Santa Cruz is famous for its world-class surfing and boardwalk, with the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offering thrill rides like the Giant Dipper, one of the country’s oldest wooden roller coasters. The wharf is just steps away, lined with shops and eateries offering ocean-viewing dining and items to go like shrimp cocktails and cold beer to sip while watching the sea lions on the rafters below. There are plenty of spots to get away from the crowds while being just minutes from all the action, including small towns Santa Cruz Mountains, the charming village of Capitola, or even the half-mile stretch of sand at Seabright State Beach, just a stone’s throw from the bustling boardwalk.
No matter where you’d like to base yourself here, you’re sure to find the perfect Vrbo for your getaway among these options. There are even some that are pet friendly for those who want to bring their furry friend along.
Walk to Boardwalk, Seabright Beach & Yacht Harbor
This three-bedroom home can accommodate up to eight guests and offers a prime spot in a location where there’s no need to drive. You’ll be within a 10-minute walk of Seabright State Beach, the SC Boardwalk, numerous restaurants, shops, and more. The host provides beach towels, chairs, and two beach cruiser bikes for exploring too. It includes a hot and cold outdoor shower for rinsing off the sand, decks for relaxing among the fresh salty sea air, and all the essentials inside like a very well-equipped kitchen, strong Wi-Fi, and a Smart TV.
Adorable Seabright Bungalow, Steps to Beach
Located just one house off East Cliff Drive overlooking Seabright Beach, this bungalow is listed on the Santa Cruz Historical Register and sleeps up to five in two bedrooms plus a convertible bed. It’s within walking distance to the Beach Boardwalk, wharf, yacht harbor, dozens of restaurants, and more. A beach umbrella, chairs, and towels are provided, and there’s a private outdoor shower for rinsing off too. When you want to relax, cozy up to the gas fireplace and enjoy a show on the cable TV. It also includes a full kitchen with basic spices and everything you need to make your meals along with a Weber grill for barbecuing, an outdoor area for dining, and a beautiful English garden.
Luxurious Property with Hot Tub, Putting Green & Fire Pit, 5 Minute Walk to Beach
If this place doesn’t scream Santa Cruz, we don’t know what does. It’s all about the luxurious and whimsical, with plenty of bright colors, almost looking as if it came from the pages of a Dr. Seuss book. There are custom-designed features like the Silo kitchen which has a colorful textured backsplash made from glass that came from a recycled San Francisco bus stop and as the description notes, there are surprises in every room. It includes two separate windmill tower homes that share the common yard, patio, putting green, hot tub, two outdoor showers, and a large porch with a built-in barbecue and firepit that hang right over Soquel Creek.
There are too many notable features to list them all, but the rental sleeps a total of 13 in seven bedrooms and includes everything you could ever need for an unforgettable stay.
West Santa Cruz Exclusive Home
Ideally located five minutes from downtown and UCSC, this Vrbo home is located on the west side of town in a quiet culdesac, particularly convenient for families wanting to visit UCSC students. There’s no reason to leave Fido at home either as it’s pet-friendly with up to five dogs allowed You won’t be far from the beaches and other attractions either and there are a number of restaurants within walking distance. It accommodates up to eight in three bedrooms and includes ocean views and a large backyard and BBQ for cookouts. You’ll also have a full kitchen, multiple TVs, laundry facilities, and complimentary extras like two bike cruisers with helmets, beach chairs, and beach towels.
Quail Hollow Ben Lomond, Pet-Friendly
Looking for a pet-friendly vacation rental in the Santa Cruz Mountains? This Vrbo is in Ben Lomond, just a few miles from Roaring Camp Railroads and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, with the Beach Boardwalk about a 20-minute drive away. A three-bedroom ranch-style home for up to eight, it overlooks a private meadow surrounded by forest and a “monumental” coastal oak tree. The master suite is a highlight with a large four-poster bed, free-standing gas fireplace, and a large new deck with a spa. Among the many other features are a chef’s kitchen and hidden kitchen garden with fresh seasonal vegetables, herbs, and fruit. There’s a meditation area with a Buddha house and fountain too.
Quiet Neighborhood Townhouse, 4 Blocks To Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz Boardwalk
This three-bedroom townhouse for eight enjoys a quiet setting yet it’s within four blocks to Seabright State Beach, the Beach Boardwalk, and harbor. Even closer are local hotspots like Seabright Brewery, Betty’s Burgers, and many other eateries. It comes with many amenities for the beach, including an umbrella, beach blanket, beach towels, six Tommy Bahama backpack beach chairs for the adults and two child-size beach chairs, and a collapsible beach wagon to bring it all. Spread over three levels, the home has a patio deck off the living room with a Weber propane grill and dining space, a 48″ Smart TV with Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming apps plus Comcast Cable channels.
Casa La Sirena, Charming Mexican Style Beach Cottage on Opal Cliff
Casa La Sirena is a few doors from a security-gated, dog-friendly beach on Pleasure Point, a renowned surfing destination. It sits on prestigious Opal Cliff Drive, a short walk from Capitola Village, just a few miles east of Seabright State Beach. A Mexican-style cottage, it comes complete with lush tropical gardens and accommodates up to six comfortably in three bedrooms. You’ll have all the essentials, plus two Smart TVs with Direct TV and Netflix, a DVD player, movies, and even video games.
Arbor House Cottage
“Arbor House” is a private two-bedroom cottage that can accommodate up to four adults or a family of six comfortably in a great location just four houses and 150 steps to Twin Lakes State Beach on the Monterey Bay Sanctuary. From the raised backyard deck you can relax while watching the watch boats come and go from the harbor and even hear the bark of the sea lions from the pier. It includes a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, a Smart TV with basic cable and streaming apps, a DVD player, and stereo.
Ocean Front Property in 'Heart of Capitola Village' with Monterey Views
This luxurious rental is an oceanfront gem providing stunning views from every room in the house and the patio. It’s located in Capitola Village, just up the hill from the core, and accommodates six comfortably in three bedrooms plus a loft. Right adjacent to the property is a staircase providing direct access to the sandy beach less than 80- feet below. Gear for fun on the water is complimentary with boogie boards, skimboards, two surfboards, and a kayak all provided, along with a beach umbrella, chairs, and sand toys.
Surf Rider's Oceanfront Hideaway with Hot Tub
The Opal Cliff Oasis beach house is located in the exclusive neighborhood of Opal Cliffs, providing a beachfront oasis with spectacular ocean views and a hot tub. From the deck, watch for the whales, dolphins, seals, and otters that pass by. It can sleep up to eight guests in three bedrooms and comes with everything you need from a well-equipped chef’s kitchen with a Viking professional stove to flat-screen TVs in every bedroom.
Casita De Santa Cruz - Steps from Scenic West Cliff Drive
Located just steps from famous West Cliff Drive just a half-mile from the Beach Boardwalk, you’ll be able to hear the sea lions at the wharf while staying at Casita De Santa Cruz. It sleeps six in two bedrooms plus a pull-out couch and includes a gourmet kitchen and grill, cable TV with a DVD player and video library, washer/dryer, beach chairs and towels. Plus there’s a hot tub to relax in at the end of every fun-filled day.
Cozy Cottage Steps to Seabright Beach
A sunny two-bedroom for up to four, this cottage is just two blocks from Seabright beach, within walking distance to popular local eateries, coffee shops, and bars. It has a serene garden patio with an outdoor shower and is stocked with beach towels, toys, and chairs for your days in the sand. It has a fully stocked kitchen, a gas fireplace, and a TV with a DVD player for watching movies or streaming Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more.
Luxurious Large Villa in Best Santa Cruz Location
Sea Crest is a luxurious villa located right across from the Wharf, Cowell’s Beach and the National Marine Sanctuary Visitor’s Center. It offers plenty of space for larger groups, accommodating up to 10 with four bedrooms, including two master suites and a kids’ room with two twin bunk beds. There are three decks, a chef’s gourmet kitchen, bathrooms with soaking tubs, and even an elevator.
1899 Queen Anne Victorian Cottage in the Redwoods
Enjoy lots of charm in the Santa Cruz Mountains with a stay at this 1899 Queen Anne Victorian Cottage. Located at creekside in the redwoods near downtown Boulder Creek, it’s within walking distance to a popular organic market, restaurants, hiking trails, and the San Lorenzo River, while beaches are less than a 30-minute drive away. Ideal for a romantic couples’ stay, it sleeps two and includes a very well-stocked kitchen with a coffee grinder, French press, and standard coffee maker. Organic coffee and tea are supplied along with hot breakfast cereals. It includes a Smart TV with cable, including a premium sports package, and Wi-Fi too.
