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. These yurts in Santa Cruz, California, are ideal for a relaxing getaway in some of the most magnificent landscapes around. Read more about them below!
1. Amazing yurt in a redwood forest eco-retreat
A stylish and elegant property, this wonderful guest yurt is a fantastic accommodation for families or small groups. The spacious yurt has accommodation for up to six guests and is filled with cozy furnishings. Warm and inviting, the space has five beds, a compact kitchenette, and a private bathroom and an outdoor shower. From the property’s porch, guests can enjoy impressive views of the redwood, oak, and pine forest. The yurt is located in Boulder Creek, and it is only a short drive from Santa Cruz.
Amazing Yurt for 6 in a Redwood Forest Eco-RetreatBoulder Creek, California, United States
2. Yurt surrounded by beautiful woods (from USD 107)
Going camping near Santa Cruz? A cozy and inviting property, this wonderful guest yurt is a terrific accommodation for families or small groups. 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. Located in Soquel, the rental sits on 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!
Yurt in Soquel · ★4.71 · 2 bedrooms · 4 beds · 1 bathSoquel, California, United StatesAccommodates: 6
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
3. Mountain top yurt in the Redwoods (from USD 149)
Marvel at the gorgeous panoramas of magnificent Redwoods that surround this tranquil yurt. 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.
Yurt in Watsonville · ★4.92 · 2 bedrooms · 1 bed · 1 bathWatsonville, California, United StatesAccommodates: 2
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
4. Large yurt in a 20-acre community (from USD 261)
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.
Yurt in Soquel · ★4.92 · 3 bedrooms · 9 beds · 1 shared bathSoquel, California, United StatesAccommodates: 12
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
5. Yurt in a Mediterranean micro-climate (from USD 190)
Combing rural beauty with modern amenities, Lupin Lodge provides a relaxing vacation in Los Gatos. Lupin Lodge is a clothing-optional resort, and offers many amenities to guests. This cozy yurt has accommodation for two guests, and is surrounded by quiet forest. Guests can hike the tranquil trails that wind through the property, or relax in the pool, hot tub, or sauna. There is even a TV lounge for guests to enjoy.
Yurt in Los Gatos · ★4.57 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 shared bathLos Gatos, California, United StatesAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
summary: lupin is a facility with an amazing capacity to be beautiful and functional clothing optional retreatthe yurt was musty and outdated and the only ac was a half-broken fanbathing facilities: the saving grace of the lupin lodgeplease do not plan on using the kitchen here unless they have some severe remodeling and safety certificationshopefully lupin lodge can pull it together and rejuvenate this facilityCleanliness:
the pool spa clubhouse area bathrooms/showers and grounds in general all seemed clean and well maintainedHost:
the staff was welcoming and politethis was a great retreat for my partner and i staff was friendly and the grounds were lovelyhosts: the lupin lodge hosts were prompt responsive and extremely nice to communicate withwonderful property with extremely friendly peopleeveryone there was really kind and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was beautiful nestled within the redwoods
6. A cozy yurt in a vineyard with view of Monterey Bay (from USD 250)
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.
Yurt in Los Gatos · ★4.98 · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 bathLos Gatos, California, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
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. Cozy yoga retreat with a hot tub and swimming pool
Situated in the heart of Day Valley and about 15 minutes from Santa Cruz, this Morrocan-style yurt is ideal for nature lovers and yogis who want to relax for a few days. The yurt is cozy and can accommodate two people. The Om Oasis retreat center offers healing, meditation, and yoga, perfect for those who enjoy recreational trips. It boasts access to a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a sauna. The yurt and retreat site are also just 5.5 mi (8.9 km) from the famous Capitola Beach, one of the oldest beaches on the West Coast of California. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the restaurants and cafes of the town center are also within easy driving distance.
Redwood Hideaway Yurt at Mountain Top Eco- RetreatTop guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
the host if very welcoming and accommodating and i super appreciated all the amenities
8. 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.
16' Yurt on 20 beautiful acresSoquel, California, United States
9. 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.
VEGAN MASSAGE SPA RETREATSanta Cruz, California, United States
10. 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.
Private Retreat Glamping, Redwood Forest. 6 acres!Boulder Creek, California, United States
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!
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to bookmark our articles, like local expert tips, receive great stories in your inbox, and follow writers and topics that you love.
Log in with Facebook Log in with Twitter Log in with Google ×