Family-friendly vacation rentals in Santa Cruz

Find and book unique family-friendly homes on Airbnb

Top-rated family-friendly rentals in Santa Cruz

Guests agree: these family-friendly homes are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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Top guest favorite

Guest suite in Aptos

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 430 reviews

El Nido; a Peaceful, Relaxing, Restorative Retreat

As an artist, I'm deeply interested in aesthetics. I think I've succeeded in creating a beautiful, restful venue for relaxation. The queen size bed overlooks a bird sanctuary over the Valencia Creek watershed. The kitchen includes a fridge stocked with goodies, toaster oven, microwave, coffee pot, French press and cooktop for light cooking. You're welcome to use the oven/stove in the main kitchen with prior arrangements. A backyard gas barbecue is available for heavier cooking (or if you're planning to cook fish!) Hairdryer and shampoo are available in the spacious private bath. Thick terry robes are provided for your comfort, and beach towels and chairs if you decide to spend some time on one of our beautiful beaches. There's a large flat screen smart TV complete with Netflix. Lots of reading material and a writing desk are also here for your use. You have a private entrance with a coded entry. You have a private entrance with a coded entry. Your rooms are private and you have your own porch and you're welcome to use the yards/patios. I share the front house with my partner and our two dogs. We'd love to meet you and perhaps share a cup of coffee or a glass of wine (depending on the time of day!) but will also respect your need/desire for privacy if you prefer. I'm happy to provide any information or amenities that will make your visit more comfortable and enjoyable. This home is close to the beautiful beaches of the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary and the Forest of Nisene Marks, just a mile from Aptos village, south of Santa Cruz and the Boardwalk and north of Elk Horn Slough and The Monterey Bay Aquarium. Parking is easily available on our quiet cut-de-sac. The flagstone path to the left of the property will lead you to a gate and your private porch/entrance. Provide a 4 digit code before you arrive and I'll program the entry for your convenience. No keys to hassle with. Public transit is available one mile from the house. Uber is a popular alternative in our area. We're just minutes away from a thriving downtown scene complete with music venues and restaurants, shopping, art galleries, and the SC Beach Boardwalk. Whale watching, kayaking, cycling and hiking trails are also just minutes away. My place is good for couples, solo adventurers, business travelers, or those looking for a quiet retreat.

Top guest favorite

Bungalow in Upper Seabright

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 301 reviews

2 bdrm Bungalow 3 blocks from the Beach

3 blocks to Twin Lakes State Beach, the Yacht Harbor & Crow's Nest restaurant. 8 blks to the Boardwalk. You’ll love the sunny, landscaped & fully enclosed yard w/ lounge seating on the deck, gas BBQ, hammock, outdoor fireplace, large teak dining table & tropical outdoor shower w/ warm water. Perfect for outdoor entertaining. Beach chairs & umbrellas provided, all you need to bring is your bathing suit! A great place for couples, families w/ kids, girls' getaway. Pet friendly ($50/pet per stay).

Guest favorite

Home in Santa Cruz

4.77 out of 5 average rating, 605 reviews

Charming cottage in westside SC 2 blks from beach

Gingerbread-like cottage (600 square feet) was built from old growth redwood in 1922. Since remodeled with all the amenities. A private sanctuary, set back and hidden from street. Two block walk to ocean along tree-lined path in a quiet neighborhood on the west side. Serene and tranquil, lovely outdoor deck and garden. Half mile from selection of boutique wine tasting, breweries, and coffee roasters. We apologize for not being able to host children under 5 for safety reasons. 2 night minimum

Superhost

Home in Santa Cruz

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 339 reviews

Relaxed Luxury by the Beach

Escape to a stunning modern retreat in the heart of Santa Cruz, where contemporary design meets relaxed coastal living. This beautifully designed eco-home offers a peaceful and private getaway. Just a short walk to beach access and surf spots, this home provides the perfect balance of seclusion and convenience. Whether you're here to relax, reconnect, or adventure, you’ll have everything you need—ocean views, a serene backyard, and easy access to Santa Cruz’s best restaurants, cafés, and shops.

Superhost

Cottage in Santa Cruz

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 102 reviews

Hawaiian Beach House-1 block beach-Family Friendly

Beach & Lagoon Front! Views of the ocean from all decks and the kitchen/great room. 3 min walk to the beach. This house is centrally located to everything Santa Cruz has to offer. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious layout with a large eat-in kitchen great room, formal dining room, living room with fireplace, along with an outside deck with a fire pit This house is ideal for family get-togethers. There is nothing like sitting around the fire and listening to the waves crash on the beach.

Superhost

Place to stay in Soquel

4.83 out of 5 average rating, 137 reviews

Modern Coastal Studio w/ Loft

Our family friendly space is nestled in a sunny valley up a short windy county road just minutes from Capitola and the beach. Perfect for a small family to enjoy the Santa Cruz-Monterey Bay Area with quick access to the stunning cliffs and redwood valleys. (Parcel No. 10411119) Remodeled bathroom and loft. THERE IS NO STOVE/OVEN - per Santa Cruz County rules guests cannot cook in this unit. There is a private back patio with comfortable outdoor seating as well. Private parking right outside.

Guest favorite

Home in Santa Cruz

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 472 reviews

Kid-friendly Beach House; 5 minute walk to Beach

This charming beach bungalow is only ~500 steps from Twin Lakes/Black’s beach & a short walk to the SC harbor & Sunny Cove beach. Close to amazing SURFING breaks, including shortboarding down the block, & longboarding in Pleasure Point. Short drive to Beach Boardwalk and other beaches. Kids games, books and more. The home is newly remodeled & features new cabinets, counters, wood floors & stainless steel appliances. Fully fenced yard- perfect for families. Washer & Dryer in the garage.

Guest favorite

Home in Upper Seabright

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviews

Vacation home Seabright Santa Cruz with Sauna

Charming Seabright Getaway Experience the best of Seabright, with everything you need just a short walk away! Located 0.5 miles from the beach, the harbor, and the iconic Boardwalk (0.6 miles) Our cozy home embodies the spirit of indoor-outdoor living, thoughtfully designed for comfort and relaxation. Highlights include a Succulent Haven unique treehouse, a sauna for unwinding, and many amenities:bikes, surfboards, a paddleboard, BBQ, fire pit, hammocks, cozy deck w/ comfortable seating.

Guest favorite

Home in Marina

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 313 reviews

Backyard Playset Family Getaway Home

Backyard play structure and a few minutes drive to the beach. Enjoy the comforts of home during your stay on the wonderful Monterey Peninsula. The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Point Lobos, Laguna Seca Raceway, Pebble Beach, and Carmel are just a few of the daytime activities to enjoy. Eat out at one of our area's great restaurants or stay in with a home-cooked meal. With comfortable seating for up to eight, family style dining is a breeze. Enjoy space and comfy beds.

Guest favorite

Home in Upper Seabright

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 401 reviews

Peaceful & Private Seabright, 1 mile from beach

600 sq. ft. home. Attention is paid to every detail, highest quality bed & linens, bbq, large private patio, SUPER PRIVATE & QUIET, one mile from the beach, walking distance to the harbor, 1 mile from the boardwalk, 5-7 minute drive to UCSC, restaurants walking distance as well as grocery stores. Fully equipped kitchen, 2 bikes, up to 3 occupants max

Superhost

Guest suite in Upper Seabright

4.83 out of 5 average rating, 354 reviews

Arana Gulch/PurpleTriangle Hideaway

Nearby Freeway, Whole foods, Safeway, trader Joes, Costco, Boat harbor, beaches, Boardwalk , malls, nightlife, public transport, the city center, 45 mins fr SJC airport . You’ll love my place because of the coziness, cleanliness, the kitchen, and the Arana gulch nearby. good for couples, solo adventurers, business travelers, families (with kids)

Guest favorite

Home in Upper Seabright

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 507 reviews

Tropical Seabright Beach and Boardwalk Getaway

Come soak up the sun and positive vibes of Santa Cruz in our private, adorable, tropical 2 bedroom space. All the amenities of home. Walking distance to the beach, The Boardwalk, Yacht harbor and tasty eateries. Complete with extras for the beach. The perfect location for couples, friends and families!

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What guests are saying

CAPITOLA PERFECT LOCATION! Steps 2 Beach/Shops

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 248 reviews3 days ago

Such a great location! Very peaceful and quiet spot. House was very comfortable and great for a group. Parking in the village is always a challenge but was made easier because the host outlined several options in pre-arrival messages and in an onsite binder.

Home in Capitola

What guests are saying

Walk to everything! Surf Colony Modern Surf Shack

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 228 reviews2 weeks ago

The stocked kitchen saved us enough money on dining out to make this worth the cost. It was so accessible to walk to the beach. We enjoyed the use of the bikes to ride Cliff Dr to Natural Bridges as well as being able to ride down town and not have to battle and pay for parking. We were at the fire pit every evening enjoying the nights in every type of weather. The grill in the backyard kitchen got a ton of use and we were so happy to have it.

Home in Santa Cruz

What guests are saying

The Coop

4.82 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviews4 months ago

Clean, comfy, and conveniently located for our road trip to Santa Cruz and the coast. We walked to shops, the marina, and the beach during our stay. The large dining table was great for playing Yahtzee while Alexa served up our favorite tunes on demand. Al, the maintenance guy who lives next door, introduced himself the first day of our stay, gave us his card, and offered to support whatever we needed—but we didn’t need much. A previous guest left a broken corkscrew, and I could've called Al. Instead, I walked to Day’s Market Liquors & Deli and bought a $5 replacement, along with freshly made chicken tamales that were absolutely delicious.

Home in Upper Seabright

What guests are saying

Charming Seabright Beach Bungalow

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 202 reviews7 months ago

Perfect house in every way!!!! The house is adorable, comfortable, accessible to every part of Santa Cruz and included every single item needed or wanted!! We will be back and are hoping that Colleen's house is available! one word on our host.... we stay in a number of Airbnb's and Colleen was PERFECT and I mean a PERFECT host.... Perfect stay!

Home in Upper Seabright

What guests are saying

Boardwalk Beach Oasis|2min wlk to Beach | 3bd3bth

4.8 out of 5 average rating, 541 reviews7 months ago

Laura’s place was spot on for our short stay. Beach was a stones throw away, which is where the kids wanted to spend their time. The place was perfect, it was clean, spacious, and well equipped. Detailed instructions for the apartment to go alongside the stay and useful local information.

Townhouse in Santa Cruz

What guests are saying

Ocean View, 5min flat walk to Beach, Pet Friendly

4.74 out of 5 average rating, 188 reviews1 week ago

Absolutely gorgeous place! Extremely clean and well maintained. Kathleen's instructions were spot on and she quickly responded to any questions that I had. It was nice to stay here for my kid's birthday weekend. I highly recommend this beautiful home. ☺️

Home in Aptos

What guests are saying

A true gem…comfortable and quiet. Walk to beach.

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 198 reviews3 months ago

Celina's house in Rockaway Beach is a comfortable two-story home with a European feel. The balconies offer good views, and the kitchen is excellent with top-grade appliances. You can easily walk to both the beach and hiking/biking trails. The house gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day, making it bright and welcoming. Great spot for anyone wanting to explore both the coast and hills of Pacifica.

Home in Pacifica

What guests are saying

Victorian Experience Downtown Campbell King Bed

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 253 reviews3 weeks ago

We loved our stay at Cynthia and Glen’s Victorian home! The back yard is the ultimate gem for me. Just so beautiful out there. The charm inside the house was magical. And the host was so responsive! We had an internet issue and she reached out to comcast right away and stayed in touch with us until it was fixed. The binder of helpful hints and local restaurants was great too. We tried and loved a couple of the recommendations and went to the local farmers market too!

Apartment in Campbell

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