House vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County

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Top-rated house rentals in Santa Cruz County

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

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Top guest favorite
A spacious deck is showcased with comfortable seating arrangements, complemented by a dining table. Lush greenery in planters is visible, along with panoramic ocean views under a clear blue sky. A cozy rug anchors the seating area, inviting relaxation.
Home in Aptos
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 164 reviews

Relax + Unwind in Brand New 2BD Modern Bch Retreat

Sea breezes and unobstructed 180-degree ocean views greet you from the private deck of RdM Lookout, a brand-new beach property with a bright open, mid-century modern beach design complete with a cozy fireplace hardwood floors, and quartz counters. A comfortable, chic space, guests tell us they love the amazing beds, soft linens, fluffy towels, and our gourmet kitchen with a stocked coffee bar with to-go cups for long beach walks. Come home to a relaxing, beach vacation in a charming beach town.

Guest favorite
An open-plan living area features a comfortable couch with floral accents, adjacent to a wood stove. Large windows and a skylight enhance natural light, while a flat-screen TV is positioned nearby. The space is finished with warm carpeting and neutral-toned walls.
Home in Aptos
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 526 reviews

The Fox's Den A Relaxing 1 Bedroom Redwood Retreat

Relax in your own forest retreat in the beautiful redwoods of Nisene Marks State Park, yet amazingly only 2. 3 miles from Rio Del Mar beach. Permit #251403. You’ll love the cozy fireplace, the views, and it's proximity to Aptos Village. The location is ideal if you want to begin your day with a bike ride or a hike through the forest. Or you may want to take the short drive or cycle to the beach, soak up some sun, catch some surf and listen to the waves splash against the sand until the sunset.

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.

Guest favorite
A bright living area is highlighted by large windows, allowing natural light to fill the space. A sectional sofa and armchair provide seating options. A floor lamp and side table create a cozy nook, while a piece of wall art adds a touch of color.
Home in Felton
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 229 reviews

Cheerful 2-Bedroom Home in sunny Felton

Rest up for your next adventure in this 2-bedroom home set in a sunny neighborhood near downtown Felton. It is a short walk to the hiking trails and redwoods of Henry Cowell State Park and Roaring Camp Railroad, as well as downtown Felton for great coffee, restaurants, boutique shopping and the famous Wild Roots Market for all your organic groceries. It is nestled in the coastal mountains while only 20 minutes from the beach and all that Santa Cruz has to offer. The best of both worlds!

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
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, 236 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!

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 bright entryway features a wooden front door with glass panels. To the left, a plush gray sofa is accompanied by a small side table. A dining space is visible through an archway, highlighted by two pendant lights above a wooden table. Green plants add a touch of nature.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 261 reviews

Quiet Beach Cottage in the heart of Capitola

Nestled into the heart of Capitola, this beach cottage is walking distance to the best of Capitola (Rental Permit #261046). Newly remodeled stunning two bedroom home, two bath, with a Pottery Barn pull out couch, this home is built for comfort and relaxation. Walking distance to Capitola Village(1 mile) and pleasure point (.5). Just blocks to the beach, local breweries, restaurants, shopping and iconic surfing. This home was designed for a peaceful getaway!

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.

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 Santa Cruz
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.

Popular amenities for Santa Cruz County house rentals

Destinations to explore