Places to stay near Santa Cruz Beach

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Santa Cruz Beach

Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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Top guest favorite
A wide sandy beach stretches toward the horizon, illuminated by soft sunlight reflecting off the ocean. Gentle waves lap at the shore, where visitors can be seen enjoying the tranquil environment. Dune grasses frame the beach, adding to the natural scenery.
Vacation home in Watsonville
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 451 reviews

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.

Top guest favorite
An A-Frame cabin is surrounded by lush greenery, positioned on elevated ground. A stone pathway leads to the entrance, flanked by wooden railings. The cabin features large glass panels on its façade, allowing natural light to flood the interior. A deck with seating overlooks the nature surroundings.
Cabin in Felton
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 113 reviews

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

Guest favorite
The living area is adorned with warm wood paneling and features a cozy couch with colorful throw pillows. A glass coffee table sits in the center, while a television is positioned nearby. Natural light filters through the windows, highlighting the inviting atmosphere.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.78 out of 5 average rating, 652 reviews

Charming cottage in westside SC 2 blks from beach

Gingerbread-like cottage (600 square feet) was built from old growth redwood in 1922. Since remodeled with all the amenities. A private sanctuary, set back and hidden from street. Two block walk to ocean along tree-lined path in a quiet neighborhood on the west side. Serene and tranquil, lovely outdoor deck and garden. Half mile from selection of boutique wine tasting, breweries, and coffee roasters. We apologize for not being able to host children under 5 for safety reasons. 2 night minimum

Top guest favorite
A cozy, dark green cabin is nestled among towering trees, showcasing a large window and a glass-paneled door. Three steps lead to the entrance, surrounded by a natural landscape of redwoods.
Guest suite in Felton
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 253 reviews

Cozy Coastal Redwood Cabin

Rest and connect in this warm, cozy, and private cabin that is nestled in the redwoods. Only minutes away from Henry Cowell State Park, where you can enjoy world class mountain biking trails, hiking, or swimming in the river. Or, enjoy the beach 15 minutes away. This is a perfect place to refresh in the magic of the Coastal Redwoods. Music fills most nights either from the Felton Music Hall or from the chorus of frogs. And wake up in the mornings to the mist in the trees when the fog rolls in.

Top guest favorite
A spacious living area features a light-colored sofa adorned with decorative pillows. A wooden coffee table with a basket sits in the center, surrounded by rich rugs. Shelves filled with books and decorative items line the walls, and a chandelier adds warmth to the space.
Cottage in Santa Cruz
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 353 reviews

1929 Spanish Casita With Bicycles For Two

Enjoy a high-touch, yet private casita near UCSC. Curl up with a book in your red leather armchair in the beautiful living room featuring down, Restoration Hardware furnishings and a gas burning fireplace. In the evening, take a seat on your private patio beneath a leafy pergola and enjoy a glass of wine at this historic, Spanish-style casita. Some of the BEST bakeries, natural grocery stores, wine tasting, shopping, beaches and restaurants are all a short walk/bike ride or drive away xx

Top guest favorite
The view captures the ocean and sandy beach from a spacious deck, framed by tall trees. Clear blue skies and calm waters are visible, while a dining area with wooden chairs is set up on the deck, inviting relaxation and enjoyment of the surroundings.
Home in Santa Cruz
5 out of 5 average rating, 151 reviews

Beach Front Dream House! Hottub/E-Bikes/Surfboards

Permit# 231467 Incredible modern home just steps from the best beach in all of Santa Cruz! Ocean and sand views, listen to the waves as you sleep on designer beds, cook in the chefs kitchen, and soak in the hot tub. Perfect central location, less than 5 minutes to boardwalk and downtown. 5 minutes to colorful Capitola village. 9 minutes to UC Santa Cruz Campus. 4 Electric bikes, 4 surfboards, and a kayak to take out and play in the waves! Plus the beach is right out front to enjoy!

Top guest favorite
A tranquil garden space features a wooden picnic table surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant orange trees. Various shrubs and plants create a secluded feel, while a stone border adds a natural element to the serene environment.
Guest suite in Santa Cruz
4.83 out of 5 average rating, 1,082 reviews

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.

Top guest favorite
A spacious living area features comfortable seating with a light-toned sofa and two woven armchairs. A round coffee table sits at the center, and large windows adorned with bamboo shades allow natural light to fill the room, creating a serene atmosphere.
Home in Santa Cruz
5 out of 5 average rating, 166 reviews

Beach Hill Hideaway - Beach Boardwalk, steps away

Inviting beach house just 1.5 blocks from the Boardwalk, beach, wharf, restaurants and walking distance to downtown and the best surf spots. Full kitchen, dining & living area, office, deck with dining/patio seating and BBQ. Master suite with king bed & en suite bath. The 2nd & 3rd bedrooms feature queen beds with a shared full bath. Cozy family room has a big screen TV, games and the office has queen pull out sofa. Outdoor shower for cleaning off sand when you return from the beach.

Top guest favorite
A spacious bedroom features a queen bed with a quilted coverlet and decorative pillows. The room is lit by bedside lamps, with wooden accents and a plush armchair in the corner. A doorway leads to an updated bathroom, and natural light filters through the windows.
Guest suite in Santa Cruz
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 313 reviews

Vintage Charm Close to Downtown and Beaches

This beautifully & recently renovated studio with separate entry and private bathroom is in the middle of everything Santa Cruz has to offer: downtown, beaches, boardwalk, West Cliff Drive, bike paths, etc. are an easy walk or bike-ride. The studio is also a quiet area for remote work. We are pleased to host you and help make your experience great. You may also access the common-space gardens and hot tub in the spa-like back yard (upon request).

Top guest favorite
The spacious living area features a dark couch with light throw pillows, complemented by a wooden coffee table. Natural light filters through large windows, highlighting the blue walls and the staircase leading to the loft. A green area rug enhances the inviting atmosphere.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 528 reviews

Wave House by the Beach for Two!

PLEASE READ ALL DETAILS: Spacious house with a loft bedroom, bathroom with shower/bathtub, skylights, full kitchen, large living room and dining area. Lots of light. Two decks, yard, driveway and garage for parking. Only a 0.3 mile walk to the beach and boardwalk. A 0.4 mile walk to the wharf. And a 0.7 mile walk to downtown. Lots of outdoor activities in the area! Unfortunately the house is not suitable for children under 10.

Top guest favorite
The living area features a comfortable blue sectional sofa and an accent chair, complemented by decorative pillows. A mounted flat-screen TV is visible above a modern electric fireplace, while natural light fills the space through several windows. A charming clock and wall art enhance the room's welcoming atmosphere.
Cottage in Santa Cruz
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 492 reviews

Sea Otter Cottage in Santa Cruz!

This quaint cottage, just a block and a half from the beach, was built in the early 1900's yet lovingly updated to maintain Old World Charm. Take a short stroll to the beach, quaint restaurants, shopping or the harbor. Enjoy provided paddle boards, cruiser bikes & boogie boards or have a bonfire in the backyard before ending your day with a relaxing soak in the hot tub!

Top guest favorite
A modern kitchen features a central island with seating for five. Stainless steel appliances and an array of open shelving showcase glassware and dishware. Wooden beams accent the ceiling, while warm wood flooring complements the bright, airy ambiance.
Home in Santa Cruz
5 out of 5 average rating, 109 reviews

Modern Beach House/Short walk to beaches/Boardwalk

Spacious beach house within walking distance to Cowell's Beach, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Main Beach, Municipal Wharf, and downtown entertainments & restaurants. Taking a scenic walk down West Cliff is perfect for viewing the ocean cliffs, beautiful surroundings, and enjoying fresh coastal air!

Popular amenities for vacation rentals near Santa Cruz Beach

All about Santa Cruz Beach

Known for its world-class surfing along the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Cruz has 29 miles of coastline and soft sand beaches — each with its own unique vibe. The beautiful sandstone arches of Natural Bridges State Beach are the perfect place to picnic while watching migrating whales crest the glimmering waves of the Pacific Ocean. Lighthouse Field State Beach (also known as Its Beach) is an ideal spot to watch surfers catching the waves at Steamer Lane — or pop into the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum.

The Main Beach is by far the most popular in Santa Cruz, housing volleyball courts, beachfront dining, and the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The Boardwalk is California’s oldest amusement park, complete with hundreds of carnival games and a century-old wooden roller coaster. The sounds of sea lions barking on the rocks fill the air on the nearby wharf, where you can take a stroll down the longest wooden pier in the United States.

Just south of Santa Cruz, Capitola Beach’s rainbow of angular, vibrant houses makes the area feel like a serene Mediterranean villa.

What are the top things to do in Santa Cruz Beach?

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

Located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse overlooking Steamer Lane, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is a living record of the beach’s connection to the sport. The museum has exhibits that feature a century’s worth of pictures, videos, and surfing memorabilia, and you can learn about the early origins of surfing in ancient Hawaii up to modern-day developments.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Built in 1907, this beloved landmark contains two century-old rides that’ve been designated as national landmarks, one of which was featured in a popular ‘80s movie about vampires. With two arcades, a two-story mini-golf course, and free Friday night concerts on the beach, the boardwalk is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening at the beach.

Roaring Camp

Ride some of the oldest and best preserved narrow-gauge steam engine trains still in use at Roaring Camp, where locomotives snake under towering canopies of Redwood trees in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Roaring Camp’s 19th century locomotives travel through forest groves to the summit of Bear Mountain or through Henry Cowell State Park to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk while guides share insight into the history of the railroad and the surrounding area. Roaring Camp is located in Felton, a beautiful little woodsy town less than ten miles from Santa Cruz with great options for dining — and for sampling the brewing scene that’s put this region on the map with beer lovers.

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Santa Cruz Beach

  • Total vacation rentals

    Explore 180 vacation rentals in Santa Cruz Beach

  • Nightly prices starting at

    Santa Cruz Beach vacation rentals start at € 43 per night before taxes and fees

  • Verified guest reviews

    Over 16,440 verified reviews to help you choose

  • Family-friendly vacation rentals

    90 properties offer extra space & kid-friendly amenities

  • Pet-friendly vacation rentals

    Find 30 rentals that welcome pets

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    60 properties have a dedicated workspace

  • Wi-Fi availability

    180 of Santa Cruz Beach vacation rentals include wi-fi access

  • Popular amenities for guests

    Guests love Kitchen, Wifi, and Pool across Santa Cruz Beach rentals

  • 4.8 Average rating

    Santa Cruz Beach stays are highly rated by guests—averaging 4.8 out of 5!