If you’re in the market for a beachside vacation, an Airbnb in Santa Cruz, California is the way to go. There are plenty of beautiful cottages, apartments, and beach houses to choose from. They make an ideal base from which to explore this visitor-friendly town, known in pop culture as “Surf City”.
Santa Cruz is in some ways a typical beachfront town; with a famous boardwalk, a beach, and all the food and fun that goes along with it. The boardwalk is basically an amusement park, featuring family-friendly rides, takeout, and the titular walk along the oceanfront.
More shops and eateries can be found on the wharf, a pier that extends out into the water. And if you’re a beach loafer, there are plenty of stretches to enjoy a relaxing sit on the sand. Be warned, the water in Santa Cruz is relatively cold, so if you plan to swim, bring a wetsuit.
Most visitors love the option of renting a space close to the beach. Although some may be quite pricey, they are well worth the experience. This is also an easy option for access to the popular boardwalk and wharf. Santa Cruz also offers a few other interesting choices, like treehouses.
Keep reading to check out some great Airbnbs in Santa Crazu, ideal for those looking for a romantic beach getaway, a family vacation, or a weekend trip with friends!
Airbnb Santa Cruz: Quick Breakdown of the Best Santa Cruz Airbnb Rentals
Here’s a handy shortlist of some of the best Airbnb options we found in Santa Cruz.
- Best Santa Cruz Airbnb for Couples – Romantic & Historic Spanish Style Home with Bicycles For Two
- Best Santa Cruz Airbnb Close to the Beach – Walk to the Beach From an Elegant Vacation Home With a BBQ
- Best Airbnb Treehouse in Santa Cruz – Peaceful Treehouse with Ocean View
- Best Luxury Airbnb in Santa Cruz for a Family Reunion – Gated Estate House in Santa Cruz With Views of the Boardwalk
- Best Santa Cruz Cabin for Rent for Art Lovers – Stunning World Traveler Art-Filled Ecological Home
Make a point of watching some of the fun videos I’ve included in the post. They will offer great tips for things to do along the way, and what you can expect with a visit to Santa Cruz.
The Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Cruz
A few names might pop up on this list regularly, referring to areas or neighborhoods in Santa Cruz. Here’s a quick guide as to what you can expect in each of them.
- The Boardwalk: Essentially, the Boardwalk is the main attraction in Santa Cruz, with an amusement park, games, fast food, concerts and the requisite walk along the shore.
- Westside: A busy commercial district, brimming with restaurants, bars and shops – especially on Swift Street. There are also a couple of popular parks and a marine center.
- Downtown: Like most downtown areas, Santa Cruz’s is a lively area of bars and restaurants, live music and more. You’ll also find museums, arts centers and galleries abound here.
- Seabright: Also known as Midtown, this is another must-visit place during your stay in Santa Cruz. The nightlife is a key attraction, especially if you like live music, open mic nights and karaoke!
Top 19 Airbnb Santa Cruz Rentals
Let’s check out those Santa Cruz vacation rentals. There’s something for most kinds of getaway needs: couples, families big and small, even a business traveler can find something here. Below you’ll find 19 amazing Santa Cruz Airbnbs for rent.
1) Romantic & Historic Spanish Style Home with Bicycles For Two
Location: Santa Cruz
Superhost: Yes
Airbnb Plus: Yes
Price: $214 USD+ per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/plus/14886219
You’re in Santa Cruz, so why not immerse yourself in a Spanish styled, luxury apartment? White walls, tiles and plenty of light make the plush sofas and red leather armchair even more inviting. When you’re not relaxing in the living space or out on the patio, simply enjoy the classy decor. If you’re keen to be out and about, use the two bicycles generously provided. This Airbnb Santa Cruz rental comes with stellar reviews, thoughtful hosts, and a top-notch location!
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Guest Review: “The place was a true home away from home! We had a bottle of wine and some little chocolates awaiting us along with comprehensive notes for the place and activities we could partake in.”
2) Walk to the Beach From an Elegant Vacation Home With a BBQ
Location: Twin lakes
Superhost: Yes
Airbnb Plus: Yes
Price: $457 USD+ per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/plus/1971588
Everything a small family or group of friends needs in a first-class Santa Cruz beach house. Cook together in the gourmet kitchen, or just soak away in the hot tub – it can accommodate six people! For the romantically-inclined, the main bedroom has a private balcony for some alone time.
Best of all, the windows and glass doors are gigantic and plentiful, letting in buckets of the glorious California sun.
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Guest Review: “The location is wonderful right next to the harbor, but truthfully we spent a ton of time enjoying the ocean air right there on the deck.”
3) Peaceful Treehouse with Ocean View
Location: Aptos
Superhost: Yes
Airbnb Plus: Yes
Price: $827 USD+ per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/plus/4950937
An Airbnb treehouse in Santa Cruz is one of those unique options available. And they truly are special. This visual gem combines wood and stone, floor to ceiling glass and screen doors. You’re surrounded by peaceful greenery, and the deck offers a view just above the treetops.
But don’t think this charming treehouse is small. Three bedrooms – two with queen beds – provide space for up to 6. There’s a full kitchen, and a gorgeous, bright open plan living space to relax in.
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Guest Review: “This place is such a beautiful sanctuary. I really didn’t want to post how much I love this place because I wanted to keep it a secret.”
4) Gated Estate House in Santa Cruz With Views of the Boardwalk
Location: Seabright
Superhost: Yes
Airbnb Plus: Yes
Price: $950 USD+ per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/plus/18789607
If you’re traveling in a larger group of up to 8 people and have a bit of extra budget, this is a house you’ll not soon forget. It’s a visually striking Italian-tinged gem, with appealing wooden floors, beautiful decorative touches and a fitted kitchen to die for.
Every room has a look and feel of its own. And the best part is that it’s just ten minutes walk from the beach, with the boardwalk and nearby park being easily accessible.
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Guest Review: “Amazing house full of style, charm, and character! Every room had an exquisite (and different) theme that gave it character and elegance; you rarely see this amount of thought put into rooms at other Airbnbs nowadays “
5) Stunning World Traveler Art-Filled Ecological Home
Location: East Palo Alto
Superhost: Yes
Airbnb Plus: Yes
Price: $206 USD+ per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/plus/2320887
East Palo Alto is a little way north from Santa Cruz – about 50 minutes. Although it’s further out, if you’re an art fan, this place is worth it. The host has adorned the home with art pieces from all over the world. The result is a living space bustling with color, culture and spirit.
The Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve is a few blocks away. You can also access the nature walks and trails in the area from here.
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Guest Review: “Todd’s place is incredible!! Beautiful art filled home that welcomes you from the moment you step through the front door!! Restorative gardens and such a thoughtful host; our stay couldn’t have been any better!!”
6) Monterey Bay Farmhouse on Artichoke Farm near Pacific Coast
Location: Castroville
Superhost: Yes
Airbnb Plus: Yes
Price: $440 USD+ per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/plus/7501040
Family stay or reunion? Look no further. This bright and sunny farmhouse can entertain everyone with its outdoor grill, garden, modern family kitchen and farm feel. And with space to sleep 14 people, it’s a real treat. The sunsets over the artichoke fields are special, too, perfect for a relaxing late afternoon sundowner.
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Guest Review: “This place was amazing! We felt comfortable and the hosts were great as well. Inside is decorated beautifully, outside is spectacular and to die for!”
7) Safe, Steps to Beach, Spa, Near Harbor, Pets Okay!
Location: Twin Lakes
Superhost: Yes
Airbnb Plus: No
Price: $321 USD+ per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/7264046
As beachfront rentals in Santa Cruz go, this two-story, open-plan, wooden interior beauty ticks all the boxes. Big windows, a private deck, outdoor shower and beautiful garden are just a few things to mention. It’s just a block from the beach, but so gorgeous that you’ll think twice about leaving it for a day at the beach.
You can enjoy the wraparound deck for a lazy stretch, or just soak it up in the hot tub.
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Guest Review: “This is a fabulous rustic mid-century modern gem of a home with a serene and calming energy throughout. It feels loved, and the mattresses are incredible. We slept like babies!”
8) Full Ocean View Cottage!HotTub AquariumPassesBikes
Location: Santa Cruz
Superhost: Yes
Airbnb Plus: No
Price: $389 USD+ per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/38999027
A special find, even among Santa Cruz vacation homes. This is the last house before you hit the beach on this particular street and you might see whales from the porch. It also comes with a few unique extras, besides the hot tub and BBQ. The hosts offer the use of their guest passes to the nearby Monterey Bay Aquarium. Score!
Otherwise, hit the boardwalk and the outdoor mall, and be sure to try a local brewery or restaurant – all reachable on foot.
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Guest Review: “You can’t beat the location – it’s across the street from the beach and very close to the boardwalk. Cozy and it has what you need.”
9) Cozy & Sunny 2-bedroom cottage in Seabright
Location: Seabright
Superhost: Yes
Airbnb Plus: No
Price: $127 USD+ per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/20746507
A much more affordable option if you’re a group of four or more, but no less value. This cute and comfortable cottage is a stone’s throw from downtown, making shopping or eating a doddle.
The patio is popular with guests, and the wooden floors and homely decor make it feel like a tranquil, peaceful home away from home.
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Guest Review: “Our stay at Sue’s place was so lovely! The house itself is very clean, has a ton of nice quirky touches, and located a mile from the water. We loved our stay and eating on the side patio!”
10) Modern Beach Pad minutes away from beach & hiking!
Location: Santa Cruz
Superhost: Yes
Airbnb Plus: No
Price: $131 USD+ per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/34143075
Here’s a great Santa Cruz cabin rental option if you’re here for the beach and nightlife, and not too interested in unnecessary bells and whistles. This basement apartment has everything you need, including a new kitchen and a private patio. Most importantly, it’s in the best part of Santa Cruz, so lock it up and hit the beach or the shops, and enjoy your weekend on the go.
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Guest Review: “This was a fantastic stay! We stayed over the weekend and had so much to do in the area with the beach and forests. “
11) Sculptured House Retreat – Private Beach Access
Location: La Selva Beach
Superhost: Yes
Airbnb Plus: No
Price: $339 USD+ per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/39416129
If you’re looking for something unusual, this quirky home just 25 minutes from Santa Cruz may be the one. There are nooks and crannies in which to sit, a rounded sunken tub, spiral staircases and more.
The private beach is just a 3 minutes’ walk from the house. Alternatively, relax in the garden, or just enjoy the fantasy-style atmosphere of the house with your romantic partner.
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Guest Review: “The Structured House is small but perfectly formed, the gardens are amazing. There are lots of nooks to curl up with a good book or space to eat outside and enjoy the garden or have a glass of wine while watching the sunset. ”
12) Cosy apartment! For business or leisure traveler!
Location: Santa Cruz
Superhost: No
Airbnb Plus: No
Price: $89 USD+ per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/26496240
The ultimate budget option for a spontaneous weekend getaway for a solo traveler or couple.
The space is elegant, neat, pretty and comfortable. The boardwalk and the beach are a few minutes away by car. But if you’re staying in, the spacious kitchen and living space are more than ample for your needs.
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Guest Review: “The space was really nice and quiet! We booked it to have a nice, relaxing mini vacation and that’s exactly what we got! ”
13) OCEAN VIEW beach home near Natural Bridges
Location: Santa Cruz
Superhost: Yes
Airbnb Plus: No
Price: $464 USD+ per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/11555855
This house is a picture of modernity and elegance. It can sleep up to 8 people, and offers superb ocean views over and above all the modern fittings and amenities.
If, for some reason, you want to leave this opulent gem of a house, you’re just minutes from the Westcliff coastline trail and beach. Definitely one of the best beachfront options on this list.
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Guest Review: “Beautiful home, great location, pretty ocean views. We could see whales from the backyard. Very close walk to natural bridges beach, five minute drive to groceries, coffee shops, restaurants. Nice giant open kitchen/dining room. ”
14) Sea Otter Cottage in Santa Cruz!
Location: Twin Lakes
Superhost: Yes
Airbnb Plus: No
Price: $319 USD+ per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3511408
This cozy cottage is close to the beach and offers a wonderful mix of old and new. It was built in the early 1900s but renovated and modernized to provide superb modern amenities.
The hosts provide paddleboards, cruiser bikes and boogie boards! The living space and the french doors that open into the yard, leading to the hot tub is fantastic!
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Guest Review: “Great location, easy walk to a Nice beach. The house is lovely with lots of amenities. We loved the outdoor space, garden, hot tub and BBQ.”
15) Wave House by the Beach for Two!
Location: Santa Cruz
Superhost: Yes
Airbnb Plus: No
Price: $259 USD+ per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17942848
This house with its loft bedroom is ideal for couples looking for a weekend getaway. The beach, downtown and the boardwalk are all less than a mile away. Skylights and the decks add a sense of light, and the two flights of stairs to the loft bedroom feels playful and fun.
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Guest Review: “Wonderful stay! The host provided a ton of amenities along with a detailed book on where to eat and how to find our way around Santa Cruz. “
16) Sunny, modern/contemporary one-bedroom
Location: Seabright
Superhost: Yes
Airbnb Plus: No
Price: $150 USD+ per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/7071301
The modern feel of this pocket-friendly apartment is emphasized by the hardwood floors and economically-spaced kitchen.
It’s bright and sunny, very close to the harbor, the beach and a fine selection of restaurants and coffee joints.
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Guest Review: “Nice little place in a great location. Can walk to both the beach/harbor and midtown shops/restaurants! Super sweet neighbor and a nice, quiet place. “
17) Charming Cottage Very Near Beach
Location: Santa Cruz
Superhost: Yes
Airbnb Plus: No
Price: $134 USD+ per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/198171
The living space in this charming cottage has redwood walls and a bamboo floor for an exotic feel. It’s the location that is the winner here. Wineries, the lighthouse, the boardwalk and the Natural Bridges beach are all a stone’s throw away, and there’s an appealing French bakery close by, too.
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Guest Review: “Location, location, location!!! Just 2 blocks from the ocean, and Mitchell’s Cove Beach. Boardwalk and Wharf are about an easy 30 minute stroll away along the ocean.”
18) Comfy home for the business/ leisure traveler!
Location: Santa Cruz
Superhost: No
Airbnb Plus: No
Price: $98 USD+ per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/26721793
If you’re traveling for work, consider this budget-conscious, but comfortable apartment. All the necessary amenities are provided, including a full kitchen, fast Wi-Fi and a quiet workspace if needed. The white theme is relaxing and welcoming, but if you need to get out to unwind, it’s just a few minutes from some social eating.
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Guest Review: “Nice place, clean and quiet, peaceful space, great space for relaxing and very close to businesses.”
19) Updated Beach House; 5 minute walk to Beach
Location: Twin Lakes
Superhost: Yes
Airbnb Plus: No
Price: $176 USD+ per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/5517422
If you can manage 500 steps to Black’s beach, you’ll be delighted with a stay at this charming green beach house. Inside, the newly remodeled wood floors and beams add a classy feel, while maintaining a homely simplicity. A nice touch is the outdoor shower.
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Guest Review: “Very cute cottage in a quiet Santa Cruz neighborhood just a short walk from the beach. Very restful and relaxing. I loved that the front yard had a privacy screen of trees.”
Tours & Day Trips Around Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a wonderful holiday town. However, there’s a lot more to see around this part of California, especially if you’re willing to try a taste of San Francisco and beyond. A good way to fill a day is a day tour or guided activity. Here is a couple you might consider:
San Francisco: Monterey & Carmel Tour with Optional Aquarium
“Join this scenic coastal tour and enjoy Highway 1, Monterey and its famous Cannery Row, 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and much more. Choose to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium and be mesmerized by this world-famous aquarium.”
Price: $99
Learn How to Surf: 2-Day Program in Pacifica or Santa Cruz
“Learn to surf in Pacifica or Santa Cruz on this popular and fun 2-day beginners’ course. Whether you’re a newbie or have tried surfing before, benefit from the experience of a lifeguard-certified professional coach in a safe and supportive environment.”
Price: $99
From Los Gatos: The Corralitos Wine Trail Tour
“Experience the Corralitos Wine Trail near sun-soaked Santa Cruz. Sample some of the best wines in the region on this guided wine tour.”
Price: $215
Am I Missing Any Great Santa Cruz Airbnb Rentals?
Have you stayed in a Santa Cruz Airbnb before? If you had a superb experience, let me know. I like to keep my list of recommendations up to date and I’d love to hear yours.
Other Great Airbnb Vacations Worth Checking Out
If you’re looking elsewhere for a great getaway, why not take a look at these great options?
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Final Thoughts on Airbnb Santa Cruz, CA Rentals
When you come right down to it, a beach holiday is hard to beat. But Santa Cruz offers something extra, especially for those with kids. The Boardwalk offers everything you would need to amuse yourself and along with your friends.
And there’s always the option to get out into the waves on a board or enjoy the vibrant nightlife. With these fine Airbnb rentals in Santa Cruz, why not give Surf City a go?
