Family-friendly vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County

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Top-rated family-friendly rentals in Santa Cruz County

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

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Top guest favorite

A light-filled living space features a comfortable striped sofa adorned with vibrant cushions. A coffee table with a floral arrangement sits at the center, while a bookshelf filled with various reading materials stands to one side. A small dining table is visible by the sliding glass doors.

Guest suite in Aptos

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 457 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.

Guest favorite

Farm stay in Felton

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 289 reviews

Romantic Suite on farm, walk to Henry Cowell Park

Romantic Farm Stay. Santa Cruz Vacation rental Permit #221352 TOT Certificate #AB00736. Beautiful suite with king size bed, fireplace, huge bathtub, coffee maker, (frig, freezer, microwave, (no kitchen), Stargate WIFI, Smart TV, movie library, seating and coffee table. Private patio area, fire pit, (BYO wood) patio furniture and dining table. The suite is completely private with its own entry. 2 Person Occupancy. Short walk to Henry Cowell Park and old growth redwoods right outside your door!

Top guest favorite

A spacious A-frame tent interior features a cozy queen bed with decorative bedding. Two bedside tables hold lamps, providing soft light. A wooden chest at the foot of the bed offers storage for extra blankets, while warm sunlight filters through the tent's fabric, creating a welcoming glow.

Treehouse in Felton

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 124 reviews

Redwood Ridge Tree Fort VRP#181501

A Magical Glamping Retreat – Escape to a dreamy tree fort nestled high among majestic redwoods, where rustic charm meets modern comfort. Fall asleep to the sounds of crickets and a bubbling creek, and wake up to peaceful birdsong and fresh mountain air. Relax in the hammock or gather around the fire pit while taking in stunning views. Enjoy hassle-free camping with all the comforts of home, including electricity, a cozy queen bed, a full bathroom with hot water, and a fully equipped kitchenette.

Top guest favorite

A cozy, dark green cabin is nestled among towering trees, showcasing a large window and a glass-paneled door. Three steps lead to the entrance, surrounded by a natural landscape of redwoods.

Guest suite in Felton

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 232 reviews

Cozy Coastal Redwood Cabin

Rest and connect in this warm, cozy, and private cabin that is nestled in the redwoods. Only minutes away from Henry Cowell State Park, where you can enjoy world class mountain biking trails, hiking, or swimming in the river. Or, enjoy the beach 15 minutes away. This is a perfect place to refresh in the magic of the Coastal Redwoods. Music fills most nights either from the Felton Music Hall or from the chorus of frogs. And wake up in the mornings to the mist in the trees when the fog rolls in.

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, 445 reviews

Kinderwood Farms Suite

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 & cuddling baby goats, cheesemaking, sourdough, and soapmaking. Join us for a visit you will remember for a lifetime. *Per Fire Code, our suite can accommodate only 2 adults

Top guest favorite

A private garden patio is featured, containing a round table with two chairs. Each chair is accompanied by a throw pillow. A small vase with flowers sits on the table, and colorful signage is visible on the fence in the background.

Place to stay in Santa Cruz

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 117 reviews

Melton Beach House. Private entry,space and patio.

Space is not suitable or safe for children under 5 years of age. Great location.We are conveniently a 10-15 minute walk to the Hook and Pleasure Point surf breaks.And in the other direction you have a 15 minute walk down to the adorably charming Capitola village and very lovely beach.There you'll find quaint boutique shops and many restaurants/bar choices along the beach esplanade. With in a 5 minute walk you'll find New Leaf market,Whole foods, Penny's ice cream,and 6 other restaurant's.

Superhost

A tranquil garden space features a wooden picnic table surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant orange trees. Various shrubs and plants create a secluded feel, while a stone border adds a natural element to the serene environment.

Guest suite in Santa Cruz

4.83 out of 5 average rating, 1,063 reviews

Birdsong Studio by Beach-Jasmine Gardens

Jasmine Garden Oasis Retreat House—3 block walk to quiet beaches. Ideal for individuals, couples, or families seeking serenity. SC Permit # 231326. Two upstairs independent guest studios inside our home, each with queen bed and extra beds for $25 charge: Jade Studio with private deck, and Birdsong Studio overlooking garden and hot tub. Meditation & QiGong instruction, bicycle rental nearby, allergy-free, healing sessions, low-EMFs--renewing for heart, body & soul. Sunrise/sunset at beach.

Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Scotts Valley

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 170 reviews

The Hen House Haven

Welcome to The Hen House Haven, a charming retreat where comfort meets modern amenities. Enjoy fresh eggs from our ten friendly hens, though egg availability may vary, especially in winter. Located near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Henry Cowell Redwoods, and scenic hiking trails, our cozy studio is perfect for a relaxing getaway or adventure-filled stay. Embrace the serenity and warmth of staying with us, and make yourself at home. We can't wait to host you!

Guest favorite

Guest suite in Santa Cruz

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 307 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).

Guest favorite

Guest suite in Felton

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 228 reviews

Redwood Cottage & Hot Tub

Enjoy this quaint, peaceful redwood retreat tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This small private cottage comes with a private hot tub, outdoor shower, propane fire pit and hammock. You'll be 10 minutes to downtown Felton and 25 minutes to Santa Cruz beaches. The cottage is on a shared property and next door to the main house. Please note there is no indoor shower (outdoor only) and the road is one lane with a steep driveway. Permit #211304

Superhost

A green yurt is nestled among tall trees, featuring a wooden deck with a set of two outdoor chairs and small tables. Colorful prayer flags drape from the yurt's awning, framing the entrance where double French doors invite guests inside.

Yurt in Watsonville

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 810 reviews

Mountain Top Yurt in the Redwoods

Peaceful, clean, spacious, beautifully decorated and quiet 24' Yurt completely surrounded by Redwoods on top of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Spend a couple days meditating, reading or writing the next chapter of your memoir. Walking distance to Mount Madonna Retreat Center (open now through reservation only). County Park hiking and horseback riding trails located within 3 miles. Ideal place for photography and mountain/road biking.

Superhost

Home in Felton

4.74 out of 5 average rating, 130 reviews

Mt. Hermon Cabin - nestled in the redwoods

Welcome to the Mount Hermon Cabin in the Trees! (Permit 191108) This charming cabin consists of a kitchen, one bedroom, one bathroom, a cozy living area, and a serene sun room with a pull out couch. Nestled in the redwoods, this is the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature. Spend your day hiking in Henry Cowell State Park or zip lining through the redwoods at Mount Hermon Adventures!