Places to stay near Sunset State Beach

Magical & Romantic Beachfront Home at Pajaro Dunes

Beautiful oceanfront condominium with an unobstructed view to Monterey Bay & the Pacific Ocean; just 20 minutes south of Santa Cruz & 30 minutes north of Monterey/Carmel. Newly remodeled with granite counters, new kitchen appliances, paint, furniture, tile and carpeted floors. Electric fireplace adds to the magical ambience this home embraces. High ceilings, just steps to the beach. Convenient parking. 2 bedrooms & 2 full bathrooms, 1200 sf. A great place to kick off your shoes and relax.

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

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.

Manresa Surf House studio upstairs unit#5

Welcome to Manresa Surfhouse, a trendy boutique coastal retreat just 500 yards from the beach! This stylish studio unit sleeps 2 and is part of a spacious 5-unit property on half an acre. Enjoy your own private outdoor space, plus access to ' Platforms'—a shared community area perfect for relaxing. Designed as a complete coastal getaway, it offers everything you need inside and out. Grab our complimentary bikes and explore nearby Manresa State Beach, or venture minutes away to Santa Cruz’s best

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.

Forest Cabin & Hot Tub

Take it easy in this cozy cabin retreat in the Santa Cruz Mountains. 30 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz and beaches. This charming 400 sq. ft. studio is the perfect setting to disconnect from city life and immerse yourself in the redwoods. The cabin features a queen bed, full bathroom, kitchen & BBQ. The private yard includes a hot tub, propane firepit and hammock to fully relax and unwind. Please note the cabin is on a one way, windy road. There is WiFi but no TV or A/C. SCC Permit# 241449

Luxury Country Apartment with Beach Access.

Stay with us and hear the ocean sounds from your rooms. Our 5 Star apartment is a spacious, totally self contained private area with it's own side entrance attached to the main house. It is over 610 square feet with 4 separate rooms and French doors leading to our back garden with areas to relax. We are a short walk to the beach along Monterey Bay. By car you will be half way between Santa Cruz and Carmel by the Sea for shopping, dining or entertainment with many beaches to visit in between.

Sunset Cottage Vacation rental permit #111394

Charming ocean front cottage with views from Santa Cruz to Monterey. Located in Sunset State Park near Capitola and Santa Cruz. Path to quiet beach for great walks and glimpses of dolphins. A perfect place for a getaway or romantic weekend. TWO people maximum on the property at any time. There is only parking for ONE car. Pets are not allowed. NO SMOKING on the property-inside or outside. Two night minimum. Certified vacation rental property with Santa Cruz County.

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!

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.

Your Coastal Sanctuary - Far from the Craziness

A calming oceanfront condo at Pajaro Dunes on Monterey Bay, perfect for couples, families, and coastal getaways. Enjoy beach access, ocean views, and a peaceful California coast escape. Your personal retreat on Monterey Bay made for slow mornings, barefoot beach walks, and quiet moments that linger. Unplug, unwind, and rediscover the joy of simple pleasures in a space designed for calm, comfort, and connection.

Amazing Country Setting at Cottage Creek Vineyards

Lovely 1000 Sq. ft. Cottage in the heart of wine country. A 400 sq. ft. delightful back patio with fire pit, full kitchen and bathroom makes this the perfect home away from home. Amenities include queen bed, wifi, TV's, fire place, & parking. We are a live winery and have wine tasting two weekends and two Friday evenings a month. We usually have live music, wine tasting is in the same vicinity as the Cottage.