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
Sep 4 - Sep 6
In two months
Oct 16 - Oct 18
In three months
Nov 13 - Nov 15
In four months
Dec 11 - Dec 13

Our top choices for Santa Cruz vacation rentals

Deluxe Cottage, 1 Bedroom, Fireplace, Garden Area (Cottage 11B) | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board (on request), WiFi

1. Fern River Resort

Fern River Resort
3.0 star property
Felton
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (518 reviews)
"Lovely Cabin, my son had an amazing experience. We will definitely come back"
United States
Iris
$133 nightly
The price is $153
Aug 23 - Aug 24
Total with taxes and fees
Fern River Resort
Family Studio | Premium bedding, memory foam beds, in-room safe, blackout drapes

2. Bella Notte

Bella Notte
4.0 star property
Eastside Santa Cruz
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (8 reviews)
"Great location and the room was very cute. Would stay again."
United States
Andrea
$194 nightly
The price is $209
Sep 8 - Sep 9
Total with taxes and fees
Bella Notte
Interior

3. The Boardwalk Haven - Santa Cruz, CA

The Boardwalk Haven - Santa Cruz, CA
Westside Santa Cruz
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (30 reviews)
"This place was quiet, clean and adorable!"
United States
Kirsten M.
The Boardwalk Haven - Santa Cruz, CA
Property grounds

4. 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)
"This quaint, small cottage was perfect for a beach getaway trip. We loved how close it is to the beach, Java Junction and Crows Nest. "
United States
Jennifer C.
$621 nightly
The price is $697
Aug 21 - Aug 22
Total with taxes and fees
4th house from Twin Lakes Beach and an easy walk to the Boardwalk
Children's area

5. Capitola Village Hideaway

Capitola Village Hideaway
Capitola
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (27 reviews)
"Location was fantastic !! "
United States
Steve B.
Capitola Village Hideaway
Outdoor dining

6. 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.
$570 nightly
The price is $570
Aug 23 - Aug 24
Total with taxes and fees
Sunlit Surf Guest House - Downtown -2bd/1ba
Interior

7. Large Home on Quiet Street Steps from Sunny Cove Beach, Private Pickleball Court

Large Home on Quiet Street Steps from Sunny Cove Beach, Private Pickleball Court
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (124 reviews)
"amazing place, would go there again for sure!"
United States
HEATON T.
$1,406 nightly
The price is $1,582
Sep 10 - Sep 11
Total with taxes and fees
Large Home on Quiet Street Steps from Sunny Cove Beach, Private Pickleball Court
Property grounds

8. 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)
"Beautiful location!Room was clean and cozy.Very quiet!The bed was comfortable!The host was easy to contact!Very enjoyable!"
United States
Jim H.
$222 nightly
The price is $249
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total with taxes and fees
Private Redwood View Suite Near Santa Cruz Beaches
Beach nearby, sun loungers, beach towels

9. Spacious Santa Cruz Beach Home, Walk to the Ocean, Game Room, Pet Friendly!

Spacious Santa Cruz Beach Home, Walk to the Ocean, Game Room, Pet Friendly!
Eastside Santa Cruz
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (360 reviews)
"The perfect get-a-way home for the entire family."
United States
Sandra T.
$1,250 nightly
The price is $1,409
Aug 23 - Aug 24
Total with taxes and fees
Spacious Santa Cruz Beach Home, Walk to the Ocean, Game Room, Pet Friendly!
4 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, WiFi, bed sheets

10. Oceanfront Beach House overlooking the Boardwalk

Oceanfront Beach House overlooking the Boardwalk
Westside Santa Cruz
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (35 reviews)
"Great location for visiting the boardwalk and wharf!"
United States
Tom T.
$1,214 nightly
The price is $1,368
Aug 23 - Aug 24
Total with taxes and fees
Oceanfront Beach House overlooking the Boardwalk
Terrace/patio

11. 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.
$630 nightly
The price is $713
Aug 23 - Aug 24
Total with taxes and fees
Relaxing Getaway Overlooking Schwan Lagoon
Terrace/patio

12. 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, (8 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.
$1,388 nightly
The price is $1,562
Aug 30 - Aug 31
Total with taxes and fees
6+BD Downtown House Walk to Beach Boardwalk!
Property grounds

13. Capitola Nook Along The Creek.

Capitola Nook Along The Creek.
Capitola
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (213 reviews)
"Great location! Nice room comfy beds ! We had a great time and easy directions for check in and out !"
United States
Jeri K.
$583 nightly
The price is $583
Sep 3 - Sep 4
Total with taxes and fees
Capitola Nook Along The Creek.
Interior

14. Oceanview Retreat with Hot Tub

Oceanview Retreat with Hot Tub
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (163 reviews)
"Great location, nicely updated house, great stay!"
United States
Ben C.
$1,092 nightly
The price is $1,230
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total with taxes and fees
Oceanview Retreat with Hot Tub
Property grounds

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, (12 reviews)
"Easy, comfy and perfect. "
United States
Yadira T.
$1,388 nightly
The price is $1,562
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Total with taxes and fees
Charming 5 BD Victorian House by Beach Boardwalk
Exterior detail

16. 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, (75 reviews)
"Great place for the price. The bbq/fire pit area,along with the view is 5 stars! Hosts are responsive. Close drive to town, beach …"
United States
Kimberley
$303 nightly
The price is $340
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Total with taxes and fees
Aptos Bayview, large 1 Br.Cottage, Pets & parking. Ocean View deck, fire pit
2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, WiFi

17. 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.
$604 nightly
The price is $682
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Total with taxes and fees
Harbor home - with a hot tub!
Beach nearby

18. Sea La Vie

Sea La Vie
Westside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (2 reviews)
"Lovely home, convenient to the surrounding community and Boardwalk. We enjoyed our stay."
United States
Alison H.
$669 nightly
The price is $742
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total with taxes and fees
Sea La Vie
Exterior detail

19. Sunny Private Bungalow

Sunny Private Bungalow
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (19 reviews)
"Nice place"
United States
David H.
$287 nightly
The price is $287
Aug 21 - Aug 22
Total with taxes and fees
Sunny Private Bungalow
Coffee/tea maker, fridge, microwave, oven

20. Sunlit Surf House | Downtown | Walk to Beach

Sunlit Surf House | Downtown | Walk to Beach
Westside Santa Cruz
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (16 reviews)
"The downstairs is relaxing with a nice kitchen. My husband hit his head going upstairs because of the low ceiling. The 3 bedrooms upstairs are great for one person. They have to share a bathroom. It is close to restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
United States
Wendy
$776 nightly
The price is $776
Aug 23 - Aug 24
Total with taxes and fees
Sunlit Surf House | Downtown | 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

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

8/10 Good
"An older hotel that was a place to stay for a wedding that we were attending. Clean, comfortable and convenient."
Donna 5-night trip
Posted 2 hours ago
Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

Price trends for vacation rentals in Santa Cruz

Less expensive
More expensive
Next month
May
April
$600
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 $209 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 popular beaches 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?

Dazzling Family Beach Retreat: HOT TUB, BIKES, SURF BOARDS, BBQ, BEACH ACCESS: Visitors like this Santa Cruz vacation home rental. It is located on the beach and has a fireplace, a balcony, and a barbecue grill to put you at ease in your new surroundings. It has 3 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 selection of games and a hot tub. Our travelers also rate Spacious Santa Cruz Beach Home, Walk to the Ocean, Game Room, Pet Friendly! as a favorite home for rent in Santa Cruz.

How many vacation rentals are there in Santa Cruz?

With 278 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 Pacific Avenue 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.