A colorful coastal town with a sandy beach and a calm sea.

Santa Cruz Vacation Rentals

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Check prices for these dates

In two weeks
Oct 9 - Oct 11
In two months
Nov 20 - Nov 22
In three months
Dec 18 - Dec 20
In four months
Jan 15 - Jan 17

Our top choices for Santa Cruz vacation rentals

A bedroom with a large bed, a desk, a dresser, and a view of the outdoors through a sliding door.

1. Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel

Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel
4.0 star property
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (13 reviews)
"Great location and the room was very cute. Would stay again."
United States
Andrea
The price is CA $157
CA $267 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 20 - Oct 21
Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel
A cozy cabin interior with wooden walls, a sofa, a bench, and large windows offering a view of the forest.

2. Fern River Resort

Fern River Resort
3.0 star property
Felton
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (523 reviews)
"Unbelievably beautiful property among the redwoods, adorable red cottage next to a creek! I can't wait to go back. I've told all my friends about this place, and if I was not such an oldie (over 50), I would definitely do an Instagram about it! Charming, quiet and lovely place to stay."
United States
CarriLin
The price is CA $151
CA $191 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 21 - Oct 22
Fern River Resort
A wooden gate, a potted plant with flowers, and a concrete floor.

3. Sunny Private Bungalow

Sunny Private Bungalow
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (19 reviews)
"Nice place"
United States
David H.
The price is CA $222
CA $409 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 5 - Oct 6
Sunny Private Bungalow
A modern house with a patio area featuring a wooden table and chairs, a covered seating area, and a potted plant.

4. Aptos Bayview, large 1 Br.Cottage, Pets & parking. Ocean View deck, fire pit

Aptos Bayview, large 1 Br.Cottage, Pets & parking. Ocean View deck, fire pit
Aptos
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (83 reviews)
"We loved the location, the kitchen and most of all the view and fire pit!! Celebrated our 30th anniversary. Joe was very friendly, accommodating and helpful."
United States
Kimberly
The price is CA $238
CA $474 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Aptos Bayview, large 1 Br.Cottage, Pets & parking. Ocean View deck, fire pit
A living room with a grey sofa, a wooden coffee table, a wooden dining table, and a window with blinds.

5. Sunlit Surf Studio Downtown Walk to Beach!

Sunlit Surf Studio Downtown Walk to Beach!
Westside Santa Cruz
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (17 reviews)
"Great location for downtown Santa Cruz with walking accessibility"
United States
Carl
The price is CA $189
CA $278 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 29 - Sep 30
Sunlit Surf Studio Downtown Walk to Beach!
A covered patio with a grill, outdoor seating, and a view of neighboring houses.

6. Capitola Village Retreat with Garage!

Capitola Village Retreat with Garage!
Capitola
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (40 reviews)
"Wonderful place...perfect location! Very happy with our stay! The only thing to note is the parking area is very small, so anything larger than a midsize SUV will have to park elsewhere."
United States
Tiffany
The price is CA $168
CA $607 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Capitola Village Retreat with Garage!
A modern living room with a sofa, coffee table, and dining table. There are windows with blinds, a radiator, and a poster on the wall.

7. 3 bedroom home - walk to Twin Lakes & Harbor!

3 bedroom home - walk to Twin Lakes & Harbor!
Eastside Santa Cruz
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (17 reviews)
"Great place, location, neighborhood "
United States
Aaron I.
The price is CA $189
CA $746 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 23 - Sep 24
3 bedroom home - walk to Twin Lakes & Harbor!
A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a stainless steel range, a microwave, and a sink with a faucet.

8. Beach Getaway in the Heart of Capitola Village!

Beach Getaway in the Heart of Capitola Village!
Capitola
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (37 reviews)
"Great place to stay!"
United States
Kyle h.
The price is CA $245
CA $685 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Beach Getaway in the Heart of Capitola Village!
A bedroom with a bed, a desk, a chair, a dresser, and a TV.

9. 3 Bedroom Home Near Twin Lakes Beach

3 Bedroom Home Near Twin Lakes Beach
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (2 reviews)
"Such a great location and such a cute property. There were a couple small things we needed and the host/management was super helpful and communicative. Highly recommend!"
United States
Tara R.
The price is CA $210
CA $853 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 23 - Sep 24
3 Bedroom Home Near Twin Lakes Beach
A wicker chair with white cushions in a room with a large window, a painting on the wall, and a shelf with decorative items.

10. Relaxing West Cliff Escape with Hot Tub!

Relaxing West Cliff Escape with Hot Tub!
Westside Santa Cruz
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (16 reviews)
"Beautifully decorated home with cool vibe. Great location. Perfection!"
United States
Heidi T.
Relaxing West Cliff Escape with Hot Tub!
A compact living space with a kitchenette, a sofa, a dining area, and a television mounted on the wall.

11. Harbor House A, overlooking Santa Cruz Harbor

Harbor House A, overlooking Santa Cruz Harbor
Eastside Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (17 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay with the beach just a few steps away from the front door. The space was clean and we had everything we needed for our stay. "
United States
Jessica P.
The price is CA $119
CA $455 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Harbor House A, overlooking Santa Cruz Harbor
A beach with a lifeguard tower, a sandy path, and a bench.

12. Giant Dipper House near the Boardwalk

Giant Dipper House near the Boardwalk
Westside Santa Cruz
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (26 reviews)
"Such a great location. We loved it here. "
United States
Ashley B.
The price is CA $199
CA $825 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 14 - Oct 15
Giant Dipper House near the Boardwalk

13. Swell House Santa Cruz, Suite 5

Swell House Santa Cruz, Suite 5
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1 review)
"Easy check in, great location next to the beach, and fully stocked with everything you might need!"
United States
Suzanna R.
The price is CA $249
CA $317 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Swell House Santa Cruz, Suite 5
A hotel with a central entrance, multiple balconies, and a sign reading 'Bella Notte'.

14. Bella Notte by the beach Studio 5

Bella Notte by the beach Studio 5
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (2 reviews)
"The facility and the location were exactly what I needed: close to the beach, Capitola, and the Boardwalk; a beautiful, quiet room with blackout curtains; a very comfortable bed in a spacious room. All of this for an appropriately reasonable price. I'll definitely go back."
United States
Cathrine C.
The price is CA $163
CA $334 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Bella Notte by the beach Studio 5
A paved pathway leading to a rustic cabin surrounded by tall trees.

15. Private Redwood View Suite Near Santa Cruz Beaches

Private Redwood View Suite Near Santa Cruz Beaches
Scotts Valley
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (13 reviews)
"Nice quiet get-away location. Close to shopping, restaurants and beaches."
United States
Darrell Robert P.
The price is CA $277
CA $351 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 24 - Sep 25
Private Redwood View Suite Near Santa Cruz Beaches
A spacious living area with a high ceiling, a built-in wood-burning stove, a comfortable sofa set, and a staircase leading to an upper level.

16. Relaxing Getaway Overlooking Schwan Lagoon

Relaxing Getaway Overlooking Schwan Lagoon
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (10 reviews)
"Amazing stay - thank you and we look forward to staying again "
United States
Brandi P.
The price is CA $180
CA $882 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Relaxing Getaway Overlooking Schwan Lagoon
A bedroom with two beds, a wooden dresser, a lamp, and a window with blinds.

17. Twin Lakes Surf Cabin - Sleeps Up To 12

Twin Lakes Surf Cabin - Sleeps Up To 12
Eastside Santa Cruz
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (7 reviews)
"My daughter was set on having a bonfire birthday celebration and this place was perfect for our Family’s stay afterward! Twin lakes is 5 minutes walking distance and that made things simple and convenient for us."
United States
Guiuliana R.
The price is CA $271
CA $1,127 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Twin Lakes Surf Cabin - Sleeps Up To 12
A rocky beach with waves crashing onto the shore and a distant island.

18. Spruce Beach Cottage - Walk to beach

Spruce Beach Cottage - Walk to beach
Seacliff
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (26 reviews)
"Overall, it was the perfect place for a quiet, restful weekend getaway. Walking distance to the beach, restaurants and shopping areas. "
United States
Alex D.
The price is CA $254
CA $709 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Spruce Beach Cottage - Walk to beach
A hotel room with two single beds, a bedside table with a lamp, a framed picture on the wall, and a window with curtains.

19. 'Treehouse' in the Redwoods - sleeps 4!

'Treehouse' in the Redwoods - sleeps 4!
Ben Lomond
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (19 reviews)
"Clean, quiet, and a great location!"
United States
Jenny O.
The price is CA $187
CA $637 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 25 - Sep 26
'Treehouse' in the Redwoods - sleeps 4!
A bedroom with a bed, a bedside table, a lamp, a window with blinds, and a door.

20. Harbor home - with a hot tub!

Harbor home - with a hot tub!
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (5 reviews)
"Very nice place. "
United States
Rick H.
The price is CA $294
CA $1,000 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 12 - Oct 13
Harbor home - with a hot tub!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Top Santa Cruz Hotel Reviews

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

8/10 Good
"Staff were wonderful, lovely property, and location is great. Did NOT appreciate being awaken at 8am day of check out, by cleaning staff checking to see if we were still there. Then, another knock at 9:30 by cleaning staff. Check out is 11:00. Staff should check with front desk on who is still there and who has checked out."
Mike 2-night trip
Posted 4 hours ago
Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

Find out more about Santa Cruz

You always said you would go on a dream vacation someday. Now, someday is here. But you don’t just want to dip your toe into the trip of a lifetime, you want to cannon ball into the deep end. Go ahead, unplug and unwind in style. When you book one of our vacation rentals, the ordinary is in the rearview. Instead of sharing your vacation with hundreds of hotel guests, you get to take advantage of all the space at your private apartment or room. You also get to enjoy all the amenities of a private residence for a truly unique and memorable stay. Why don’t you take off your shoes and settle in for a while? Your vacation just got upgraded.

As much as you love your short-term rental, it’s always good to get out and explore to soak up . Live like a local: Eat regional food, cheer on the home team, and visit the best cultural attractions in town. No matter the season, there is always something going on in . Seeing all the best attractions is bound to make you fall in love with Santa Cruz. Who knows, you may even be tempted to extend your vacation rental stay. There’s a reason home rentals are so popular here—after a long day of exploration, going back to your very own living room to stretch out is a dream come true.

It’s your escape so why share it? You deserve your own slice of paradise. Booking your vacation rental on Expedia is simple and safe. Just pick your dates to search for the perfect property and book securely. We let you contact the property owner directly to make any special arrangements. All that’s left to do is show up with bells on and have a memorable vacation. With all the amenities available in short-term rentals, that won’t be hard to do.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Frequently asked questions

Can I find a vacation rental in Santa Cruz?

Yes, you can find vacation rentals in Santa Cruz close to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, or you can select a secluded option if you're looking for a relaxing stay. Visitors to Santa Cruz like the scenic seaside and entertainment choices this destination is known for. Make sure you have time to check out the sporting events while you're in the area.

What are some of the best vacation home rentals in Santa Cruz?

Spacious Santa Cruz Beach Home, Walk to the Ocean, Game Room, Pet Friendly!: Visitors like this Santa Cruz vacation home rental. It is located on a lake and has a fireplace, a balcony, and a barbecue grill to put you at ease in your new surroundings. It has 6 bedrooms as well as a kitchen with a dishwasher, a fridge, and a stovetop, so you can cook with friends or family. You can relax into your vacation with a garden and a selection of games. Some other top choices in Santa Cruz are 6+BD Downtown House Walk to Beach Boardwalk! and Beautiful View...and a short walk to Boardwalk!.

How many vacation rentals are there in Santa Cruz?

With 275 Expedia vacation rentals, you're sure to find just the right place for your Santa Cruz stay.

What’s there to see and do in Santa Cruz?

Family-friendly attractions include Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, whereas Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Main Beach are a couple of great spots to enjoy the outdoors. While here, Ocean Street and Mission Santa Cruz are other places worth a visit.

What’s a vacation rental in Santa Cruz like?

Vacation rentals are private accommodations you can reserve for several days or longer in Santa Cruz. Vacation rentals offer extras such as hot tubs, fire pits, and patios so your stay will be comfortable. If you're concerned about a clean environment, a vacation rental can provide a sense of seclusion away from shared hotel elevators and bustling concierge desks while still allowing you a great travel experience. You'll also find more space in a vacation rental than in a standard hotel, which makes a vacation rental a popular choice for small groups.