House vacation rentals in Santa Cruz

Find and book unique houses on Airbnb

Top-rated house rentals in Santa Cruz

Guests agree: these houses are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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Top guest favorite
The living area is adorned with warm wood paneling and features a cozy couch with colorful throw pillows. A glass coffee table sits in the center, while a television is positioned nearby. Natural light filters through the windows, highlighting the inviting atmosphere.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.79 out of 5 average rating, 690 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
A private backyard area features a hot tub surrounded by wooden decking and landscaped stones. Four chairs with a textured pattern and a small table are arranged under a vibrant green umbrella, enhancing the inviting outdoor space.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 435 reviews

Boardwalk Oasis-HotTub-Bikes- Surfbrds, 1blk beach

Adorable beach cottage 1.5 Blocks to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Main Beach! In a fantastic spot for beach time, Boarkwalk fun, and exploring downtown Santa Cruz. Take the 4 beach cruiser bikes along West Cliff Drive, surf at Steamer Lane with the 2 surfboards we provide, and come back to soak in the hot tub. We also have a 2 person sea kayak for you, stored at the harbor ready to launch! **Are you getting a message from Airbnb blocking you from booking? Message us we can fix it for you**

Guest favorite
The exterior of the two-story home showcases a modern design with a combination of wood and gray siding. A large window allows natural light to enter, while a tree provides shaded greenery in the front. A walkway leads to the entrance, and parking spaces are visible.
Home in Capitola
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 127 reviews

Capitola Village Wind + Sea Home

Our beautifully renovated 2 bedroom (Both upstairs) and 2 full bathrooms (One on the ground floor and one on the upper floor) along with a ground floor plush queen sleeper sofa and ground floor great room with dining for 7 plus a bar table separating the kitchen from the living room is in the perfect location. Walk to the beach, shops, restaurants, or a nice walk along the river. We are right in the Capitola Village. We hope you enjoy your stay. If you have questions, we respond promptly.

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!

Guest favorite
An open-concept living space features a white couch adorned with colorful cushions, a light blue area rug, and a small dining table with stools. The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, and large windows allow natural light to flood the room, highlighting beach-themed decor.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 199 reviews

Mermaid Cottage - Walk to Beach+Boardwalk+Downtown

Welcome to the Mermaid Cottage located in the heart of Santa Cruz! This cute and cozy retreat is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun. Just a short walk away, you'll find yourself on the sandy shores of Cowell's Beach, where you can swim, surf, or just relax and soak up the sun. And if you're looking for some excitement, the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is also just a short stroll away. Short-term rental permit (STR22-0024) Transient Occupancy Tax No. 002482

Superhost
A spacious room features a wooden ceiling and large windows allowing natural light to fill the space. A comfortable bed is positioned against the wall, complemented by a decorative bench and a seating area with a cozy chair. A television is mounted nearby.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.83 out of 5 average rating, 127 reviews

Guesthouse in Santa Cruz

We offer a self-contained 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit with its own separate entrance, situated in a tranquil neighborhood on the west side of Santa Cruz, 3 min walk to the W Cliff Dr, a safe and scenic 3 mile ocean walking & biking path. Walk north to Michell Cove, tide pools, & Natural Bridges. Please note that our unit is part of the entire building, located on the second floor, and has its own private staircase and entrance. And unwind at this peaceful oasis.

Guest favorite
A uniquely designed white structure with rounded walls and irregularly shaped windows is surrounded by lush greenery. The building features a staircase leading to the upper level, and various plants and landscaping enhance the tranquil outdoor environment.
Home in La Selva Beach
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviews

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!

Top guest favorite
A spacious living area features vaulted ceilings supported by wooden beams. A light-colored sofa and armchairs are arranged around a round coffee table. A wall art piece is visible, along with indoor plants, creating a comfortable and inviting space for relaxation.
Home in Felton
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviews

Mount Hermon Creekside Cottage

Have fun with the whole family at this adorable cottage nestled in the redwoods. (Permit Number 231151) Views of the creek and only steps to the conference center at Mount Hermon, less than 1/2 mile to the famous redwood forest of Henry Cowell; this home is perfect to stay in and relax or to go explore and use as a homebase. Newly remodeled kitchen, with everything you would need to host a dinner party, kids games, books, TV and so much more.

Guest favorite
The spacious living area features a dark couch with light throw pillows, complemented by a wooden coffee table. Natural light filters through large windows, highlighting the blue walls and the staircase leading to the loft. A green area rug enhances the inviting atmosphere.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 556 reviews

Wave House by the Beach for Two!

PLEASE READ ALL DETAILS: Spacious house with a loft bedroom, bathroom with shower/bathtub, skylights, full kitchen, large living room and dining area. Lots of light. Two decks, yard, driveway and garage for parking. Only a 0.3 mile walk to the beach and boardwalk. A 0.4 mile walk to the wharf. And a 0.7 mile walk to downtown. Lots of outdoor activities in the area! Unfortunately the house is not suitable for children under 10.

Top guest favorite
Home in Santa Cruz
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 210 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 room features a spacious sectional couch adorned with decorative pillows. A wooden coffee table centers the room, complemented by a large flat-screen TV mounted on a wooden console. Natural light streams in through multiple windows, enhancing the inviting atmosphere.
Home in Upper Seabright
5 out of 5 average rating, 275 reviews

8 Palms

Clean and Comfortable 2 bedroom 2 bath Ranch Style House in a Great Central Location!!! Close to Downtown, The Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk, The Santa Cruz Wharf, Seabright Beach, The Boat Harbor, The Crows Nest, Seabright Social, The Buttery, Lillians Italian Restaurant, The Crepe Place, Shoppers Corner, Whole Foods. Basically there are a bunch of great amenities very close.

Guest favorite
An aerial view showcases the oceanfront setting of the neighborhood, with a panoramic expanse of blue water meeting the horizon. Nearby, coastal homes are positioned along the shore, highlighting the area's vibrant community and proximity to the beach.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.82 out of 5 average rating, 124 reviews

Stunning Oceanfront - Sunset Magazine Home

Welcome to this award-winning 3-bedroom home (Permit 171346)! Featured in the prestigious Sunset Magazine, this stunning property offers breathtaking ocean views and the perfect blend of modern amenities and coastal charm, providing a comfortable stay just a 5-minute walk from the beach, with a cul-de-sac next door that’s a local favorite viewpoint and gathering spot.

Popular amenities for Santa Cruz house rentals

When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz?

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Avg. priceﺩ.ﺇ 1,223ﺩ.ﺇ 1,201ﺩ.ﺇ 1,296ﺩ.ﺇ 1,285ﺩ.ﺇ 1,285ﺩ.ﺇ 1,502ﺩ.ﺇ 1,609ﺩ.ﺇ 1,542ﺩ.ﺇ 1,326ﺩ.ﺇ 1,267ﺩ.ﺇ 1,374ﺩ.ﺇ 1,381
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Quick stats about house rentals in Santa Cruz

  • Total vacation rentals

    Explore 870 vacation rentals in Santa Cruz

  • Verified guest reviews

    Over 57,040 verified reviews to help you choose

  • Family-friendly vacation rentals

    660 properties offer extra space & kid-friendly amenities

  • Pet-friendly vacation rentals

    Find 220 rentals that welcome pets

  • Vacation rentals with a pool

    20 properties feature pools

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    350 properties have a dedicated workspace

  • Wi-Fi availability

    860 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!

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