Vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County

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Guest favorite

Guest suite in Aptos

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 402 reviews

El Nido; a Peaceful, Relaxing, Restorative Retreat

As an artist, I'm deeply interested in aesthetics. I think I've succeeded in creating a beautiful, restful venue for relaxation. The queen size bed overlooks a bird sanctuary over the Valencia Creek watershed. The kitchen includes a fridge stocked with goodies, toaster oven, microwave, coffee pot, French press and cooktop for light cooking. You're welcome to use the oven/stove in the main kitchen with prior arrangements. A backyard gas barbecue is available for heavier cooking (or if you're planning to cook fish!) Hairdryer and shampoo are available in the spacious private bath. Thick terry robes are provided for your comfort, and beach towels and chairs if you decide to spend some time on one of our beautiful beaches. There's a large flat screen smart TV complete with Netflix. Lots of reading material and a writing desk are also here for your use. You have a private entrance with a coded entry. You have a private entrance with a coded entry. Your rooms are private and you have your own porch and you're welcome to use the yards/patios. I share the front house with my partner and our two dogs. We'd love to meet you and perhaps share a cup of coffee or a glass of wine (depending on the time of day!) but will also respect your need/desire for privacy if you prefer. I'm happy to provide any information or amenities that will make your visit more comfortable and enjoyable. This home is close to the beautiful beaches of the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary and the Forest of Nisene Marks, just a mile from Aptos village, south of Santa Cruz and the Boardwalk and north of Elk Horn Slough and The Monterey Bay Aquarium. Parking is easily available on our quiet cut-de-sac. The flagstone path to the left of the property will lead you to a gate and your private porch/entrance. Provide a 4 digit code before you arrive and I'll program the entry for your convenience. No keys to hassle with. Public transit is available one mile from the house. Uber is a popular alternative in our area. We're just minutes away from a thriving downtown scene complete with music venues and restaurants, shopping, art galleries, and the SC Beach Boardwalk. Whale watching, kayaking, cycling and hiking trails are also just minutes away. My place is good for couples, solo adventurers, business travelers, or those looking for a quiet retreat.

Superhost

Rental unit in Santa Cruz

4.86 out of 5 average rating, 178 reviews

Canopy Tours Thrills| Amusement Park. Pool

Striking the perfect balance between natural beauty and urban design, this Santa Cruz hotel challenges the typical experience with a bold blend of contradictions. Attractions await you: ✔ Spectacular nature experience on steam engine trains at Roaring Camp Railroad ✔ Seals at Año Nuevo State Park ✔ Astonishing views at California's oldest state park, Big Basin Redwoods State Park ✔ Redwood Canopy Tours with suspension bridges and zip lines ✔ Iconic views at Natural Bridges State Park

Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Soquel

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 262 reviews

Secret Garden Retreat

Welcome to our peaceful part of the forest. Adventure out and return to relax and rejuvenate in a beautiful private mountain and garden setting. Our beautiful Secret Garden has many places to relax and enjoy nature. We love the the Big Sur area and strive to create a similar feeling here. It’s a short drive to local beaches, Capitola, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur. Our place is small and best suited for people who plan to be out exploring and for someone on a solo retreat. Everyone is welcome.

Guest favorite

Guest suite in Santa Cruz

4.82 out of 5 average rating, 975 reviews

Birdsong Studio by Beach-Jasmine Gardens

Jasmine Garden Oasis Retreat House—3 block walk to quiet beaches. Ideal for individuals, couples, or families seeking serenity. SC Permit # 231326. Two upstairs independent guest studios inside our home, each with queen bed and extra beds for $25 charge: Jade Studio with private deck, and Birdsong Studio overlooking garden. Garden hot tub, meditation & QiGong instruction, bicycle loan, allergy-free, healing sessions, and low-EMF option--renewing for heart, body & soul. Sunrise/sunset at beach.

Guest favorite

Cabin in Felton

5 out of 5 average rating, 241 reviews

Whiskey Hollow A-Frame: As feat'd in Condé Nast!

Featured in Condé Nast's "30 Cozy A-Frame Cabins for Cold-Weather Getaways", Whiskey Hollow is a romantic retreat! View majestic Redwoods from the loft bed, luxuriate in the oversized bathtub by candlelight, cozy up in front of the wood fireplace, or cook a meal in the fully appointed kitchen. Nestled in the woods, you would never guess that it's only 2 miles to downtown Felton, 1.5 miles to Henry Cowell State Park, 15 min to downtown Santa Cruz, and 20 min to the beach (Permit #191282).

Guest favorite

Cottage in Santa Cruz

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 245 reviews

Theory of Color: A Sensory Retreat

Welcome to your serene sensory retreat! Tucked away in a tranquil, private location, this charming rental features vibrant lazure-style walls that evoke peace. Relax in the outdoor bathtub, embraced by nature. Unwind, recharge, and awaken your senses in this idyllic haven. Built in 1928 and fully modernized, this stylish retreat is bright and inviting. Enjoy easy walks to the beach (0.7 mi), harbor (0.5 mi), boardwalk (1.1 mi), downtown (1.5 mi), Rio Theater (0.5 mi), and UCSC (3 mi).

Guest favorite

Bungalow in Santa Cruz

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 245 reviews

Vintage Charm Close to Downtown and Beaches

This beautifully & recently renovated studio with separate entry and private bathroom is in the middle of everything Santa Cruz has to offer: downtown, beaches, boardwalk, West Cliff Drive, bike paths, etc. are an easy walk or bike-ride. The studio is also a quiet area for remote work. We are pleased to host you and help make your experience great. You may also access the common-space gardens and hot tub in the spa-like back yard (upon request).

Guest favorite

Home in Santa Cruz

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 543 reviews

Town-and-Nature

Three beautiful, quiet, private and secure rooms within our home, with separate entrance. PLEASE NOTE: It is part of a home, not entire home as listing heading implies, due to Airbnb's limited choices. Lovely garden with outside sitting area. 20 minute footpath/walk to beach through green belt and harbor, great restaurants nearby including three at the beach, short drive to downtown for live music and arts. Host is German, practices acupuncture.

Superhost

Tiny home in Santa Cruz

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 608 reviews

Harborside Retreat close to Beach and Boardwalk

This one of kind cottage is said to be on the smallest lot in Santa Cruz and just 2 blocks away from the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor and beautiful Twin Lakes Beach. There are many delicious restaurants, a beautiful walking path and easy access to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. All within your reach. The house boasts a queen bed, full size kitchen and bath, along with fast Wifi and a desk for working remotely. This is the perfect romantic getaway

Guest favorite

Guest suite in Santa Cruz

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 676 reviews

Cozy garden westside king suite STR18-0122

This cool and comfortable private space is a great spot to stay while visiting Santa Cruz. Close to everything yet private with its own private entrance and in a quiet setting with an outdoor sitting area. The neighborhood is old Santa Cruz and close to everything. Don’t forget the comfortable king bed! The best deal in Santa Cruz! MAKE SURE TO READ IMPORTANT NOTE!

Guest favorite

Guest suite in Santa Cruz

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 389 reviews

Savasana Surfer's Retreat

A simple and cozy abode for couple's getaway, outdoor enthusiasts, or solo travelers. Tucked away in a residential cul-de-sac with easy access to the harbor and local beaches via 2 complimentary beach cruisers. Completed with a semi-outdoor restroom and hammock, the Savasana Studio is a great alternative for a relaxing and cost-effective way to stay in Santa Cruz!

Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Felton

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 138 reviews

Redwood Cottage & Hot Tub

Enjoy this quaint, peaceful redwood retreat in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This small cottage comes with a private hot tub, outdoor shower, propane fire pit and hammock. You'll be 10 minutes to downtown Felton and 20 minutes to Santa Cruz beaches. The cottage is on a shared property and next door to the main house.