
Places to stay near Santa Cruz Beach
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Top-rated vacation rentals near Santa Cruz Beach
Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Santa Cruz A-Frame
This unique A-Frame cabin, in a quiet mountain neighborhood with private creek access, was handbuilt in 1965 and remodeled in the summer of 2024. Now a little slice of heaven on the creek in the redwoods. *5-10 min to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Roaring Camp Railroad, Loch Lomond Recreation Area, the Trout Farm Inn, Quail Hollow Ranch + Felton stores. *20 min to Santa Cruz, beach + Boardwalk. *1 min to Zayante Creek Market (EV charger) Find us on social: Insta @SantaCruzAFrame

Peaceful Treehouse with Ocean View
Permit 171035 Featured by Sunset Magazine as a “chic escape,” this Peaceful Treehouse-style retreat blends mid-century design with natural materials like wood and stone for a calming, sanctuary feel. Light pours through floor-to-ceiling windows beneath soaring wooden beams, and Japanese-inspired doors add to the architectural charm. Set high in the trees with ocean views, the home offers three elevated decks including one with a hammock. Perfect for relaxing and enjoying the surrounding canopy.

Private Guest-House in the Redwoods
Our custom built guesthouse was completed in 2016. It is situated on 5 redwood-covered acres, 10 minutes south of Los Gatos and 20 minutes from Santa Cruz. We have easy access to hiking and biking trails, world-class wine-tasting, microbreweries, shops, amazing dining, and more! There is something for everyone in our area! We are surrounded by a 35 acre tree farm, so it's very private, yet close to the silicon valley! Our property has a standby generator so we are not affected by power outages.

Full Ocean View Cottage!HotTub+Bikes+Srfbrds+Kayak
Our cute beach home offers the best Santa Cruz location! First house in from the ocean, with fantastic ocean views. Watch whales passing by from the deck, ride the bikes down beautiful west cliff drive to the Boardwalk and Wharf down the street, take the surfboards out to Steamer Lane, launch the 2 person sea kayak from the harbor (already there, ready to launch), and come back to soak in the hot tub. **Are you getting a message from Airbnb blocking you from booking? Message us we can fix it**

Redwood cabin retreat + hot tub + dogs ok + creek
Escape to Whiskey Creek (Permit #231409), a peaceful cabin in the Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Relax in the private hot tub beneath towering trees, explore nearby trails, and return to a cozy wood-stove retreat just minutes from the beaches of Santa Cruz. Perfect for couples, families, and friends, Whiskey Creek offers a fire pit, A/C, Sonos speakers and fast Wifi. Minutes from Henry Cowell State Park, Roaring Camp, world-class mountain biking, and the coast. You will love it here!

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! IMPORTANT NOTE: I am required to collect the city mandated short term rental tax in cash when you arrive because the city of Santa Cruz . Please have it ready.

Beach Front Dream House! Hottub/E-Bikes/Surfboards
Permit# 231467 Incredible modern home just steps from the best beach in all of Santa Cruz! Ocean and sand views, listen to the waves as you sleep on designer beds, cook in the chefs kitchen, and soak in the hot tub. Perfect central location, less than 5 minutes to boardwalk and downtown. 5 minutes to colorful Capitola village. 9 minutes to UC Santa Cruz Campus. 4 Electric bikes, 4 surfboards, and a kayak to take out and play in the waves! Plus the beach is right out front to enjoy!

Unique Sculptured House with Private Beach Access
Escape from the outside world to this one of a kind ROMANTIC Sculpture House. Enjoy its unique design, white rounded walls, sitting nooks, gas dome fireplace, and beautiful tranquil gardens. Sit back and relax in the rounded sunken bathtub perfect for two. This is the perfect romantic getaway and just one block away from private beach access. Named one of the most stunning Airbnb's in Santa Cruz. Enjoy more fun with zero extra Airbnb fees—we've got you covered!

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).

BoardwalkOasis-HotTub+EBikes+Surfbrd+GameRoomKayak
Adorable beach cottage a few blocks to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Main Beach! In a perfect spot for beach, Boardwalk fun, and exploring downtown Santa Cruz. Take the 4 electric bikes along West Cliff Drive around town, surf at Steamer Lane with the 2 surfboards, kayak, and come back to soak in the hot tub. Game room with bouldering wall, pool table, ping pong table, darts, Bocci ball court.

BEACH Studio! Super close to Seabright Beach
Your dream vacation for 2026 awaits at our colorful and roomy Seabright studio with wood floors is only a 2 minute walk to the best beach in Santa Cruz. It is 2 blocks to the Yacht Harbor, close to many great restaurants and the Wharf and Boardwalk. Large kitchen and comfy queen bed.

Sunny redwood forest cottage
Located in Ben Lomond half way between Big Basin State Park and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, our redwood forest cottage has a queen bed in the bedroom and a double Murphy bed in the living room. Jacuzzi and outdoor shower available. Dining on deck for up to 10. Beautiful & tranquil.
Popular amenities for vacation rentals near Santa Cruz Beach
Other top sights near Santa Cruz Beach
Condo rentals with wifi

Beautiful Ocean View 2 BR-Seascape-Miles of Beach

Seascape Resort Villa Beautiful Ocean View Sleep 6

2B/2B Pajaro Dunes with Dunes and Ocean View

Spectacular Ocean View- Heated Pool & Spa Seascape

Your Coastal Sanctuary - Far from the Craziness

Seaview Condo - 150 Steps to the beach!

Beach Front Villa at Seascape Resort

Rare Oceanview Studio Seascape Resort!
Family-friendly house rentals

Santa Cruz Beach Cottage Getaway

Tropical Seabright Beach and Boardwalk Getaway

Private Pool Villa for family getaways

Beach Oasis in Downtown Santa Cruz

Serene luxury beach bungalow in Pleasure Point

Modern Beach House/Short walk to beaches/Boardwalk

Sunlit Surf Studio | Downtown - Walk to Beach!

26th Ave Beach Home. 1 block to beach.
Apartment rentals with air conditioning

Stylish 1bed/1bath apartment in prime location

Silicon Valley Studio Apartment

🌟Cheerful 2B2B in prime location 🌲Redwood Pl Apt 3

New 1-Bedroom apartment in Beautiful Santa Cruz

Charming Apartment in the heart of Silicon Valley

Amazing apartment in the heart of San Jose!

New Modern Craftsman Guest House with Bay Windows

2B2B APT in Downton SJ | Close to SAP, airport 404
Other great vacation rentals near Santa Cruz Beach

Sea Otter Cottage in Santa Cruz!

Kinderwood Farm Stay • Animal & Culinary Adventure

Cozy Coastal Redwood Cabin

Coastal Redwood Cabin | Hot tub | Private Creek

Wave House by the Beach for Two!

Forest Cabin & Hot Tub

Aloha Apartment w/Spa

Mermaid Cottage - Walk to Beach+Boardwalk+Downtown
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Santa Cruz Beach located?
Santa Cruz Beach is on the northern edge of Monterey Bay in California, bordered by the vibrant city of Santa Cruz. The beach sits near the downtown area, with the iconic Boardwalk and wharf nearby.
When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz Beach?
Santa Cruz Beach has drier, warmer weather in summer and early fall, which are often recommended for beach and outdoor activities. Spring brings wildflower blooms and lighter crowds, while winter tends to be cooler and occasionally rainy.
What are some things to do near Santa Cruz Beach?
Around Santa Cruz Beach, you can explore the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with its classic rides, stroll the Municipal Wharf for ocean views and local seafood, or join surf lessons along the shore. The area also has lively shops, casual cafes, and scenic walking trails.
How is the weather near Santa Cruz Beach?
Expect mild winters with temperatures around 42–59°F (6–15°C) and wetter conditions, while summers are warmer and mostly dry, reaching 58–77°F (15–25°C). Fog can drift in mornings and evenings, clearing to reveal sunny afternoons.
Destinations to explore
- Rentals with beach access Santa Cruz Beach
- Rentals with pools Santa Cruz Beach
- Rentals with an EV charger Santa Cruz Beach
- Family-friendly rentals Santa Cruz Beach
- Rentals with a fireplace Santa Cruz Beach
- Rentals with a washer and dryer Santa Cruz Beach
- Rentals with a fire pit Santa Cruz Beach
- Apartment rentals Santa Cruz Beach
- Hotel rooms Santa Cruz Beach
- Rentals with a patio Santa Cruz Beach
- Rentals with outdoor seating Santa Cruz Beach
- Pet-friendly rentals Santa Cruz Beach
- House rentals Santa Cruz Beach
- Stanford University
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Capitola Beach
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Carmel Beach
- Big Sur Campground & Cabins
- Levi's Stadium
- SAP Center
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Rio Del Mar Beach
- Carmel Beach
- Seacliff State Beach
- California’S Great America
- Montara Beach
- Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
- Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Winchester Mystery House
- Asilomar State Beach
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Manresa Main State Beach
- Googleplex
- Twin Lakes State Beach
- Davenport Beach





