungalow is just steps away from the beach in Santa Cruz’s Seabright community. You’ll find plenty to do within walking distance, including some of the best places to eat, the Santa Cruz Nature Museum, the boardwalk, and the yacht harbor.
Inside, the cozy bedroom features a bunk bed setup and a bathroom off to the side. The living room and dining area are conveniently located, and the back patio provides the perfect place to relax and listen to the waves. Note that there’s no washer or dryer, but there’s a laundromat nearby. While there’s no dedicated parking or driveway, there’s free street parking available.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the couch was comfortable enough for me to sleep on my mom slept on the bottom bunkamazing location charming half cottage with lovely patio area & beautiful kitchenkitchen had everything enjoyed the patio would come againawesome place super comfortable and with everything needed for a very relaxing seaside vacationCleanliness:
clean bright and well stockednicely appointed and very cleanthe bungalow was super clean and invitingclean welcoming & great communication with hoststhe cottage is clean + cuteHost:
ovr is a wonderful host and is so easy to communicate withhost was wonderful with excellent communicationthe description of the place is very accurate and the host does a great job communicatinghad an awesome time host was super responsive place was exactly as advertised and location was very convenientprice was reasonable the place was clean and staff were extremely helpful and communicativeRead more reviewsLocation:
two blocks away from a beautiful beach and walking distance to downtownsuch a great locationclose to some great breakfast & lunch placeswalking distance to the beach in a cute little neighborhood and was just right for our stayabsolutely adorable great location wonderful trip
2. Cozy garden suite with a private entrance (from USD 122)
Experience ultimate privacy in the heart of Santa Cruz at this peaceful garden suite. Relax in the king bed, complete with a comfy gel top and 100% cotton sateen sheets. Extra guests can use the air mattress.
Stocked with appliances and breakfast items, the kitchen includes filtered water, coffee, tea, cream, and sugar. Enjoy the outdoor garden sitting area, flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, and complimentary toiletries, as well as an iron and ironing board. The place has its own entrance and side gate access.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
same as the rest of the reviews; very comfy bed nice to have coffee/creamer/sugar bagels and cream cheeseit was a great stay nice amenities very comfortablebest air bnb no complaints super comfy bedhaving a kitchen and a sitting area are nice amenities as wellnice conversation and awesome breakfast recommendationCleanliness:
it was clean and comfortableclean towels hot water clean bed and the most comfortable mattresseverything was clean and the bed was extremely comfortablethe space was very clean and well appointedtoni's space was clean and privateHost:
toni is a great hosttoni was a very helpful hosttoni is a perfect hosttoni is a welcoming hostgreat property and very thoughtful hostRead more reviewsLocation:
good central location toogreat location in townthe location is very goodthe location was walking distance to pretty much everythingthis is an ideal location in santa cruz
3. Elegant suite with a hot tub (from USD 186)
Boasting a relaxing hot tub, this beachfront Airbnb in Santa Cruz is perfect for some R&R. This elegant guest suite can easily sleep a maximum of three guests. The rental comes with charming and well-lit interiors, featuring one comfortable bedroom with a double bed and a single bed as well as a spotless bathroom.
It has a spacious deck surrounded by lush trees and is equipped with cozy seating areas, so you can relax outdoors. A bathtub is also available in the private bathroom for a rejuvenating soak. You can use the bikes on the premises to explore the area.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we brought foil trays to roast veggies and it was easy and doable without a kitchensuper comfy bed and great natural light insidethis cozy cottage is a great getaway spot we would visit againthe kitchen utensils felt like something bought at a flea marketthe bed was comfortable and the room was just perfectCleanliness:
perfect little getaway clean cute and quiet spacethe hot tub was clean and reliablevery clean cozy and intimate space for a quiet and relaxing weekendsuper clean cute and just the perfect spot to runaway tothe place it’s self was so clean and cozyHost:
the hosts are very kindthese are wonderful hosts that truly know how to host their guestsnot to mention the hosts were really responsive when we had questionsloved the privacy but our hosts were quickly responsive to our needsbed was comfy and hosts were super responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
such a cute place and perfect locationthis was a cute little place located within walking distance to the beachit's in a great location maybe a 5-8 minute walk to the beachlocation wise you can walk to the beach in under ten minutesgreat location for access to the beach
4. Cozy hideaway with nature views (from USD 79)
For a secluded and private getaway, this pet-friendly Airbnb in Santa Cruz will definitely offer that and more. It looks boring on the outside, but the interior is surprisingly spacious and simply decorated. It comes with 4 beds: a regular full-sized bed, a futon couch that folds out into another full-sized bed, and a trundle bed with two twin mattresses.
You’re located away from civilisation and are instead surrounded by a beautiful view. You’re also near a trail that will eventually lead you to some hills and the ocean, so take some time to explore. Then, after your explorations, you can get clean in the showering area.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there was also a fan and space heater if neededwe had work to do and the wifi was greatheaters were great on a very cold nighti wasn’t the biggest fan of the composting toilet but the outdoor shower was kind of funurbanites will be pleasantly surprised almost like a camping experience but with uber comfortable beds and a heaterCleanliness:
pretty area and everything was very cleaninside the beds were clean with plenty of extra blanketsyurt is clean and comfyashley's place is absolutely beautiful the yurt is spacious clean and incredibly well-stockedHost:
host was great quick response on any questions that i hadshe was a great host & we enjoyed our stayhost are very kindkind hosts and a pleasant experiencethe host was very friendly and responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
i would definitely go to this location againgreat location - close enough to get to town but tucked awaythe area is beautiful and it is close to santa cruz and other attractionsclose enough to santa cruz boardwalk to enjoy during the dayfor us it was super ideal to be in a quiet natural place
5. Quaint mushroom dome in the woods (from USD 166)
This adorable dome home is one of the best Airbnbs in Santa Cruz, and we can definitely see why! Hidden amongst the tall trees, you’ll feel as though you’re living at the top of the world.
The small living-cum-dining area welcomes you into the home. It’s compact yet comfortable, and the sofa in the room can also double up as a single bed. Feel free to cook in the small kitchen, where you can whip up a basic but delicious meal. There’s also the small but mighty bathroom, which is fully equipped so you can go about your daily business comfortably. Note the the bathroom door is actually a curtain. How quirky!
Climb up the ladder in the kitchen to access the loft bedroom. It’s surprisingly spacious and the bed is extremely plush, so you can definitely fall asleep easily here. There’s also a deck with an outdoor dining area, bench, and grill, so you can have an outdoor cookout!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
overall cost wise- it’s expensive for how small and outdated the utilities linens kitchen ware and appliances arethe space is very fun cozy and has a great outdoor spacei am super impressed with the composting toilet as well5 year old son and kitty had a wonderful futon next to the bed for him to nest inCleanliness:
so clean and kitty was very welcomingthe cabin is clean and well equippedthe dome itself was very clean and i would definitely stay againit’s very homey and clean michael and kitty are great hostsHost:
amazing place and amazing hostskitty and michael are amazing hosts kitty is kind thoughtful knowledgeable and engagingthe host was quick and responsive in meeting us warm welcoming and very hospitablethey were so friendly showing us around the property and where to see the hummingbirdswonderful insightful intelligent and inspiring hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is a great getaway from the hustle and bustlevery interesting place to staythe mushroom dome is tucked away in a beautiful relaxing locationloved the setting and drive to the locationkitty and michael's place was perfect for our family
6. Charming and modern home with a backyard (from USD 150)
This Santa Cruz vacation rental is in a strategic location, just minutes away from both the iconic boardwalk and the beach. The large and welcoming living room will surely make you feel right at home. There are plenty of plush seats, an indoor fireplace, and a large TV, so you can gather everyone for a toasty movie night. The sofa can then be used as an additional bed that can accommodate 2 more people.
Feel free to use the well-appointed kitchen to cook up a delicious meal for everyone. And you can even make use of the washer and dryer to make sure your clothes are fresh and clean. When you’re feeling sleepy, head into the roomy bedroom and fall asleep with ease on the large and plush bed.
The home also has a big and clean bathroom that comes with a humongous bathtub so you can have a relaxing soak. And, to top it all off, head out to the garden to enjoy a bout of cloud gazing or to just admire the beautifully maintained area.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful back yard and super-comfortable bedthe bed and bedding were both extremely comfortablewe most enjoyed the location off street parking comfortable bed and the abundance of coffee we consumedvery comfortable and equipped with everything we needed for our stay in santa cruzthe kitchen is small with a sweet apartment sized o'keefe & merritt range and a full sized fridgeCleanliness:
everything is immaculately cleanvery clean and cute great hangout backyard space with bbqthe home is super clean and beautifully decoratedHost:
jill was a great host and responded to us via text promptly whenever we had questionsincredible jill was an amazing host and her house is so charmingjill is very friendly and easy-goingexcellent place to stay in santa cruz with an excellent hostRead more reviewsLocation:
location was excellentthe location is perfectdowntown is very close as wellthe location was ideal for our day at the boardwalkperfect location too only 10 min drive to the beach
7. Beachside cottage with a sauna (from 139 USD)
The warm and welcoming cottage is located in a private and quiet neighbourhood, making it a perfect vacation rental for a relaxing getaway. To make things even better, it’s only a quick trip away from the world-renowned beaches.
Sit back, relax, and watch your favourite television programmes in the bright and cosy living room. There are also two bedrooms in total, with one having a large and plush bed and some storage space. The other bedroom has a clear coastal theme, is equally as comfortable, and also comes with an office table for you to complete some work.
There’s also a vibrant and clean bathroom where you can have a nice, warm soak in the bathtub. Or head out and make use of the private sauna on the lot! It’s extremely fun and you’re sure to be relaxed once you step out of it.
Tasteful Cottage By the Ocean
Address: Santa Cruz, California, United States (see map)
Price: from 139 USD
Number of Guests: 4
8. Secluded garden sanctuary best for couples (from 149 USD)
If you want to be located away from Santa Cruz but still be close enough to visit, this lovely garden sanctuary is perfect for a romantic getaway. The living room is humongous and has plenty of comfortable seats for you to lounge about and watch TV.
The bedroom is comfortable and lies behind some privacy screens, so you can sleep like a baby in the quiet and peaceful bedroom. After a long day out, you can make use of the bright and roomy bathroom. It comes with all the basic essentials like towels and shampoo, so you can go about your daily business and get washed easily.
Also, how about grabbing the complimentary bottle of wine and hanging out in the beautifully maintained garden?
SECRET GARDEN SANCTUARY Rio Del Mar
Address: Aptos, California, United States (see map)
Price: from 149 USD
Number of Guests: 2
9. Peaceful retreat with bay views (from 225 USD)
If you are in need of a quiet getaway, this relaxing and tranquil Airbnb loft in the woods, 15 miles away from Santa Cruz, is perfect. You can disconnect from technology too. This vacation rental even comes with some homemade meals delivered to your door!
You’re welcome to prepare and cook a meal in the open, modern and well-appointed kitchen. And you can read a book in the bright nook next to a large window.
You can then choose one of the two bedrooms. They’re both well decorated and equally as comfortable, so you will be able sleep restfully in both of them. And if you’re in this home on a clear day, you can head out to the deck and have a lovely view of Monterey Bay.
A Loft in the Woods
Address: Corralitos, California, United States (see map)
Price: from 225 USD
Number of Guests: 3
10. Oceanside haven with a roof deck (from 280 USD)
This beach house in Santa Cruz is located close to several beautiful beaches, which are ideal for surfing and watersports. There’s a roomy and contemporary kitchen that comes fully equipped with everything you’ll need to easily cook a meal. There’s also a laundry room so you can wash your clothes when you need to.
There are two bedrooms that are wonderful and cosy. The master bedroom is bright and comes with a large and plush bed, so you won’t have any problems falling asleep. The second bedroom may be smaller, but it still is equally as comfortable. It also comes with some storage space to put your belongings away.
There are also 2 more beds available. One is in the loft space, which has a queen-sized sleeper sofa. The other one is in the living-cum-bedroom, which comes with a full-sized sleeper sofa. This room also opens up to the backyard patio.
Head up to the roof deck where you can lounge back on the giant chairs and catch up on your tan. It’s also so high up that you can enjoy an unparalleled view of the sea.
Surf & Beach House Retreat Oasis
Address: Santa Cruz, California, United States (see map)
Price: from 280 USD
Number of Guests: 8
11. Mountainside getaway home with hot tub (from 295 USD)
If you want to have a private retreat away from the beach, consider this beautiful Airbnb home located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The roomy and bright living room is fairly welcoming, and beckons you to just spend the day indoors with your family or friends while watching TV.
There are two cosy bedrooms in this home. The master bedroom is simply decorated but comes with a large and plush bed to ensure that you’ll have a great night’s sleep. The second bedroom is smaller, but is still equally as comfortable.
You can then treat yourself by having a warm soak in the bathroom’s hot tub, or you could head out to the deck and have a soak in the hot tub, be it day or night!
Beautiful Mountain Getaway, Hot Tub
Address: Santa Cruz, California, United States (see map)
Price: from 295 USD
Number of Guests: 4
12. Loft-style apartment with a balcony (from USD 228)
Located to many points of interest and essential establishments, this Airbnb vacation rental is a loft-style apartment with modern furnishing and cathedral ceilings. Its one bedroom features one queen bed that can accommodate up to two guests, ideal for a couple or a solo traveler. On the ground floor, you’ll find an open-plan living space that comes with a functional kitchen with a breakfast bar, a dining set-up, and a cozy sitting area. You’ll also have a balcony with outdoor seating and a yard, where you can roam freely.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a very comfortable space with all amenitiesthe bed was comfortable and the floors and carpets were very cleanthe bed is super comfywe were very comfortable and had everything we neededthe house is just beautiful with a super comfortable bed and several relaxing outdoor area’sCleanliness:
super clean and comfortableit was very modern clean and spacioussuper clean space with plenty of floor spacethe house was extremely clean and freshexpect a clean place ready for any stayHost:
kendall was a fabulous hostkendall is a wonderful hostkendall was an excellent hosthighly recommend :-) great helpful hostkendall was a responsive and helpful hostRead more reviewsLocation:
great walking distance from everythingability to walk to so muchcool place centrally located close to the wharfgreat location walking distance to everything but not too close to hear the traffic/ night noisethe location was perfect walking distance to the boardwalk and wharf
13. Beautiful home with stunning views
This beautiful bungalow offers stunning water views from the deck and can comfortably accommodate up to four guests. It features one cozy bedroom and one and a half baths. If you prefer to cook your own delicious meals, you can take advantage of the fully equipped kitchen.
The property is a short walk from the beach and the town center, so you can conveniently access numerous shopping and dining options. Do note that this rental is available for monthly stays only.
Santa Cruz, California, United States
5.69 km (3.6 mi) from The Mystery SpotSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds are comfortable and there are plenty of extra sheets/blankets/pillowsit was great plenty of beds and bathrooms and patio was lovelyviews super comfortable great location it’s a highly functional space for families and friends to come togethervery cleanly space with the perfect amenities for a comfortable stay close to the boardwalkCleanliness:
everything was clean and the house had everything we could ask forvery cozy and clean; cute stuff here and thereHost:
very responsive property managerthe hosts were extremely quick with communication and extremely helpful in ensuring that we had the most relaxed timethis place rocks responsive host amazing location overlooking boardwalk pier and beachRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful and amazing locationamazing location super close to everything very bike friendlygreat location great view walking distance to everythingfantastic place and great locationgreat little bungalow in an amazing location
14. Vibrant home with panoramic ocean views
If you want to stay just steps away from the beaches, but still crave some solitude, this Santa Cruz beach rental is perfect as it’s located a fair bit away from downtown Santa Cruz. The bright and colourful living room will put you in such a great mood, so you can watch TV happily and comfortably.
From the dining table, you’ll have panoramic views of the beach, so you can dine with unbelievable views around you. The home also has two bedrooms. They’re both roomy, bright, and simply decorated. They also have comfortable beds in them so you can fall asleep peacefully.
And, if you feel like you need to keep fit even during your vacation, the property has a workout zone. Make use of any of the exercise machines and exercise while looking out at the wonderful views.
Santa Cruz, California, United States
8.32 km (5.2 mi) from The Mystery SpotTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great ocean view from the sun roomthe house’s sun room has an outstanding (wow ) view of the oceanthe beds were so comfortable and the sun room had an amazing view of the beachthe view of the ocean in the sun room was fantasticthe view from the apt/house is breathtakingCleanliness:
spotlessly clean and well maintainedthe space itself was exceptionally clean and invitingthis apartment was very clean and brightspacious clean and well appointedhouse was very clean and very spaciousHost:
marisol was a very professional host and took great care of usthe host was very welcoming and accommodating to usresponses to questions were lightning fast and very helpfulvery responsive hostmarisol is a great host and is very responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
great locationthe location was perfectgreat location for a good pricegood location near santa cruzperfect location wish we could have stayed longer
15. Private backyard cottage
Despite being located in the owner’s beautiful backyard, this cottage apartment in Santa Cruz is private so you’ll be able to have a quiet getaway. One thing to take note of is that there isn’t any Wi-Fi on the property, but that can be a benefit because you can spend time being disconnected from the web.
There’s a simple but quaint living room to hang out in. And if you’re hungry, you can whip up a meal in the large and modern kitchen. You can then retreat into the roomy bedroom and fall asleep comfortably and easily.
Santa Cruz, California, United States
6.07 km (3.8 mi) from The Mystery SpotAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great location quaint spot nice room with amenities seamless check-in would stay againerik's cottage is a very comfortable cozy place perfect for a romantic weekend getawaygreat kitchen with everything neededfinishings are high quality and comfortableCleanliness:
it was as impeccably clean as everyone else saysextremely clean and well cared forit is spotless comfortable quiet and full of nice touchesthe space was clean and just like the picturesthis was a very nicely done and clean spaceHost:
erik was a great host quick to respond and flexible to help us extend our booking when requirederik was friendly and great to chat witherik himself is also really friendly and i felt very welcomed and had a great time therefriendly informative and respectful ;)the place was nice as wellhe is so friendly welcoming and we had a lot of fun conversationsRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is amazingexcellent location on quiet streetgreat location: walking distance to beach and downtownvery cute cottage in a great locationfantastic location within walking distance of many of santa cruz's attractions
16. Lovely apartment for three
Ideal for up to three guests, this cozy rental is equipped with one bedroom and one full bathroom. The colorful interior boasts a cheery vibe and is uniquely decorated, adding to its charm. It is situated just a short walk from the beach and several restaurants. You can also cook your own meals in the fully equipped kitchen if you do not feel like heading out. Pets are welcome here, and free WiFi is offered for convenience.
Santa Cruz, California, United States
5.1 km (3.2 mi) from The Mystery SpotAccommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there is a lovely patio off the kitchen and a beautiful courtyard with fountain belowlovely apartment with balcony having a washer and dryer was handy as welllunch on the patio off the kitchen was a delight in the warm sunshineit has a large comfortable bed in the main bedroom and a pull-out couch in the living roomwe enjoyed the cool foggy mornings walking a couple blocks to grab coffee at verve's roasting facilityCleanliness:
very clean and organizedvery clean & comfortthe place was clean well kept and beautifulthe apartment was clean and perfect for three peoplethe bathroom was very spacious with great water pressure premium soaps and plenty of towelsHost:
the hosts' book of recommendations was helpful and truthfulalso the hosts are always excellentwe really enjoyed the hosts little toucheschuck and susan were excellent hosts who made us feel right at homechuck and susan were great hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
excellent location in santa cruzthe location is also excellentthe location is also amazingexcellent location near downtown and beach in quite safe neighborhoodgreat place in a great location
Sensational Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a beautiful city and a vibrant vacation destination that draws in tourists from all over. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a private and meaningful vacation. These are just some of the best vacation rentals on Airbnb that offer great amenities and a private space for you to retreat to after a long day. If you’re in the mood for a beach getaway, keep these Airbnbs in Santa Cruz in mind.
Frequently asked questions about best Airbnbs in Santa Cruz
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