Santa Cruz Vacation Rentals, California: house rentals & more

Discover a selection of 296 homes, 20 apartments, and other vacation rentals in Santa Cruz that are perfect for your trip. Whether you're traveling with a group or just with your pet, vacation rentals have the amenities you expect for your stay, which might include WiFi and a washer and dryer. No matter what you're looking for, you'll be sure to find a rental that has what everyone needs, including a place that's non-smoking or offers accessibility.

Find spaces that suit your style

House

Condo/Apartment

Find properties near top attractions in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Find the best place to stay - Santa Cruz

2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk - No Cleaning Fee!

Sleeps 4 · 2 bedrooms · 1 bathroom

Santa Cruz Beach House - Steps to Beach, Wharf, Boardwalk, Cowells, Lighthouse

Sleeps 6 · 2 bedrooms · 1 bathroom

Cowell Beach House - 1/2 Block to Beach, Wharf, Boardwalk, Cowells, Lighthouse

Sleeps 6 · 2 bedrooms · 1 bathroom

OCEANFRONT@ SANTA CRUZ BEACH Complete Privacy Backyard, Beach, Views, DOG OK!

Sleeps 6 · 3 bedrooms · 2 bathrooms

Top rated rentals - Santa Cruz

Grass Valley

Peace of mind
Our Book with Confidence guarantee gives you 24/7 support
All the privacy of home
Enjoy full kitchens, laundry, pools, yards and more
More for less
More space, more privacy, more amenities — more value
A place for everyone
We stand for diversity, inclusion and families everywhere.
Learn more

Explore the beachside setting in Santa Cruz

Enjoy the entertainment and other features of Santa Cruz. This walkable city is known for its beaches, sporting events and seaside. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay are just a couple of the must-sees. Whether you're planning a family holiday, romantic stay or friends trip, vacation rentals offer features like full kitchens and laundry facilities for a more convenient stay.

Activities and attractions in Santa Cruz

Do you want to find attractions to visit in the area? Travelers enjoy fun activities like surfing, camping and biking. Venture out of your cozy vacation rental and check out everything that Santa Cruz has to offer. These are some of the major attractions to put on your list, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (1.1 mi / 1.7 km)
Pasatiempo Golf Course (1.8 mi / 2.9 km)
Zip Line (6.3 mi / 10.1 km)
Seascape Golf Club (7.8 mi / 12.6 km)
Mount Madonna Center (15.9 mi / 25.5 km)
Testarossa Winery (16.4 mi / 26.5 km)

Exploring the beaches and other natural features in Santa Cruz

Whether you're an adventurous traveler or just want to appreciate the scenery, Santa Cruz is a great place to get out in nature. Here are a few of the area's most eye-catching features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

Monterey Bay (13 mi / 20.9 km)
Main Beach (1.1 mi / 1.7 km)
Santa Cruz Main Beach (1.1 mi / 1.8 km)
University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum (1.5 mi / 2.5 km)
Seabright Beach (1.6 mi / 2.5 km)
Twin Lakes State Beach (1.8 mi / 2.9 km)

Seasonal weather in Santa Cruz

Travelers speak highly of Santa Cruz for its surfing. If you're hoping to enjoy some warm-weather activities on your vacation, September, August, July and October are the hottest months to visit, when temperatures average 63°F.

Transportation to and around Santa Cruz

The nearest airport is in Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal), located 13.4 mi (21.6 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you might consider flying into Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), which is 27.6 mi (44.3 km) away.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay in Santa Cruz when booking a vacation rental?

Among the more popular locations to experience a vacation rental in Santa Cruz is Twin Lakes. Base yourself here and you’ll be close to some top visitor attractions like Twin Lakes State Beach and Lincoln Beach.

What is the most popular type of vacation rental accommodation in Santa Cruz?

Based on our data, condos are the most sought-after type of vacation property in Santa Cruz. But of course, everyone’s idea of an awesome stay isn’t the same. Vrbo has vacation homes with every shape, size and budget in mind, so you’re sure to find the best fit for your needs.

How much does it cost to rent a vacation rental in Santa Cruz?

Property type, length of stay and season are some of the things that can affect the price of a vacation home. Simply enter your dates of travel to find your ideal match. From quaint country cottages to plush villas, all Vrbo vacation rentals offer amazing value.

How much does it cost to rent a beach house in Santa Cruz?

The average price for a vacation rental by the beach in Santa Cruz will depend on when you’re going and the size and style of property you’re searching for. Find prices quickly and easily on Vrbo by entering your destination and preferred travel dates. Then make use of the filter tool to choose the number of bedrooms and amenities that you require, like air conditioning, a pool and WiFi.

Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Santa Cruz?

With 785 properties that welcome four-legged guests, your furry friend can join you on your Santa Cruz vacation. Use the filter tool to browse our pet-friendly vacation rentals and find your pawfect pad on Vrbo.

Can I rent a house with a pool in Santa Cruz?

Add a new level of fun to your adventure by booking your family into one of the 111 houses with a private pool in Santa Cruz. Use our handy search filter to find the kind of property you want on Vrbo, and then spend your downtime splish-splashing around in a swimming pool that’s all yours.

What are popular rental amenities in Santa Cruz?

Some of the most popular rental amenities people look for in Santa Cruz are a fireplace, a firepit and a lake view. Whether you’re on the road with family, friends or even pets, Vrbo vacation properties feature the best amenities for hanging out with the people you cherish the most.

Are there large group vacation rentals in Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has 87 vacation properties that can fit 10 or more people. These stays come with all the space you need to enjoy good times with loved ones.

Are there vacation rentals in Santa Cruz that welcome kids?

Santa Cruz has 775 family-friendly vacation rentals to choose from. And discovering a stay that welcomes children is super easy with our “Properties good for families” filter. Besides having the whole place to yourselves, you’ll also get amenities and perks like living rooms, kitchens and pools.

What are the top attractions for families in Santa Cruz?

There’s a ton of cool things to do and see with the family in Santa Cruz, such as:

Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Laboratory
Pasatiempo Golf Course
Wilder Ranch State Park

Are there one-bedroom vacation rentals in Santa Cruz?

Yes, you can pick from 145 one-bedroom rentals in Santa Cruz. Whether you want an apartment or a cabin, Vrbo’s one-bedroom properties are ideal if you don’t need a huge amount of space. One of the perks of having your own pad? You won’t ever need to share your vacation with strangers.

Can I find two-bedroom vacation rentals in Santa Cruz?

Gather your nearest and dearest and experience complete comfort and privacy in one of the 251 two-bedroom vacation homes Santa Cruz has to offer.

Are there vacation rentals with WiFi in Santa Cruz?

Take your pick of 313 vacation rentals with WiFi in Santa Cruz. If you want to disconnect from daily life on your vacation, but still want to be connected to the internet, these getaways have what you need. Narrow your search by applying the WiFi filter on Vrbo.

How can I find vacation rentals with air conditioning in Santa Cruz?

Select your travel dates and then use the filter tool to find vacation rentals with air conditioning in Santa Cruz on Vrbo. With 86 air-conditioned properties available, you can enjoy a cool and comfy stay.

How old do you have to be to rent a vacation rental in Santa Cruz?

The minimum required age is usually 16, 18 or 21. It can change across properties on Vrbo, so check the rules of your preferred Santa Cruz vacation rental before you book.

How long can I rent a vacation rental in Santa Cruz for?

The amount of time you can stay in a Santa Cruz vacation home for is up to the property. Just enter your dates of travel to view available options offering extended stays. They have the things you need to make your extended trip more comfortable and enjoyable, such as kitchens and air conditioning. Some properties might also offer discounted weekly or monthly prices, so you can stay even longer for less.

Does Vrbo offer discounts for vacation homes in Santa Cruz?

In Santa Cruz, you’ll find great deals and discounts for weekly and monthly discounts on vacation rentals, as well as newly listed homes on Vrbo. Whether you’re wanting a mini escape or a much longer stay, we offer a variety of options to match your style.