Family-friendly vacation rentals in Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley

El Nido; a Peaceful, Relaxing, Restorative Retreat

As an artist, I'm deeply interested in aesthetics. I think I've succeeded in creating a beautiful, restful venue for relaxation. The queen size bed overlooks a bird sanctuary over the Valencia Creek watershed. The kitchen includes a fridge stocked with goodies, toaster oven, microwave, coffee pot, French press and cooktop for light cooking. You're welcome to use the oven/stove in the main kitchen with prior arrangements. A backyard gas barbecue is available for heavier cooking (or if you're planning to cook fish!) Hairdryer and shampoo are available in the spacious private bath. Thick terry robes are provided for your comfort, and beach towels and chairs if you decide to spend some time on one of our beautiful beaches. There's a large flat screen smart TV complete with Netflix. Lots of reading material and a writing desk are also here for your use. You have a private entrance with a coded entry. You have a private entrance with a coded entry. Your rooms are private and you have your own porch and you're welcome to use the yards/patios. I share the front house with my partner and our two dogs. We'd love to meet you and perhaps share a cup of coffee or a glass of wine (depending on the time of day!) but will also respect your need/desire for privacy if you prefer. I'm happy to provide any information or amenities that will make your visit more comfortable and enjoyable. This home is close to the beautiful beaches of the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary and the Forest of Nisene Marks, just a mile from Aptos village, south of Santa Cruz and the Boardwalk and north of Elk Horn Slough and The Monterey Bay Aquarium. Parking is easily available on our quiet cut-de-sac. The flagstone path to the left of the property will lead you to a gate and your private porch/entrance. Provide a 4 digit code before you arrive and I'll program the entry for your convenience. No keys to hassle with. Public transit is available one mile from the house. Uber is a popular alternative in our area. We're just minutes away from a thriving downtown scene complete with music venues and restaurants, shopping, art galleries, and the SC Beach Boardwalk. Whale watching, kayaking, cycling and hiking trails are also just minutes away. My place is good for couples, solo adventurers, business travelers, or those looking for a quiet retreat.

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

Manresa Surf House 1 bedroom Sleeps 4 unit #2

Welcome to Manresa Surfhouse, a trendy boutique coastal retreat just 500 yards from the beach! This stylish 1-bedroom, 1-bath unit sleeps up to 4 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 S

Peaceful Treehouse with Ocean View

Featured by Sunset Magazine as a “chic escape.” Inside, mid-century furniture and architectural details are made of natural materials like wood and stone setting a calming, sanctuary tone throughout. Curl up with a good read by the light streaming through floor to ceiling windows and under soaring wooden beams or tuck in for the evening by closing the sliding doors inspired by Japanese screens. Please note that during the winter months, our 1960s artistically unique treehouse may get chilly. H

The Fox's Den A Relaxing 1 Bedroom Redwood Retreat

Relax in your own forest retreat in the beautiful redwoods of Nisene Marks State Park, yet amazingly only 2. 3 miles from Rio Del Mar beach. Permit #181122. You’ll love the cozy fireplace, the views, and it's proximity to Aptos Village. The location is ideal if you want to begin your day with a bike ride or a hike through the forest. Or you may want to take the short drive or cycle to the beach, soak up some sun, catch some surf and listen to the waves splash against the sand until the sunset.

Kinderwood Farm Stay • Animal & Culinary Adventure

Nestled in an enchanting forest of redwood trees & ferns, lies a treasured, sustainability-focused homestead, waiting for you to enjoy its bounty. This is a one of a kind, immersive culinary & farm adventure with cozy accommodations & unique experiences. Subject to availability, Add-On Activities may include goat milking & feeding baby goats, cheesemaking, sourdough, and soapmaking. Join us for a visit you will remember for a lifetime. *Per Fire Code, our suite can accommodate only 2 adults

Melton Beach House. Private entry,space and patio.

Space is not suitable or safe for children under 5 years of age. Great location.We are conveniently a 10-15 minute walk to the Hook and Pleasure Point surf breaks.And in the other direction you have a 15 minute walk down to the adorably charming Capitola village and very lovely beach.There you'll find quaint boutique shops and many restaurants/bar choices along the beach esplanade. With in a 5 minute walk you'll find New Leaf market,Whole foods, Penny's ice cream,and 6 other restaurant's.

Birdsong Studio by Beach-Jasmine Gardens

Jasmine Garden Oasis Retreat House—3 block walk to quiet beaches. Ideal for individuals, couples, or families seeking serenity. SC Permit # 231326. Two upstairs independent guest studios inside our home, each with queen bed and extra beds for $25 charge: Jade Studio with private deck, and Birdsong Studio overlooking garden and hot tub. Meditation & QiGong instruction, bicycle rental nearby, allergy-free, healing sessions, low-EMFs--renewing for heart, body & soul. Sunrise/sunset at beach.

Beautiful La Selva Beach

Large 4 BR, 3 BA, 2,100 sq. ft. home in beautiful La Selva Beach! Just 1 mile from the beach. The entire home has been remodeled. The master bedroom includes a second living room area and an office. Enjoy a chef's kitchen, washer/dryer, ocean peak from the upper deck, large yard, and hot tub. Enjoy a BBQ, roast marshmallows, or just lounge and enjoy the views. Easy drive to Santa Cruz or Monterey. This is a quiet neighborhood, so no partying, excessive alcohol, or loud noise, please!

Modern Beach Retreat-Free EV Charging

This open and airy modern home is a 5 minute walk to Rio del Mar beach. Enjoy the clean design, large deck and indoor outdoor living. Numerous outdoor activities at your doorstep including golf, world class surf breaks, and renowned biking and hiking trails in the forest of Nisene Marks. Equipped with high speed internet, a projector and Sonos sound system. Our place comfortably hosts five and is good for couples, business travelers, solo, and families.

1 bedroom attached guesthouse

Our home was originally built in the 1930s. The previous owners lived here until we purchased it in 2016. In the ’90s, her grandkids added onto the house and put up a wall to create a small one-bedroom unit for her to live in and they stayed in the rest of the house while caring for her. When we bought the house, we made some light updates, and we feel really lucky to now be able to share this small space with guests visiting Santa Cruz County.