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 cozy cabin interior with wooden walls, a sofa, a bench, and large windows offering a view of the forest.

1. 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
$109 nightly
The price is $126
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Total with taxes and fees
Fern River Resort
A bedroom with a large bed, a desk, a dresser, and a view of the outdoors through a sliding door.

2. Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel

Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel
4.0 star property
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (14 reviews)
"Great location and the room was very cute. Would stay again."
United States
Andrea
$176 nightly
The price is $190
Sep 30 - Oct 1
Total with taxes and fees
Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel
A patio with outdoor furniture, a barbecue area, and a television mounted on the wall.

3. Charming Coastal Getaway – 5 Min to Boardwalk!

Charming Coastal Getaway – 5 Min to Boardwalk!
Westside Santa Cruz
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (9 reviews)
"Great stay. Loved the property"
United States
EDDIE B.
$860 nightly
The price is $975
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Total with taxes and fees
Charming Coastal Getaway – 5 Min to Boardwalk!
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, (84 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
$288 nightly
The price is $325
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Total with taxes and fees
Aptos Bayview, large 1 Br.Cottage, Pets & parking. Ocean View deck, fire pit
A wooden dock extending into a calm river, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

5. Capitola Nook Along The Creek.

Capitola Nook Along The Creek.
Capitola
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (218 reviews)
"Great location! Nice room comfy beds ! We had a great time and easy directions for check in and out !"
United States
Jeri K.
$551 nightly
The price is $551
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Total with taxes and fees
Capitola Nook Along The Creek.
A bedroom with a large bed, a nightstand, a lamp, a framed picture on the wall, and a view into the bathroom.

6. Oceanfront Beach House overlooking the Boardwalk

Oceanfront Beach House overlooking the Boardwalk
Westside Santa Cruz
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (36 reviews)
"Great location for visiting the boardwalk and wharf!"
United States
Tom T.
$874 nightly
The price is $991
Sep 30 - Oct 1
Total with taxes and fees
Oceanfront Beach House overlooking the Boardwalk

7. Liberty Cottage - Walk to Beach

Liberty Cottage - Walk to Beach
Westside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (3 reviews)
"Place was very well maintained and in an excellent location! Loved staying there."
United States
Kristine K.
$768 nightly
The price is $858
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Total with taxes and fees
Liberty Cottage - Walk to Beach
A patio with a wooden table and chairs, a potted plant, and a string of lights.

8. Sunlit Surf Guest House - Downtown -2bd/1ba

Sunlit Surf Guest House - Downtown -2bd/1ba
Westside Santa Cruz
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (13 reviews)
"We enjoyed staying there. Very comfortable"
United States
Chelsea S.
$539 nightly
The price is $539
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Total with taxes and fees
Sunlit Surf Guest House - Downtown -2bd/1ba
A garden pathway with various plants and a wooden fence.

9. 4th house from Twin Lakes Beach and an easy walk to the Boardwalk

4th house from Twin Lakes Beach and an easy walk to the Boardwalk
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (266 reviews)
"Great location, loved it!"
United States
Alfonso C.
$586 nightly
The price is $662
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Total with taxes and fees
4th house from Twin Lakes Beach and an easy walk to the Boardwalk
A modern living room with a white sofa, two armchairs, and a coffee table. There are decorative pillows and a painting on the wall.

10. The Boardwalk Haven - Santa Cruz, CA

The Boardwalk Haven - Santa Cruz, CA
Westside Santa Cruz
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (30 reviews)
"Really enjoyed our time here at the Haven. It was clean, modern, and well put together. We’ll definitely be back!"
United States
Joey L.
$372 nightly
The price is $424
Oct 25 - Oct 26
Total with taxes and fees
The Boardwalk Haven - Santa Cruz, CA
A backyard with a hot tub, a patio table, and a wooden fence.

11. 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.
$597 nightly
The price is $678
Oct 12 - Oct 13
Total with taxes and fees
Harbor home - with a hot tub!
A spacious living area with a curved staircase leading to a second floor, a kitchen with a central island, and a cozy seating area with a sofa and bar stools.

12. Luxury beach retreat in Capitola Village

Luxury beach retreat in Capitola Village
Capitola
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (55 reviews)
"Fantastic place, location is perfect! Fireplace kept us wam and so happy to have a parking spot."
United States
Nadia T.
$358 nightly
The price is $397
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Total with taxes and fees
Luxury beach retreat in Capitola Village

13. Artistic Pelican in Downtown Santa Cruz

Artistic Pelican in Downtown Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (2 reviews)
"Amazing property we loved our stay extremely unique and charming!"
United States
Nicholas P.
$569 nightly
The price is $636
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Total with taxes and fees
Artistic Pelican in Downtown Santa Cruz
A residential street with houses, a parked car, and a view of the ocean.

14. Oceanview Retreat with Hot Tub

Oceanview Retreat with Hot Tub
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (164 reviews)
"Great location, nicely updated house, great stay!"
United States
Ben C.
$925 nightly
The price is $1,051
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Total with taxes and fees
Oceanview Retreat with Hot Tub
A purple house with a black door, a small porch, and a tree in the foreground.

15. Charming 5 BD Victorian House by Beach Boardwalk

Charming 5 BD Victorian House by Beach Boardwalk
Westside Santa Cruz
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (17 reviews)
"We had an outstanding stay. Hosts were very easy to communicate with. Home was very clean and we would happily stay there again!"
United States
Daniel B.
$1,187 nightly
The price is $1,347
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Total with taxes and fees
Charming 5 BD Victorian House by Beach Boardwalk
A coastal landscape with a rocky shoreline, waves crashing against the rocks, and a large building with multiple stories on a grassy hill.

16. Dazzling Family Beach Retreat: HOT TUB, BIKES, SURF BOARDS, BBQ, BEACH ACCESS

Dazzling Family Beach Retreat: HOT TUB, BIKES, SURF BOARDS, BBQ, BEACH ACCESS
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (301 reviews)
"Great location, everything we needed was there, perfect."
United States
Cathy P.
$626 nightly
The price is $708
Oct 20 - Oct 21
Total with taxes and fees
Dazzling Family Beach Retreat: HOT TUB, BIKES, SURF BOARDS, BBQ, BEACH ACCESS
A patio with outdoor furniture, a stone table, and a wooden fence.

17. 6+BD Downtown House Walk to Beach Boardwalk!

6+BD Downtown House Walk to Beach Boardwalk!
Westside Santa Cruz
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (11 reviews)
"Great location, spacious welcoming house, attentive host. Perfect for a family reunion: grandchildren, grandparents, parents, friends, and the dog. Would come here again."
United States
Richard E.
$1,187 nightly
The price is $1,347
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Total with taxes and fees
6+BD Downtown House Walk to Beach Boardwalk!

18. Seas The Day and Skip to the Ocean

Seas The Day and Skip to the Ocean
Westside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (6 reviews)
"Great stay with family. Loved the hot tub. Great location! "
United States
Stefanie K.
$886 nightly
The price is $990
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Total with taxes and fees
Seas The Day and Skip to the Ocean
A room with a sliding glass door leading to a patio with outdoor furniture and a view of a beach.

19. Harbor Haven-Ocean Views, Steps to Beach + Dining

Harbor Haven-Ocean Views, Steps to Beach + Dining
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (10 reviews)
"We loved our stay and would definitely book again!"
United States
Kim D.
$538 nightly
The price is $608
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Total with taxes and fees
Harbor Haven-Ocean Views, Steps to Beach + Dining
A modern living room with a grey sofa, a round coffee table, and a fireplace.

20. Capitola Village Condo - 1 min walk to beach

Capitola Village Condo - 1 min walk to beach
Capitola
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (27 reviews)
"We stayed in these units on multiple occasions and love it every time. Great location!"
United States
Rachel G.
$618 nightly
The price is $691
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Total with taxes and fees
Capitola Village Condo - 1 min walk to beach
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

Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge

10/10 Excellent
"Pet freindly and they allowed us a 3 pm check out. Bonus."
Sam 1-night trip
Posted less than an hour ago
Ocean Pacific Lodge

Price trends for vacation rentals in Santa Cruz

Less expensive
More expensive
Next month
May
April
$603
Month
Price
January
$613
February
$584
March
$650
April
$672
May
$557
June
$613
July
$649
August
$652
September
$600
October
$603
November
$623
December
$631
Price trend information excludes taxes and fees and is based on base rates for a nightly stay for 2 adults found in the last 7 days on our site and averaged for commonly viewed vacation rentals in Santa Cruz. Select dates and complete search for nightly totals inclusive of taxes and fees.

Find out more about Santa Cruz

Everything you need to know about Santa Cruz vacation rentals

Whether you’re excited for the perfect family vacation, a romantic getaway for two, or the ultimate city break, we’ve got the Santa Cruz vacation rental for you. At Expedia, you can take your pick from private vacation homes, apartments, condos, resorts, cabins, villas, motels. The list goes on, and on …and on.

There’s just as wide a choice of amenities, too. Maybe you’re dreaming of your own pool, long evenings in a hot tub, or watching the kids laugh through the day at a waterpark. Maybe you just want a quiet retreat in a pet-friendly apartment. Well, we can help you find it. Hunt out the perfect Santa Cruz vacation rental for you by simply entering your desired dates. Then check your favorite filters to narrow down your search.

Santa Cruz vacation rentals: An excellent choice for every season

Whenever you want to travel, a warm welcome awaits you in Santa Cruz. If you’re looking for a little peace, consider booking during the quieter low season months. For more hustle and bustle, you may prefer to visit Santa Cruz in high season.

Prices vary throughout the year. Your chosen location, property type, and amenities will impact the cost of your trip, too. The selection of properties we have chosen for you start as low as $190 per night. Rates vary depending on your travel dates, location, and amenities so make a search and you might find even better deals!

How to find incredible deals on Santa Cruz rentals

At Expedia, we put the best Santa Cruz vacation rentals in one place. All you need to do is take your pick. And as we offer book now, pay later options, as well as free cancellation on some properties, you can plan your trip with total peace of mind. You’ll always find a great deal with Expedia.

To find some top Santa Cruz rental deals, enter your travel dates, and sort your search results by price. You can also filter by budget, so you only see accommodation in your ballpark. Next, add any filters you want—and just like that, you’ve built your dream Santa Cruz vacation.

If you’re looking for a little inspiration, browse our latest incredible offers, or use the map to view all accommodation in and around Santa Cruz. And to unlock even more fantastic deals, bundle your accommodation, flights, and car rental together to save and book with Expedia in complete confidence.

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.