The vibrant city of Santa Cruz is awash with spectacular, natural beauty. In this coastal, Californian city, bright sunshine turns the beaches into stretches of warm gold and the wind whips up frothy waves in the Pacific and stirs the leaves of giant redwoods in the nearby forests. Surrounded by a variety of superb, dramatic landscapes, Santa Cruz has an incredible amount to do, see, and explore for outdoor adventurers. Cycle along the picturesque West Cliff Drive and follow the trail to the stunning Natural Bridges State Beach, where you can admire the unique rock formations and spy local wildlife along the peaceful shore. Climb aboard the Roaring Camp Railroads for a train ride through the awe-inspiring redwood forests or hike along the coastal bluffs in Wilder Ranch State Park. The powerful Pacific waves are perfect for water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing, and there are many beautiful beaches to spend a leisurely afternoon. Visitors will even find many things to do at night, including theme parks and theaters. Wildlife watching tours and breathtaking state parks ensure that the area around this city is filled with opportunities to reconnect with nature. If you don’t know where to stay, this destination is home to top vacation rentals and hotels with private beaches, but it’s also a great place to go glamping. Check out the top yurts in and near Santa Cruz, 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 07, 2024.
1. The Redwood Hideaway (from USD 106)
Enjoy a peaceful vacation on a 15-acre (6.07-hectare) mountaintop property. The 16-foot (4.88-meter) wood and canvas yurt gives you plenty of lounging areas and is fitted with a skylight, an electric heater, and a mini-fridge. While in this yurt for rent near Santa Cruz, you’ll have access to a shared detached bathroom and outdoor showers.
Enjoy nature by staying on the redwood deck while enjoying the view, going out and exploring the forest sanctuary, or taking some time to meditate by the pond. You will also have access to a shared saltwater pool and a hot tub. Additionally, you can book a two-hour session in the private bamboo spa and sauna deck for 100 USD.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wifi by pool is strongwe loved having no wifi in the yurt so we could break the habit of constant phone checkingwifi was spotty in yurt but strong up the hillwhat a cozy hideaway and inspirational community that strives to live in sync with the environmentthe grounds have beautiful plantings and the kitchen was well equippedCleanliness:
the communal bathrooms and kitchen were clean with plenty of hot waterHost:
the hosts were great and very helpfulrosa is an outstanding host and great soulthe hostess kind and generously attentive to every needthe hosts are kind available and also respectful of privacya true retreat with a friendly helpful staffRead more reviewsLocation:
what a great location in the redwoodstucked away in the trees but close enough to town and the host rose was greatwe had a great time walking around the grounds and enjoying the many hummings birds we sawperfect place to go as a coupleif you're looking to relax and unplug this is the place
Superhost
2. Lupin Lodge (from USD 60)
Eager for a truly unique glamping experience near Santa Cruz, California? Lupin Lodge is definitely a property to add to your bucket list. The yurt is on a property that encourages nude recreation. Clothing is optional here, which means you’ll probably see people lounging around bare. Do also take note that there are various rules to follow while here, so be sure to check them out before booking your stay.
At the end of the day, soothe your muscles in the shared hot tub or go to the sauna. The yurt itself is clean and fairly spacious with a plush bed right in the middle.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
pretty basic facilities but i really appreciated having a coffee maker in the yurtthe bedding was quite comfortable and the facilities and open air and au naturel experience is invigoratingthe pool area is relaxing and set up well it’s just like camping with a bedHost:
super friendly staff and other guestseveryone is so kind and friendlyfriendly people nice grounds cant beat the valuethis community was kind genuine and welcoming from the starteveryone around was very friendly and the atmosphere was wonderfulRead more reviewsLocation:
this is a place for an open experience and it is an interesting place
3. Yurt surrounded by beautiful woods (from USD 79)
The sunny yurt has accommodation for up to six guests, is filled with modern amenities and cozy furnishings, and offers stunning panoramas of the Californian countryside. Warm and well furnished, the space has four beds, a heater, a fan, and an outdoor bathroom and shower that all guests share. After hiking the scenic trails that surround the property, guests can relax by the fire pit right outside their yurt.
This wonderful yurt Airbnb near Santa Cruz sits in a wooded area and is part of an “intentional community.” To make things even better, this is a pet-friendly vacation rental, so your furry friend is welcome to join in!
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
4. Mountaintop yurt in the Redwoods (from USD 116)
Marvel at the gorgeous panoramas provided by this magnificent mountaintop yurt in the Redwoods. Located in Watsonville, the property is within walking distance of the Mount Madonna Retreat Center and offers a rejuvenating and relaxing experience for two guests. Fill your days riding horses along the mountain trails, doing yoga at the Retreat Center, or following the hiking trails among the giant trees, before cozying up in the stylish yurt in the evening.
Inside the spacious and sunny property is a plush, queen-sized bed, a cozy couch and a stove in the living space, a large, dining table, a contemporary bathhouse, and a modern kitchenette. The yurt is also equipped with electricity, a gas-heating stove, and Wi-Fi.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
this little place was perfect very cozy and gives you a great view of mtthe space was immaculate and huge - completely ample and comfortable for the two of usthe yurt is just as pictured very comfortable with the sounds of nature everywhereamazing place quiet and rustic yet modern and comfortablehad such a lovely night in this private and cozy stayCleanliness:
james and mary added all the thoughtful touches you could wish for and the space was so cleanthe yurt is fairly remote quiet extremely clean and quite comfortableclean place that is behind the owner's housethe yurt is cozy and clean and furnished very aestheticallyHost:
james is a wonderful hostlovely gracious host and wonderful hospitalitythe hosts are very lovely and helpfulowner was very nice and has yurt stocked with gamesjames and sarojini were so kind and loving hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful location in the redwoodsbeautiful location near mount madonna park and centerthis a unique location and well worth itnice cozy place ideal for a weekend getawaythe location is great if you want to get away from civilization for a bit
5. Large yurt in a 20-acre community (from USD 199)
If you’re eager to go yurt camping near Santa Cruz, this large yurt is a great choice. It’s rustic, spacious, and simple. The vacation rental can accommodate up to 12 guests and is surrounded by woodlands. The space consists of ten comfortable beds, two couches, a wood stove, and a fire pit. All guests share the property’s communal bathroom and shower. This property is quiet and peaceful, and it is set in a large community in Soquel.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds were very comfortable and the coffee goodthe beds where very comfortable and we appreciated the nature around usthe beds were super comfy and we all felt well-rested after the weekendno really those beds were super comfortablegreat spot- super fun and cozy spaceCleanliness:
we slept comfortably as the beds were really nice with clean and comfy linensthe property was clean beautiful & safethe yurts are cozy clean and perfect for a weekend retreatthe yurt was very clean and had plenty of bedding water and even a fireplacethe yurt was very clean and in a beautiful forest settingHost:
kari was a great hostthe host was nice and friendlykari was a great host and the property is really beautifulthis yurt was absolutely huge and the hosts were very accommodating as our arrival check in time kept fluctuatingthey were very welcoming and helpful with our stayRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful location in the middle of the woodssuper close to the beach but also nestled in the woodscommunication was easy and location was close to breakfast restaurants in the morningsuch a great place to get away from the city with a big group of friendsbeautiful location and a great place for a small group to enjoy time together
6. A cozy yurt in a vineyard with view of Monterey Bay (from USD 189)
Embrace the beauty of nature by making yourself comfortable in a cozy yurt that is nestled in a vineyard. You will have the rare opportunity to admire the magnificent views of Monterey Bay anytime you want, for the ultimate glamping experience. You can also enjoy facilities that include a kitchen and a wireless internet connection.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
amazing views killer bathroom perfectthere's a fan in there that was enough to keep the place airedthe bed was super comfy and we were given fresh water coffee and muffinsheated yurt and very nice bathroomthe bed is incredibly comfortable and the linens are plush and softCleanliness:
also very clean bathroom is equippedeverything was super cleanthe yurt was very clean and super cozythe yurt was gorgeous so clean and well appointed and the views incredibleHost:
robin is a great hostgracious and hospitable hostsrobin and mark are amazing hosts and the yurt was spectacularrobin and mark are lovely hosts and their yurt is truly remarkablerobin is an excellent hostRead more reviewsLocation:
fantastic place and gorgeous locationi still am processing how beautiful the location issuch a cozy place to stay in a beautiful and quiet locationthis place is a great find fun getaway in a gorgeous locationunlike camping the bathroom is super close (but doesn’t feel too close) private and high-end
7. Yurt on beautiful land
A quaint style and comfortable amenities make this beautiful yurt a delightful place to stay in Soquel. This pleasant property is spacious and filled with light, and is perfect for a quiet getaway among towering trees. The yurt is equipped with a plush queen-sized bed, a wood stove, and electricity, with a communal, outdoor bathroom and shower nearby. Hiking trails run through the surrounding leafy forest, and Santa Cruz is only a short drive away. This is a charming accommodation for solo travelers and couples, but two mats can be added to provide accommodation for up to four guests.
Soquel, California, United States
3.88 km (2.5 mi) from The Mystery Spot
8. Vegan massage spa retreat
For a cozy stay, check into this yurt. This Santa Cruz vacation rental has a peaceful ambiance and offers accommodation for up to four guests. Inside the bright yurt are two futon beds, a large, lounge space, a wood burning stove, and access to a bathroom. Guests can also enjoy a fresh breakfast in the morning and a massage session included in their stay.
Santa Cruz, California, United States
6.2 km (3.9 mi) from The Mystery Spot
9. Private retreat glamping in a redwood forest
This spacious yurt in Boulder Creek is a delightful accommodation for a relaxing and unique group getaway. Simple and peaceful, the open-planned yurt is not furnished, but it has space for up to 28 guests. There is a communal bathroom and outdoor shower nearby. The yurt has a 360 degree, elevated, wrap-around porch which offers amazing views of the surrounding redwood trees.
Boulder Creek, California, United States
21.29 km (13.3 mi) from The Mystery Spot
The brilliant beauty of Santa Cruz
Stunning scenery surrounds you in Santa Cruz, and there are so many ways for you to enjoy this picturesque area. The city is nestled among breathtaking landscapes where you can hike among giant trees in ancient forests, surf the frothy swells of Pacific waves in the best surf spots, and ride horses along rugged, wind-swept coastal bluffs. From train rides to boat tours to laid-back beach days, this destination is filled with unbeatable outdoor experiences. If you’re planning to go camping in Santa Cruz, these yurts are sure to help you reconnect with nature. Start planning your trip today!
Frequently asked questions about the top yurts in and near Santa Cruz, California
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