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.

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Top guest favorite
A welcoming living space features a comfortable armchair positioned next to a wooden coffee table. Natural light enters through double doors that lead to an outdoor patio area. Decorative elements, such as artwork and a light fixture, add character to the room.
Condo in Upper Seabright
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 346 reviews

Welcome to Harbor House. Your Favorite Home at the Beach.

Prepare to enjoy this retreat close to the ocean with warm light and comfortable furnishings. Relax and experience a beautiful sense of calm from this quiet retreat. Murray Street Bridge is closed for repair INDEFINITELY Relax and enjoy the new fire pit table during the cool summer nights on the updated deck or enjoy a dinner under the stars using the new BBQ in the new outdoor dining area. **BBQ AND FIRE PIT TABLE are for (June-Sept)This property is not suitable for guests under 12 years old.

Top guest favorite
A spacious living area features comfortable seating with a light-toned sofa and two woven armchairs. A round coffee table sits at the center, and large windows adorned with bamboo shades allow natural light to fill the room, creating a serene atmosphere.
Townhouse in Santa Cruz
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 197 reviews

Beach Hill Hideaway - Steps to Beach & Boardwalk

Escape to Beach Hill Hideaway, a bright 2,000 sq ft, 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Santa Cruz. Perfect for families and friends, it’s just steps from the Beach Boardwalk, Wharf, and downtown. One side of a duplex, it shares one wall with neighboring Unit A while offering a private entrance and outdoor spaces. Enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, free parking, EV charger, A/C, outdoor shower, BBQ, fire pit, Roku TV, piano, books, games, yoga mats, and workspace. Walk everywhere from this prime location!

Top guest favorite
A balcony with modern wicker seating is shown, offering a view of the ocean in the distance. Potted plants add a touch of greenery, while the wooden flooring complements the contemporary design of the home.
Home in Santa Cruz
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 101 reviews

Contemporary Seabright Beach House

Steps from the sand, this contemporary Seabright beach home is the perfect upscale beach getaway. The home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and sleeps 6 comfortably. Master bedroom features a king bed and private bath with deep oval soaking tub. Two guest rooms feature a queen bed and two twin beds. The living area is tastefully decorated and thoughtfully appointed with push button fireplace, large 4k TV, Jambox, PS4, etc. Did we mention the living area has a direct view of the beach and ocean?

Guest favorite
A charming red cottage is presented, featuring large glass windows and a sturdy staircase leading to the entrance. The exterior showcases a combination of rustic wood and modern elements, surrounded by greenery. Boogie boards are visible near the entrance, hinting at beachside adventures.
Cottage in Santa Cruz
4.8 out of 5 average rating, 562 reviews

Amazing Seabright Beach Cottage

Classic and sweet Santa Cruz cottage. This is literally our Grandma's beach house. 3 bedroom home that is 2 doors away from one of the best beaches in Santa Cruz. 2 queen bedrooms upstairs and 1 full downstairs. Could be described as "shabby chic" but we see it as the adorable original rustic vacation house it was built as and has been its whole 130 years. The kitchen is updated but maintains it's old charm. The rest (aside from the addition of indoor plumbing) is still pretty much the same.

Top guest favorite
The exterior of a two-story carriage house is displayed, featuring a spacious driveway and large garage doors. Lush greenery surrounds the area, contributing to a serene garden setting. Bright blue skies complement the well-maintained landscaping, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere.
Guesthouse in Santa Cruz
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 345 reviews

Charming Light-Filled Carriage House Apartment

Our 1928 carriage house apartment is walking distance to the Boardwalk, beach, wharf, basketball stadium, and downtown. Cowells and Main Beaches, Steamers Lane, Boardwalk, wharf, and West Cliff Drive (path along the ocean) are all a quick 5 min walk from our house. The apartment is located in a private garden setting, away from the main street, behind our home. There is a separate dedicated garden space for you to use. We hope you will love this historical neighborhood as much as we do!

Superhost
The view captures the ocean and sandy beach from a spacious deck, framed by tall trees. Clear blue skies and calm waters are visible, while a dining area with wooden chairs is set up on the deck, inviting relaxation and enjoyment of the surroundings.
Home in Santa Cruz
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 211 reviews

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!

Guest favorite
Home in Santa Cruz
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 227 reviews

Sunlit Surf House 3 BR/2BA Downtown +Walk To Beach

Sunlit Surf Guest House – 3 Bedrooms / 2 Bath Accommodates 1–9 guests. Pricing is based on occupancy. All guests to the property must be registered. Located in downtown Santa Cruz, just a ½-mile walk to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! Family Friendly • No Parties • Non-Smoking/Vaping Property Shared driveway parking. Neighborhood parking pass included. Competitive rates for couples, families, and groups. The 14% transient occupancy tax is included in your rate.

Top guest favorite
An open kitchen and living area are highlighted, featuring a modern counter with three bar stools. Bright wood flooring complements the white cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. A dining table for four is visible in the background, seamlessly connecting the spaces.
Home in Upper Seabright
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 424 reviews

Sunny Seabright Beach House

Sunny beach house located in Midtown, Santa Cruz. Amazing location with a five minute walk to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Just a few blocks from Seabright Beach, the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor and some of the best local restaurants and breweries in town. The home boasts a well-furnished rooftop deck, a beautiful open floor plan, and a fully equipped kitchen. This house is cozy, bright, and inviting. You will surely love your stay here!

Superhost
A historic brown-shingled house is framed by lush greenery and colorful plants in the front yard. A large tree provides shade, while several windows allow natural light to fill the interior. A low black fence borders the property, enhancing its inviting exterior.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 208 reviews

Beach House w/ hot tub just a block to the ocean!

Welcome to your home sweet home in Santa Cruz! This historic home built in 1905 is just one block from the Beach, Boardwalk, wharf, great places to eat, some of the best surf spots the West Coast has to offer & just 2 blocks to downtown! The home has 4 bedrooms with a total of 5 beds, 2 full bathrooms, lots of couch space w/ linens to ensure that you are super comfy! There is a private yard with a hot tub, gas BBQ & patio furniture!

Guest favorite
A secluded backyard space is presented with comfortable wooden seating adorned with soft cushions. A small table stands between the seating area and a hammock, which is gently swaying nearby. A hot tub is visible at the far side, surrounded by greenery.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 447 reviews

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.

Guest favorite
Home in Santa Cruz
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 166 reviews

Oceanfront Beach House overlooking the Boardwalk

Welcome to this stunning home located on West Cliff Drive! This one-of-a-kind property offers an unforgettable vacation experience with its ideal location and breathtaking natural beauty. This home consists of 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, and two private decks that provide the perfect vantage point to soak in the panoramic view of the beach, Boardwalk, and Wharf.

Top guest favorite
A scenic view of the coastline is presented, featuring soft sandy beach and gentle waves lapping at shore. In the distance, a pier extends into the ocean, while a line of trees and buildings marks the horizon, creating a tranquil beach atmosphere.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 222 reviews

Sunny and Spacious Beach House Steps to Seabright

Your 2026 dream vacation awaits - where every moment feels like a getaway. Architect designed, open floor plan 3 bedroom +loft, 3 bath (2 en-suite). Third house from best Seabright Beach. Sleeps 8-10. Home is beautifully furnished with 3 Queen beds, plus flexible beds in loft, will work for kids or adults. 2 car garage, sunny deck, BBQ, large & open kitchen.

Popular amenities for vacation rentals near Santa Cruz Beach

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.