Family-friendly vacation rentals in Santa Cruz

Find and book unique family-friendly homes on Airbnb

Quick stats about vacation rentals that are family-friendly in Santa Cruz

  • Total vacation rentals

    Explore 880 vacation rentals in Santa Cruz

  • Nightly prices starting at

    Santa Cruz vacation rentals start at ﺩ.ﺇ 257 per night before taxes and fees

  • Verified guest reviews

    Over 61,720 verified reviews to help you choose

  • Pet-friendly vacation rentals

    Find 270 rentals that welcome pets

  • Vacation rentals with a pool

    50 properties feature pools

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    370 properties have a dedicated workspace

  • Wi-Fi availability

    870 of Santa Cruz vacation rentals include wi-fi access

  • Popular amenities for guests

    Guests love Kitchen, Wifi, and Pool across Santa Cruz rentals

  • 4.9 Average rating

    Santa Cruz stays are highly rated by guests—averaging 4.9 out of 5!

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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Guest favorite
Home in Santa Cruz
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 102 reviews

Walk to Beach | Spa, Outdoor Kitchen + TV, Firepit

Welcome to our renovated 1950's style bungalow, perfectly situated in Pleasure Point! Permit #241032 Start your day with a walk to Verve Coffee, a local favorite, and head to one of the nearby world-class surf spots. After a day of adventure, come back to enjoy the large, private yard complete with a hot tub, fire pit, outdoor kitchen, and dining area perfect for al fresco meals. Optional Add-Ons: Early Check In/Late Check Out (when available) - $40 Grocery Shopping - $50 + cost of groceries

Top guest favorite
An A-Frame cabin is surrounded by lush greenery, positioned on elevated ground. A stone pathway leads to the entrance, flanked by wooden railings. The cabin features large glass panels on its façade, allowing natural light to flood the interior. A deck with seating overlooks the nature surroundings.
Cabin in Felton
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 165 reviews

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

Guest favorite
A uniquely designed treehouse is elevated among the trees, showcasing large glass windows and wooden beams. A wooden walkway leads up to the structure, enhancing the connection with the surrounding natural environment.
Treehouse in Aptos
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 601 reviews

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.

Top guest favorite
A private entrance is visible, leading into the unit. Lush greenery hangs over the door, while a wooden deck offers space for relaxation. Potted plants surround the area, and BBQ grills are positioned near the poolside, enhancing the outdoor ambiance.
Guest suite in Scotts Valley
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 820 reviews

Snug and Cozy between the Skyline and the Sea

Super private, peaceful, and quiet; an excellent place for the traveler who is excited about exploring the Santa Cruz mountains and coast. Completely private In-law unit with extras needed to make it cozy. Snuggled between Scotts Valley, Felton, and Santa Cruz it's near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, 1440 Multiversity, and Mount Hermon Conference Center yet less than an hour from Silicon Valley. The Airbnb cleaning handbook is followed making this one of the cleanest places you’ll stay at!

Top guest favorite
A charming two-story cottage is presented with a vibrant blue exterior, accented by a large yellow circle. Palm trees frame the scene, with a welcoming front porch featuring a railing. The surrounding area consists of a quiet street and neighboring houses, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
Home in Capitola
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 328 reviews

Steps to Capitola Beach♦King Bed♦EVCharger♦Pets OK

Recently renovated with hardwood floors & stainless steel appliances. Spend your next beach getaway in the heart of the Capitola Village, a 3 minute walk to the beach, restaurants & shopping. This lovely 2-bedroom house has a private balcony w/a BBQ & sleeps up to 6. Level 2 EV charger in garage. Convenient Amenities Include: *Self check-in *Wireless Internet *Dog Friendly - 1 dog (40lbs +/- max) *Parking for 1 car in the attached garage (w/EV Charger) *Roku TV with Netflix, Disney+, YouTube

Top guest favorite
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 out of 5 average rating, 197 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!

Top guest favorite
Two young goats wearing colorful knitted sweaters are seen foraging in a garden area. The goats, with their distinctive facial markings and playful demeanor, appear to be exploring among the greenery. The vibrant patterns on their sweaters add a touch of charm to the serene natural setting.
Farm stay in Aptos
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 485 reviews

Kinderwood Farm Stay • Animal & Culinary Adventure

*UPDATE Baby goats born May 31st 2026* Nestled in an enchanting forest of redwood trees & ferns, lies a treasured, sustainability-focused homestead, waiting for you to enjoy its bounty. This is a one of a kind, immersive culinary & farm adventure with cozy accommodations & unique experiences. Subject to availability, Add-On Activities may include goat milking & feeding baby goats, cheesemaking, sourdough, and soapmaking. Join us for a visit you will remember for a lifetime.

Top guest favorite
A private swimming pool is surrounded by lounge chairs under shade umbrellas. The pool, featuring a gentle curve, has clear blue water and an entry step. Lush greenery and a fence provide privacy, while distant views of a serene landscape can be seen in the background.
Home in Aptos
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 238 reviews

Private Pool Villa for family getaways

Looking for a comfy space to spend time with friends and family? Beach or great outdoors more your thing? 10 minutes from Seacliff State Beach and 12 minutes to Nisene Marks, this sunny locale is your comfortable home base for your next adventure. Why not just hang out by the pool? The water typically stays comfortable for swimming from April-September. Enjoy dining for 8 inside or on the patio. So close to the sea, but above the foggier lower elevations. Family friendly!

Guest favorite
A spacious bedroom features a queen bed with a quilted coverlet and decorative pillows. The room is lit by bedside lamps, with wooden accents and a plush armchair in the corner. A doorway leads to an updated bathroom, and natural light filters through the windows.
Guest suite in Santa Cruz
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 335 reviews

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).

Top guest favorite
Home in Santa Cruz
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 212 reviews

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

Located on a quiet street Downtown Santa Cruz. Your family can walk to shops, restaurants, beach, wharf and Boardwalk! Great for couples, families, and traveling professionals. Perfect for quick getaways or long holidays! This is a multi-unit property - all rental spaces are private. *Shared Driveway Parking with proper planning and communication. Parking Pass for Neighborhood is also included.

Top guest favorite
The living area features a comfortable blue sectional sofa and an accent chair, complemented by decorative pillows. A mounted flat-screen TV is visible above a modern electric fireplace, while natural light fills the space through several windows. A charming clock and wall art enhance the room's welcoming atmosphere.
Cottage in Santa Cruz
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 527 reviews

Sea Otter Cottage in Santa Cruz!

This quaint cottage, just a block and a half from the beach, was built in the early 1900's yet lovingly updated to maintain Old World Charm. Take a short stroll to the beach, quaint restaurants, shopping or the harbor. Enjoy provided paddle boards, cruiser bikes & boogie boards or have a bonfire in the backyard before ending your day with a relaxing soak in the hot tub!

Guest favorite
A serene cabin is elevated among trees, connected by wooden stairs to a spacious deck. The deck features seating arrangements and is surrounded by lush greenery, allowing for privacy and a tranquil outdoor experience.
Home in Scotts Valley
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 203 reviews

Creekside Log Cabin

Get away from it all and find peace and privacy at this storybook cabin in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Nestled at the edge of a babbling creek, this cabin is a place for basking in the scenery of a lush woodland grove, observing passing wildlife, and unwinding each evening in a private hot tub. Permit number 211400

Popular amenities for Santa Cruz family-friendly rentals

When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz?

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Avg. priceﺩ.ﺇ 1,223ﺩ.ﺇ 1,205ﺩ.ﺇ 1,296ﺩ.ﺇ 1,263ﺩ.ﺇ 1,296ﺩ.ﺇ 1,498ﺩ.ﺇ 1,623ﺩ.ﺇ 1,542ﺩ.ﺇ 1,326ﺩ.ﺇ 1,263ﺩ.ﺇ 1,355ﺩ.ﺇ 1,351
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