Holiday rentals with beach access in Santa Cruz County

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 607 reviews

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

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.

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 139 reviews

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

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.

An aerial view of the backyard reveals a spacious layout featuring a hot tub, a covered seating area with lounge chairs, and vibrant blue umbrellas. A play area with a climbing structure and water table is visible, surrounded by lush greenery and landscaped pathways.

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 164 reviews

Oceanview Family Playground

Family-friendly oceanview home at Pleasure Point. This inviting retreat offers a backyard play area, including a water table and climbing structure for the little ones. Enjoy outdoor dining, the BBQ grill, the hot tub, hammocks. Inside, take in two living areas, two en-suite bedrooms, toys, playhouse, and baby amenities. EV charger in garage. Nearby, find great surfing spots, a coastal bike trail, Capitola Village, and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Create memories at your Pleasure Point home!

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.

5 out of 5 average rating, 210 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!

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 109 reviews

Cabin in Boulder Creek

Either Way Hideaway

Relax and enjoy riverside views in our tranquil Santa Cruz Mountains guesthouse. Cozy by our fire pits, take a dip in a private hot tub and enjoy the sounds of the river flow by. Hike Big Basin, Castle Rock and Henry Cowell State Parks. Close to historic downtown Boulder Creek and the Santa Cruz boardwalk, it’s the perfect base for exploring Santa Cruz county. Immerse yourself in of nature while staying connected and comfortable. Either way, you’ll enjoy your stay! SCC Permit #251382

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 184 reviews

The exterior of a yellow cottage is seen at a corner, surrounded by lush greenery. A flag is displayed on a balcony, and a white picket fence frames the yard. Mature trees provide shade, contributing to the cottage's inviting appearance.

Cottage in Capitola

Coastal Architectural Gem in Capitola

A Nantucket-inspired cottage designed by award-winning architect Tobin Dougherty — featured in Sunset Magazine, Fine Homebuilding & Better Homes and Gardens. Don’t miss the signature Tower of Light: a family library with a plexiglass floor that floods the dining room below with sunshine. Three patios, including a front garden, a dining room terrace perfect for people-watching, and a second-story crow’s nest. Just .3 miles from Capitola Village, the beach, and the legendary Gayle’s Bakery.

A serene bedroom is showcased with a spacious bed adorned with a light cover and decorative pillows. A large photo of a pier at sunset decorates the wall above the bed. Two windows and skylights allow natural light to illuminate the room, complemented by bedside lamps.

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 319 reviews

Lower Westside Sanctuary by Natural Bridges Beach

From our family of beach bums to yours: welcome to our newly remodeled, coastal sanctuary on the quiet lower Westside of Santa Cruz. Stroll 5 minutes to Natural Bridges Beach by day. By night, stargaze from the hot tub or gather around the gas fire pit. Wildlife abounds: from our resident hummingbirds and butterflies at home to occasional seal, otter and whale sightings at Natural Bridges. Hungry/thirsty? Stroll 10 minutes to the heart of Santa Cruz’s beer, wine, and foodie scene!

Place to stay in Santa Cruz

The interior of the yurt showcases a high, circular ceiling with a skylight at the center, allowing natural light to fill the space. A spacious bed and a cozy seating area are surrounded by decorative Moroccan rugs, with colorful accents on the walls and large windows providing views of the surrounding garden.

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 402 reviews

Luxurious 24’ Yurt in beautiful half acre garden

Nestled in the Santa Cruz mountains just 4 miles from the beach, 5 miles to Davenport and 9 miles from Santa Cruz (12 minutes by car) sits a magical Yurt situated in a beautiful private fenced half acre garden in Bonny Doon. Experience all that Santa Cruz has to offer then get away from the noise, traffic and bustle of the city and relax in this quiet and peaceful place situated above the fog line. Guaranteed to meet and likely exceed your expectations Dog, Child, and 420 friendly.

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 125 reviews

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

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!

The open-concept kitchen and living area feature a clean design with white cabinetry and a blue-tiled backsplash. A large window allows natural light to fill the space, illuminating the gray sofa and wooden coffee table. Four white bar stools are positioned at the kitchen island.

5 out of 5 average rating, 220 reviews

Serene luxury beach bungalow in Pleasure Point

Just steps away from the breathtaking Santa Cruz coast lies Bungalow318. This 1940's bungalow has been meticulously renovated and is ready for your relaxing retreat, romantic getaway, surfing adventure or family vacation. Relax in the open concept family room, enjoy a day at the beach or surfing world-class surf breaks, lounge in the hot tub and spend a cozy evening on the patio lounge in front of a warm fire. The ways to enjoy this special property are endless!

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 277 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!