Planning a trip to Santa Cruz, California? Interested in Santa Cruz rentals? I am not surprised. Santa Cruz in California is one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the USA. Vrbo Santa Cruz offers some truly incredible vacation rentals. And here are the best Santa Cruz vacation rentals.
BEST SANTA CRUZ RENTALS YOU’LL WANT TO BOOK IMMEDIATELY
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Photo by Reuben Rohard on Unsplash 
Photo by Hamish Duncan on Unsplash
With lots of sunshine, 29 miles of beaches, and world-class surfing spots, Santa Cruz is one of the most desirable vacation beach towns in the USA.
Sun-kissed Santa Cruz is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy surfing, boogie boarding, paddle-boarding, swimming, jogging, biking, hiking, strolling the waterfront, playing basketball, beach volleyball …
Santa Cruz is heaven for enjoying open-air high-adrenaline sports and some of the fastest ball sports in the world like golf, tennis and for practicing some calming activities like yoga classes, visiting spas, or just relaxing.
Besides, Santa Cruz bursts with many great restaurants, coffee bars, breweries, wineries, bakeries what makes Santa Cruz one of the best vacation destinations in the USA.
Recommended tours in Santa Cruz:
- Beginner Surf Lesson in Santa Cruz
- Mountain Bike Guided Tour Santa Cruz
- Mermaid Experience & Photoshoot
Here’s a quick summery of the best Santa Cruz vacation rentals:
- Best pet-friendly Santa Cruz vacation rental: Beach Lover’s Retreat – Perfect Home for Families, Dog Owners & Romantic Escapes
- Best family-friendly Santa Cruz vacation rental: Luxurious Ocean View Villa GREAT LOCATION Walk to Beach, Wharf & Boardwalk
- Best group-friendly Santa Cruz vacation rental OCEANFRONT! BEST LOCATION! EXTRAORDINARY VIEWS! *HOT TUB!*FIRE PIT!
- Best Santa Cruz rental house with a pool: 5,700 sq. Luxury Villa, Oceanview, Infinity Pool
- Best Santa Cruz rental house: Fabulous Family Home by Ocean + Swim Spa + Hot Tub + Dogs
- Best beachfront Santa Cruz rental: OCEANFRONT! BEST LOCATION! EXTRAORDINARY VIEWS! *HOT TUB!*FIRE PIT!
Best Santa Cruz rentals to book for an unforgettable vacation:
1. BEST PET-FRIENDLY SANTA CRUZ RENTAL HOUSE WITH HOT TUB
Fabulous Family Home by Ocean + Swim Spa + Hot Tub + Dogs
This 2500 sq. ft Santa Cruz vacation home is one of the best Vrbo Santa Cruz rentals. This elegant and homey Santa Cruz rental home has an open plan kitchen, a dining room with seating for 10, 2 family rooms, a small office, 3 bedrooms (with a king bed, a queen bed, a double bed, and a twin bed), 2.5 bathrooms, a private garden with a lovely patio and BBQ, a pool, a hot tub, and outdoor furniture. The house fits 7 people and it is pet-friendly.
This Vrbo Santa Cruz rental home is located near gorgeous West Cliff Drive and the pristine beaches, famous Beach Boardwalk, and amazing surf spots.
The house is 10 min walk from Downtown Santa Cruz, and 15 min walk from Natural Bridges Beach and Famous Butterfly Sanctuary.
- Sleeps: 7
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2.5
- Min Stay: 5 nights
- Pool / Spa
- Pet-friendly
2. BEST OCEANFRONT VACATION HOUSE IN SANTA CRUZ
OCEANFRONT! BEST LOCATION! EXTRAORDINARY VIEWS! *HOT TUB!*FIRE PIT!
This amazing 1900 sq. ft oceanfront rental house in Santa Cruz comes with a superb location and majestic views of Monterey Bay, the Wharf, and Boardwalk Pier.
The well-appointed and classic Californian house has a full kitchen with seating for 6 people, a dining room with seating for 6 people as well, a spacious living room, an en-suite master bedroom with a king bed, two additional bedrooms with a king bed, and 2 queen beds, 2.5 bathrooms, a back patio with seating, a BBQ, hot tub, and an outdoor shower. It can accommodate up to 10 people.
This incredible oceanfront house is a fantastic choice for big families and group of friends.
It’s located on the west side of Santa Cruz near Cowell’s Beach/Cove, a short walk from the Santa Cruz Wharf and the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The Santa Cruz Harbor is only 5 min away, Pacific Avenue and Ocean Street are 1 mi away, Capitola Beach and Mystery Spot are about 4 mi away.
- Sleeps: 10
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2
- Half Baths: 1
- Hot Tub
- Min Stay: 2–7 nights
3. BEST BEACHFRONT CONDO WITH POOL
Beachfront Condo w/ Pool, Private Patio & 180-Degree View of Monterey Bay
This stunning Santa Cruz rental comes with panoramic views of Monterey Bay.
The 972 sq. ft condo has a full kitchen, dining room with seating for 4, a big and cozy living area with a gas fireplace, 2 en-suite bedrooms (with a king bed, and twin beds), a private patio, and a shared pool. The condo fits 5 people and it’s pet-friendly.
It’s located near Rio Beach (only 0.4 mi from Rio Beach), 2.7 mi from Capitola Beach, 3.1 mi from La Selva Beach, 6.4 mi from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and Mystery Spot.
- Sleeps: 5
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
- Min Stay: 2–4 nights
- Pool
- Pet-friendly
4. BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY BEACHFRONT APARTMENT
One of Two Units in Fantastic Beachfront Location
If you want to wake up listening the sound of the ocean views in Santa Cruz, this fantastic condo might suit you.
This well-appointed condo is a part of a Santa Cruz beach house that has 2 rental condos in total. The oceanfront condo has a kitchen, a dining area, and a beachfront living area, 3 bedrooms, 3 king beds, 3 bathrooms, and a small patio with a hot tub. A public communal swimming pool is in near proximity to this beautiful rental beach house in Santa Cruz.
This Santa Cruz beach rental condo fits 6 people.
It’s located just on the beach in Santa Cruz, a few blocks from Pleasure Point, a 5-10 min drive from downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and popular Capitola Village.
- Sleeps: 6
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 3
- Min Stay: 2–3 nights
- Public communal pool
- Hot Tub
5. BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY VACATION HOUSE IN SANTA CRUZ
Luxurious Ocean View Villa GREAT LOCATION Walk to Beach, Wharf & Boardwalk
The 2550 sq. ft villa is one of the top luxury rental villas in Santa Cruz, California. Besides that, this new and modern villa is a top Santa Cruz rental for families.
The Monarch villa comes with a well-equipped gourmet kitchen with ocean views, a spacious and airy living room, a balcony with a BBQ overlooking the ocean, an en-suite master bedroom, an en-suite king bedroom, a queen bedroom, a bunk bedroom with four twin beds for kids. The villa suits 10 people.
This lovely villa has an unbeatable location in downtown Santa Cruz. It’s conveniently located close to the Boardwalk, Wharf, and beach. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is about 0.3 mi away, Pacific Avenue is about 0.5 mi away, Ocean Street is about 1 mi away, Capitola Beach is about 4 mi away.
- Sleeps: 10
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 3
- Min Stay: 2–21 nights
6. BEST LUXURY SANTA CRUZ VILLA WITH INFINITY POOL
5,700 sq. Luxury Villa, Oceanview, Infinity Pool
This amazing Mediterranean-style luxury villa comes with spectacular infinity pool and jaw-dropping views of Monterey Bay.
The villa spreads over an impressive 5700 sq. ft and it comes with a gourmet kitchen, a dining room with seating for a spacious living area with double arched ceilings and a cozy fireplace, 5 bedrooms, 6 beds (one king bed and 5 queen beds), 6 bathrooms, a theater, a beautiful garden, and a huge patio with a seating area that overlooks the pool. It suits 10 people.
It’s located less than 2 mi from Mystery Spot, about 3 mi from Capitola Beach, about 4 mi from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and about 5 mi Rio Del Mar Beach.
This fantastic villa is a perfect rental for family gatherings, celebrations or a group of friends with kids who look for a first-class rental in Santa Cruz.
- Sleeps: 10
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 6
- Hot Tub
- Pool
- Min Stay: 2–3 nights
7. BEST LUXURY OCEANFRONT PENTHOUSE
LUXURY OCEAN FRONT Penthouse. 1/2 Block to Beach!
The Salty Sea Beach House is a private, secluded and peaceful oceanfront penthouse in Aptos. Unquestionably, it’s one of the best rentals in the Santa Cruz area.
The luxury penthouse comes with a fully stocked kitchen, an open plan dining, and living area, 4 bedrooms, 9 beds ( 2 queen beds and 7 single beds), 3 bathrooms, 3 balconies, a pool with magnificent ocean views, and 2 parking spots. It can accommodate up to 10 people
It’s only a half of a block from the Rio Del Mar Beach, about 3 mi from Capitola Beach and La Selva Beach, 6 mi from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Mystery Spot.
This penthouse is a great vacation rental in Santa Cruz for big families.
- Sleeps: 10
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 3
- Outdoor communal pool
- Pet-friendly
- Min Stay: 7 nights
8. BEST DOG-FRIENDLY SANTA CRUZ HOUSE
Beach Lover’s Retreat – Perfect Home for Families, Dog Owners & Romantic Escapes
This 1200 sq. ft beach house is one of the best Santa Cruz home rentals and the most sought-after vacation rentals in Santa Cruz.
The tropical-vibe home has a gourmet kitchen, a Balinese-inspired dining room, 2 bedrooms, 3beds ( a king bed, a queen bed, and a twin bed), 2 bathrooms, a private fenced backyard with seating furniture, a BBQ, and an outdoor fire pit. The house suits 6 people.
This is a dog-paradise with doggie beds and blankets, and there’s a fenced backyard for the additional safety of your four-legged friend. And a dog-friendly beach is in the proximity of the house.
It’s located only a block from the beach and near a dog-friendly beach. It’s within a short drive of downtown Santa Cruz, 5 -10 driving min from the Boardwalk and Capitola.
- Sleeps: 6
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
- Communal Pool
- Dog-friendly
- Min Stay: 2–3 nights
9. THE BEST BEACH COTTAGE IN SANTA CRUZ
Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor BEACH Cottage located 2 blocks from TWIN LAKES BEACH
The Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor Beach Cottage is one of the top Santa Cruz rentals.
This cozy and stylishly decorated cottage comes with a kitchenette, a bedroom with a queen bed, a bathroom, and a gated cute backyard with a great deck and seating furniture. It fits 2 people.
The cottage is centrally located near Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz, a 5 min walk from the beach, a short walk from Twin Lakes Beach, and from the Harbor & The Crows Nest. In other words, close to all places that Santa Cruz has to offer. It’s only about 1 mi from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Ocean Street, about 2 mi from Capitola Beach, about 4 mi from Mystery Spot, and about 5 mi from Rio Del Mar Beach.
This is a perfect romantic rental place in Santa Cruz for couples or a single person.
- Sleeps: 2
- Bedrooms: 1
- Bathrooms: 1
- Pet-friendly
- Min Stay: 2 nights
10. BEST RENTAL COTTAGE FOR SINGLES OR COUPLES – BEST RETREAT
Adobe Casita with Colorful Garden View
The Adobe Casita belong to the Om Oasis Retreat in the mountains in the Santa Cruz area.
The 15-acre Om Oasis Retreat offers healing, meditation, positive growth and yoga retreats and it’s a gorgeous gateway to recharging your batteries. The lush retreat center houses hundreds of species of exotic flowers, cacti, and succulents among wonderful redwood trees. In fact, this green oasis is run by a former botanist who created an out-of-this-world green sanctuary.
The Om Oasis Retreat has also a yurt, cottages, tree houses, and several glamping tents.
The charming casita is an adorable cabin that features only a bedroom, while a well-maintained kitchen, bathrooms, and showers are shared within the retreat. The swimming pool, hot tub, and garden are shared with other retreat guests too.
The Om Oasis Retreat is located in Day Valley redwood, 10 min drive up in the mountain from Aptos, only about 4 mi from Rio Del Mar Beach, about 5 mi from Capitola Beach, a little bit over 6 mi from La Selva Beach, and Mystery Spot.
- Sleeps: 2
- Bedrooms: 1
- Bathrooms: 1
- Hot Tub
- Pool
- Min Stay: 2–3 nights
11. BEST CONDO IN A LUXURY BEACHFRONT RESORT
Luxury Beach Villa In The Seascape Resort, Steps From The Beach, Great Amenities
If you prefer staying in resorts on your vacation, you might like this condo in the luxury Seascape Resort in Aptos near Santa Cruz.
The oceanfront Seascape Resort features several luxury villas next to the pristine beach, a huge pool, several upscale restaurants, a picturesque path to the beach, a golf course, and a tennis court.
This 1350 sq. ft resort villa has a well-equipped kitchen, a living room, 2 bedrooms (with a king and a queen bed), 2 balconies overlooking the pool and with direct ocean views, and a patio with a BBQ.
The Seascape Beach Resort is located in Aptos, only 5 min drive from downtown Santa Cruz. It is only 1.3 mi from Rio Del Mar Beach, 1.4 mi from La Selva Beach, about 4 mi from Capitola Beach, about 8 mi from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Mystery Spot, and only 10 mi from Monterey Bay.
- Sleeps: 6
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 1
- Half Baths: 2
- Min Stay: 2 nights
- Pool
- Hot Tub
12. BEST OCEANFRONT HOUSE NEAR SANTA CRUZ
3 Bedroom Ocean Front (sleeps 5)
If you would like to rent a townhome in the Santa Cruz area, this marvelous townhouse between Santa Cruz and Monterey might be perfect for you.
The house comes with a direct path to the beach and the most amazing views of the ocean. In fact, the open-plan kitchen and living area have fabulous direct ocean views. Therefore, it’s not surprising that this rental home is rated one of the best vacation rentals in the Santa Cruz area.
This rental home has a beachfront spacious dining and living area, 3 comfy bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 beds (2 king beds and 1 double bed), and direct access to the beach. It suits 5 people.
In addition, a community clubhouse with a pool and a jacuzzi, and tennis court, bocce ball court, volleyball, and basketball courts are in near proximity to the house.
It’s located in the gated Monterey Dunes Colony community, between Santa Cruz and Monterey. It’s about 5 mi Marina State Beach and from Marina Dunes Preserve, 7 mi from Monterey Bay, and about 12 mi from Cannery Row and Monterey Bay Aquarium.
- Sleeps: 5
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2
- Communal hot tub
- Communal pool
- Min Stay: 2–3 nights
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