Santa Cruz vacation rentals
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Santa Cruz
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- Private room
- Santa Cruz
True master suite: 250 sq ft bedroom with king bed, gas fireplace, wet bar, ceiling fan, private deck, cable TV, two comfy chairs roomy 9' x 13' 4-piece en suite with soaker tub, large shower, heated tile floor; 7' x 12' walk-in closet, 9' of hanging rod, in-wall ironing board. Adjacent sitting room is 12' x 13': Kitchenette has microwave, toaster oven, Keurig coffee maker, 36" frig, washer/dryer, desk/table and two chairs, two upholstered chairs, tall coffee table, floor lamp.
- Entire rental unit
- Santa Cruz
Private studio on the dynamic west side of Santa Cruz. Inside you'll find a queen sized bed with natural fiber linens, brushed fir floors, and reclaimed redwood detailing. The studio includes a well appointed kitchen with granite countertops.
- Entire rental unit
- Santa Cruz
Sunny, modern/contemporary one-bedroom in a duplex on a quiet street. Walk to the yacht harbor, Seabright beach, brewery, coffee & restaurants. Newly remodeled; beautifully furnished; fully stocked gourmet kitchen; tiled bathroom; hardwood floors; WiFi, cable. No pets. Easy street parking. Note: The Transient Occupancy tax for rentals less than 30 days in Santa Cruz is 11%. This additional charge will be added to your total due, upon acceptance of your booking request.
Popular amenities for Santa Cruz vacation rentals
Santa Cruz beach vacation rentals
Downtown Santa Cruz vacation rentals
Your guide to Santa Cruz
All About Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is the quintessential California beach town, where the waves are big, the vibe is laid-back, and every third person has a surfboard hanging out of their jeep. Here you'll find a treasure trove of funky thrift shops side by side with locavore restaurants that source their ingredients from nearby farms. The infamous Santa Cruz Beach, just a stone's throw away from downtown, is known for its vintage boardwalk and surf culture (the modern wetsuit was invented here). Venture inland to the Santa Cruz Mountains and you'll be greeted by nearly 2,000-year-old redwood trees and a handful of California’s most forward-thinking wineries. And there's no shortage of unique rentals to call home for your stay, from leafy beach bungalows on Laurel Street to relaxing Spanish revival abodes lining Soquel Avenue and the Victorian homes of Beach Hill.
How do I get around Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz is located 75 miles south of San Francisco in Santa Cruz County. The nearest major airport is San Jose International Airport (SJC), 30 miles north. The fastest and most direct way to reach Santa Cruz from there is to rent a car and drive. An airport shuttle is the next best option, followed by the Santa Cruz Metro bus service, which connects the airport to Santa Cruz through a somewhat complicated route. Alternatively you can fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and rent a car. It's a wise choice to have a rental car for your trip if you plan to take advantage of the area's state parks and visit neighboring towns like Aptos.
When is the best time to stay in a vacation rental in Santa Cruz?
June through August are the warmest and driest months in Santa Cruz, coinciding with peak travel season. Something to keep in mind: A coastal California phenomenon known as June gloom means that fog is known to creep in during early summer, potentially impacting your beach-going plans. Late summer tends to be more reliable for sunny days, and fall is actually one of the best times of year for cloudless skies, pleasant weather, and fewer crowds; October still maintains high temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit. January and February are the wettest and coldest months, with just over 6 inches of average rainfall and an average low of 42 degrees.
What are the top things to do in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has attracted visitors for more than a century and is one of only two existing coastal amusement parks on the West Coast. This outdoor stretch boasts roller coasters, concession stands, and dozens of carnival games, all set against the backdrop of the dazzling ocean.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Save a day for a trip to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, four miles north of town. A 40-acre grove of sky-scraping old-growth redwood trees is the main draw, but the trails expand into other habitats including grassland, rivers, and sand hills. You can explore it via hiking trails, bike, or horseback.
Capitola
This cheery seaport village in Santa Cruz County is worth a visit for its unique Easter egg-colored cottages and seafood restaurants. Shops and galleries sell crafts and artwork by local artists, and the beach is perfectly positioned for a sunset stroll.