Santa Cruz County Vacation Rentals, California: house rentals & more

Select from 583 houses, 63 apartments, and other vacation rentals to find the perfect place for your stay in Santa Cruz County. Whether you’re staying in a vacation home with family or friends, you'll have the amenities you expect and more, including air conditioning and WiFi. Whatever 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.

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Find the best place to stay - Santa Cruz County

Pacific View Treehouse

Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom

Aptos Bayview, large 1 Br.Cottage, Pets & parking. Ocean View deck, fire pit

Sleeps 4 · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom

Ocean front family & pet friendly charming cozy cottage with beach access.

Sleeps 6 · 1 bedroom · 2 bathrooms

GREAT OCEAN VIEWS, OFF SEASON SPECIAL 4 NIGHTS FOR 2- BEAUTIFUL BEACH HOME!!

Sleeps 10 · 4 bedrooms · 2 bathrooms

Top rated rentals - Santa Cruz County

Enjoy the sunny public space on Lawnway right outside the front door.

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Find out more about Santa Cruz County

Why visit Santa Cruz County

Stunning Beaches: Santa Cruz County boasts beautiful beaches perfect for sunbathing, surfing, and beachcombing.
Outdoor Adventures: Explore scenic national and state parks offering hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Charming Towns: Discover quaint towns like Davenport, where friendly locals and family activities await.
Local Wine Country: Indulge in wine tasting experiences in the nearby vineyards and wineries.
Unique Accommodations: Enjoy a variety of vacation rentals, from cozy cabins to beachside condos, for a memorable stay.

Popular types of accommodation in Santa Cruz County

When planning your getaway to Santa Cruz County, you'll find a variety of fantastic vacation rental options to suit your needs. From cozy cabins nestled in nature to spacious houses and modern condos, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the sun and surf with our beach rentals or explore the charm of Santa Cruz vacation rentals. With BeachNest Vacation Rentals, you can expect friendly service and transparency for a stress-free experience.

Cabins: Experience the charm of rustic retreats in Santa Cruz County, where cozy cabins offer a perfect escape into nature.
Houses: Enjoy the comforts of home with spacious private residences ideal for families or groups seeking a personalized stay.
Condos: Opt for modern condos featuring convenient amenities and stunning views, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Cottages: Delight in quaint cottages that provide a warm and inviting atmosphere amidst beautiful surroundings.
Apartments: Choose from stylish apartments that offer a blend of comfort and accessibility for your Santa Cruz adventure.**

Top attractions in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers. With stunning beaches, scenic national and state parks, and charming piers, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities that embrace nature and culture. Whether you're looking to relax on the shore or explore the great outdoors, Santa Cruz County offers something for everyone, making it an ideal vacation spot for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: A vibrant seaside amusement park, the Boardwalk features thrilling rides, games, and classic boardwalk food. It's perfect for families looking for fun and entertainment by the ocean.
Capitola Beach: A picturesque beach known for its colorful beachfront cottages and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or stroll along the charming shops and restaurants nearby.
Mystery Spot: An intriguing gravitational anomaly, this exhibit offers a unique experience with its optical illusions and quirky tours, making it a fascinating stop for those interested in culture and the unusual.

Things to do recommended for couples

For a romantic getaway in Santa Cruz County, indulge in wine tasting at Regale Winery and Soquel Vineyards, both offering enchanting atmospheres. Don't miss a rejuvenating experience at Luminescence Healing Haven, perfect for wellness and relaxation. Enjoy these memorable couple activities together!

Things to do recommended for families

Your family will love the thrilling Zip Line at TreeTopWalk, enjoy arcade fun at Boardwalk Bowl, and unwind at Pinto Lake Park, perfect for relaxation and wellness. Santa Cruz County offers a delightful mix of adventure and tranquility for all ages.

Things to do recommended for groups

Explore Ocean Street for unique shopping experiences, tee off at Pasatiempo Golf Course for a fun day outdoors, and enjoy family-friendly activities at Watsonville Square Shopping Center. These local spots offer a vibrant mix of entertainment and leisure, perfect for your group vacation in Santa Cruz County.

What do I need to keep in mind when booking a vacation in Santa Cruz County

When planning your trip, whether you're traveling with friends, family, pets, or looking for an extended stay, be sure to prioritize your filters accordingly. Here are some helpful Vrbo booking tips to consider.

Traveling to Santa Cruz County with a group: Think about how many bedrooms you'll require, along with features like a complete kitchen or outdoor areas for group gatherings. The good news is that you can easily filter for these options and many others on Vrbo.
Traveling to Santa Cruz County with young kids: Traveling with young kids can present its own set of challenges. It's important to prioritize their comfort and safety, along with suitable amenities like a private swimming pool. Additionally, keeping in mind your closeness to family-friendly attractions can enhance your experience.
Taking your pets with you to Santa Cruz County: For many families, a vacation wouldn't be the same without their furry companions. If this resonates with you, explore Vrbo listings that welcome pets. Many of these pet-friendly properties offer feeding bowls and beds, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and at home.
Planning for a long term stay visiting Santa Cruz County: If you're searching for vacation rentals with special offers for month-long stays, you've come to the right spot. By using the appropriate filters, you can effortlessly discover and save on monthly rentals. Don't forget to include features like a parking space, a well-equipped kitchen, or a private pool in your search criteria as well.

Where to stay in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and scenic beauty, making it an ideal vacation spot. Explore charming beach cottages, indulge in the local wine country, or enjoy romantic getaways along the stunning coastline. Don't miss the quaint town of Davenport, where friendly locals and family-friendly activities await. Whether you're seeking relaxation or exciting excursions, Santa Cruz County promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

Santa Cruz: Nestled along California's stunning coastline, Santa Cruz is a vibrant city renowned for its outdoor adventures and family-friendly attractions. The famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers an old-school amusement park experience with thrilling rides, games, and seasonal events. Visitors can explore the scenic Santa Cruz Wharf, where you can spot sea lions and enjoy fresh seafood. The beautiful beaches, such as Main Beach and Natural Bridges State Beach, invite sunbathing, surfing, and picnicking. Nature enthusiasts can hike in nearby redwood forests or visit the iconic lighthouse for picturesque views of the bay. Santa Cruz is truly a haven for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Capitola: A charming seaside village, Capitola is known for its colorful beachfront homes and laid-back vibe. Travelers flock to Capitola Beach for its soft sands and gentle waves, ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. The Capitola Wharf provides a fantastic spot for fishing and enjoying panoramic views of the coastline. Stroll through the quaint Capitola Village, where you’ll find boutique shops, art galleries, and delightful restaurants serving fresh local cuisine. With its picturesque scenery and family-friendly atmosphere, Capitola offers a perfect blend of relaxation and fun, making it a must-visit destination on your Santa Cruz County adventure.
Aptos: Aptos is a scenic gem located just south of Santa Cruz, offering a tranquil escape with stunning ocean views and lush landscapes. With access to beautiful beaches like Seacliff State Beach, visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Aptos is also home to the majestic Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, where you can hike among towering ancient trees and explore picturesque trails. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at the nearby golf courses with breathtaking ocean vistas. Aptos’ relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty make it an ideal spot for those looking to unwind and experience the serene side of California’s coastline.

Booking with Vrbo is simple

Are you hoping to save on your upcoming journey? Being flexible with your travel dates can make a big difference, as prices often fluctuate. Additionally, consider booking a longer stay, which can lead to substantial savings. To discover a Vrbo property that suits your budget, utilize our filters to sort by price, location, and type of vacation rental. We're here to help you find the perfect getaway!

Save more with One Key

Reserve a qualifying Vrbo for your group getaway and earn OneKeyCash™ on your entire reservation. Being the planner truly has its rewards! When you join our travel rewards program, OneKey, you'll gain access to exclusive discounts for members and earn OneKeyCash™ on eligible bookings. Sign up today and begin enjoying your savings!

Vrbo Trips: Effortless planning

Vrbo's cutting-edge Trip Board offers you a convenient space to plan new trips, pick up right where you left off, and manage your travel arrangements seamlessly. You can easily find the properties you've saved and booked in the sections for Potential, Upcoming, or Current Trips. To explore Trip Boards, simply visit: https://www.vrbo.com/trips.

**Based on Vrbo properties booked during 2023 and 2024.

Salty fun in Santa Cruz County

Bring the surfboard wax and the good vibes for that trip to Santa Cruz County vacation rentals. These Californian shacks and beachside pads, facing the spray of the Pacific Ocean, offer a gateway to some of the most celebrated shores in the whole United States. Many come with decks that gaze out across the rollers, while others hide amid the soaring redwoods of the forests. All are a place to chill, catch some waves, hike some clifftops and even check off the bucket-list sights of the Bay Area – it's just to the north.

Sightseeing in and around Santa Cruz County

Do you want to find attractions to visit during your stay? Although it can be tempting to stay in your comfortable vacation rental, you'll want to check out everything that makes Santa Cruz County a fun place to get away. These are some of the top attractions to see, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (6.4 mi / 10.3 km)
Monterey Bay Aquarium (29.7 mi / 47.8 km)
Pasatiempo Golf Course (4.7 mi / 7.6 km)
Roaring Camp Railroads (5.8 mi / 9.3 km)
Seascape Golf Club (6.8 mi / 10.9 km)
Mount Madonna Center (11.9 mi / 19.2 km)

Santa Cruz County and the roaring Pacific Ocean

The name of Santa Cruz County is nothing short of legendary in surf circles. As its rivers and creeks wiggle into the Pacific Ocean, and the wide beaches of Monterey Bay open to the swells, you'll find some seriously gnarly point breaks and hollow tube rides. Of course, you don't need to suit up and hit the waves to make the most of the water. This is also a hotspot for seeing huge humpback whales or catching glimpses of dolphins and porpoises – April to November is best.

Santa Cruz County is breathtaking Cali coastline

There's no question that the Santa Cruz County coastline is the piece de resistance of the region. It ranges from wide Monterey Bay, where turtles, whales and dolphins all splash in the Pacific, to the seal-spotted pebble beaches of Ano Nuevo State Park, with its dunes and boardwalk trails. There are countless surf-washed beaches and cliff-backed coves between them. Inland, you can discover the soaring trees of the Big Basin Redwoods State Park, a wilderness of bobcats and waterfalls, deer and wildflowers.

Transportation to and around Santa Cruz County

The nearest airport is in Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal), located 12.1 mi (19.5 km) from the city center.

Frequently asked questions

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

If you’re thinking about a stop in Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz is one of the more desired areas to stay. While here, keep busy by exploring wonderful sights like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Roaring Camp Railroads.

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

According to our research, condos are considered the most popular property type in Santa Cruz County. But that goes without saying, everyone’s idea of the perfect trip isn’t going to be the same. Vrbo has vacation homes with every size, shape and budget in mind, so you’re bound to find the perfect fit for you.

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

Several factors influence how much you’ll pay for a vacation rental in Santa Cruz County, like the type of property, length of stay and season. But, all our vacation homes have one thing in common — excellent value. Just enter your travel dates to find your perfect match.

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

Prices for beach houses in Santa Cruz County may differ depending on the size and style of the property and time of year you’re traveling. Simply enter your dates of travel into Vrbo and the number of guests to view your vacation rental options and prices. From there you can use our filter tool to refine your search results by nearby activities, amenities, ratings and more.

Are there vacation rentals with WiFi in Santa Cruz County?

Whether you’d like to keep up with the headlines, look over emails or surf social networks, there are 317 vacation homes with WiFi in Santa Cruz County. Check the “WiFi” box when searching on Vrbo and stay connected on your vacation.

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

We recommend you check with the Santa Cruz County vacation property you’re considering on Vrbo as age restrictions vary. However, normally it’s 16, 18 or 21.

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

The length of time you can book a vacation rental in Santa Cruz County varies according to the property. Just enter your preferred travel dates to display a list of options offering extended stays. With plenty of amenities such as laundries and air conditioning, as well as some offering weekly or monthly discounts, you’re sure to discover somewhere perfect to call your home away from home in Santa Cruz County.

Does Vrbo offer discounts for vacation homes in Santa Cruz County?

In Santa Cruz County, you’ll find some fantastic deals and discounts for weekly and monthly discounts on vacation rentals, as well as newly listed homes on Vrbo. Whether you’re after a mini vacay or a couple of weeks away, we’ve got plenty of options to suit your style.