Santa Cruz, California, is a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and thriving surf scene. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront bungalow, a modern downtown loft, or a cozy cabin in the redwoods, Santa Cruz offers a variety of vacation rentals. With attractions like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Natural Bridges State Park, and scenic coastal drives, this destination is perfect for both adventure seekers and relaxation lovers. Book an Airbnb in Santa Cruz and enjoy the best of California’s central coast.
Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz offers a mix of coastal beauty, outdoor adventure, and a welcoming, artistic community. Visitors can enjoy surf-friendly beaches, explore lush forests, and discover unique local shops and eateries. The city’s neighborhoods range from bustling waterfront areas to peaceful retreats surrounded by nature. Whether you’re seeking oceanfront excitement or a quiet mountain hideaway, Santa Cruz has the perfect place for your stay.
Where to look for an Airbnb in Santa Cruz
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff Drive is one of the most scenic areas to stay in Santa Cruz, offering breathtaking ocean views and easy access to the coast. Airbnb options here include stylish beachfront apartments, cozy cottages, and luxurious ocean-view homes. Visitors can walk or bike along the coastal path, watch surfers at Steamer Lane, and enjoy stunning sunsets. This area is ideal for travelers looking for a picturesque and relaxing getaway.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Staying in Downtown Santa Cruz puts you close to the city’s best restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Vacation rentals here include trendy lofts, modern condos, and boutique apartments. Visitors can explore the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, enjoy live music at local venues, and shop at unique boutiques. Downtown is great for those who love a lively atmosphere with plenty of dining and cultural attractions.
Seabright
Seabright is a charming beachside neighborhood known for its relaxed vibe and beautiful coastline. Airbnb rentals here include beachfront cottages, stylish townhomes, and cozy bungalows. Visitors can enjoy Seabright Beach, visit the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, and explore the nearby harbor. It’s a great spot for families and couples looking for a laid-back coastal experience.
Pleasure Point
Pleasure Point is a surfer’s paradise, offering some of the best waves in Santa Cruz. Vacation rentals here range from oceanfront homes to surf-inspired bungalows. Visitors can watch surfers at The Hook, grab a coffee at a local café, and enjoy the relaxed beach town atmosphere. This neighborhood is perfect for surf enthusiasts and those looking to immerse themselves in Santa Cruz’s surf culture.
Scotts Valley & The Santa Cruz Mountains
For a more secluded and nature-focused stay, Scotts Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains offer peaceful retreats among towering redwoods. Airbnb options include rustic cabins, luxury treehouses, and spacious lodges. Visitors can hike in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, go wine tasting at local vineyards, and enjoy a quiet escape from the city. It’s the ideal choice for those looking for outdoor adventure and tranquility.
What to do if you spend a vacation in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of California’s most famous seaside amusement parks, featuring classic rides, arcade games, and beachfront fun. Visitors can ride the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, enjoy carnival snacks, and take in stunning ocean views. The boardwalk also hosts seasonal events and concerts. It’s a must-visit attraction for families and fun-seekers alike.
Natural Bridges State Park
Natural Bridges State Park is known for its stunning rock formations, tide pools, and monarch butterfly migration. Visitors can explore scenic coastal trails, watch for migrating whales, and enjoy picnicking by the beach. The park’s tide pools are home to starfish, anemones, and other marine life. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Mystery Spot
The Mystery Spot is a world-famous optical illusion and gravity-defying attraction hidden in the redwoods. Visitors can take guided tours that showcase strange tilts, unexpected angles, and mind-bending experiences. It’s a fun and quirky stop for travelers of all ages. The surrounding forest also offers great hiking trails and picnic areas.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
For those looking to explore towering redwoods, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is a must-visit. Visitors can hike through ancient forests, see waterfalls, and experience the beauty of California’s oldest state park. The park offers trails for all levels, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes. It’s a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Whale Watching & Marine Wildlife Tours
Santa Cruz is an excellent location for whale watching, with year-round sightings of humpback whales, gray whales, and even orcas. Visitors can book boat tours for an up-close view of these magnificent creatures. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is also home to playful sea otters, dolphins, and sea lions. It’s an unforgettable experience for wildlife lovers.
Where to find a vacation rental near Santa Cruz
Monterey, California
Monterey, located about an hour south of Santa Cruz, offers stunning coastal scenery and historic charm. Vacation rentals include oceanfront condos, luxury beach homes, and cozy downtown apartments. Staying in a vacation rental in Monterey allows visitors to explore Cannery Row, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and take the scenic 17-Mile Drive, making it a great option for those looking to explore more of California’s rugged coastline.
San Jose, California
San Jose, about 45 minutes from Santa Cruz, offers a mix of cultural attractions, nightlife, and Silicon Valley innovation. Airbnb options range from modern high-rises to suburban retreats. Choosing an apartment in San Jose gives visitors access to the Winchester Mystery House, hiking in Alum Rock Park, and the city’s vibrant dining scene, making it perfect for travelers wanting a mix of urban and coastal experiences.
Half Moon Bay, California
Half Moon Bay, located about an hour north of Santa Cruz, is a picturesque coastal town known for its dramatic cliffs and beautiful beaches. Vacation rentals include oceanfront cottages, charming inns, and luxury estates. Opting for a house in Half Moon Bay allows visitors to explore tide pools, go horseback riding on the beach, and enjoy fresh seafood at harborfront restaurants, making it a fantastic getaway for those seeking coastal charm and tranquility.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea, just south of Monterey, is a romantic coastal village known for its charming architecture and artistic culture. Airbnb options include fairytale-style cottages, ocean-view homes, and boutique apartments. Staying in a vacation rental in Carmel-by-the-Sea gives visitors the opportunity to stroll through art galleries, relax on Carmel Beach, and enjoy world-class dining, making it perfect for couples and those seeking a refined, relaxing retreat.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco, about 90 minutes from Santa Cruz, offers iconic attractions and a vibrant city experience. Vacation rentals range from historic townhouses to modern downtown lofts. Booking an apartment in San Francisco provides visitors with access to the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf, making it a great option for those looking to combine a coastal getaway with big-city excitement.
Explore captivating coastlines and vibrant natural settings across the United States.
Santa Cruz is renowned for its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant boardwalk, offering leisure and adventure by the shore. For more coastal delights, discover the breezy charm of airbnb in Daytona Beach, indulge in the relaxed atmosphere of vacation rentals in Manhattan Beach, or bask in the historic allure of vacation rentals in Newport. If your journey leans toward the serene coasts of the Pacific Northwest, consider vacation rentals in Pacific City, where ocean vistas seamlessly blend with dramatic landscapes.
Beyond the beaches, nature lovers can explore lush trails and stunning vistas in areas surrounding Santa Cruz. Delve into the natural beauty with vacation rentals in Syracuse to witness its ambient parks or plan a stay in Grand Haven accommodations to experience Michigan's enchanting sunsets over Lake Michigan. For those seeking the tranquil wilderness, Pittsburg NH airbnb offers a unique escape amidst New Hampshire's pristine forests and lakes, ideal for reconnecting with nature's peaceful embrace.
