Holiday houses in Santa Cruz County

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Top-rated holiday rentals in Santa Cruz County

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

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Guest favourite

Guest suite in Aptos

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 373 reviews

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.

6 – 13 July

$2,211 AUD total

Guest favourite

Guesthouse in Santa Cruz

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 202 reviews

SC Boat Harbor/Boardwalk Hideaway

SC Boat HarborBoardwalk Hideaway House Manual/Rules Centrally located near Safeway, grocery outlet bargain market, whole foods, Trader Joe’s, Costco, Capitola Mall. Easy access on and off Highway 1 and Highway 17 Important information in case of emergency In the event of any major problems such as: 1. Fire- 911 2. Sickness -911 3. PAMF Urgent Care or 4. Dignity Health Hospital – 6500 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 5. Plummer- Jim-831-419-4906 6. Lisa- 831-419-3460 House Rules Cleaning fees $100 No smoking/drugs allowed on premises at anytime No loud parties No overnight guests without host knowledge . Under no circumstances should anything be put in toilets or bathroom/kitchen sinks that would clog up or cause any blockage. - [ ] Bathroom: all feminine products and paper towels, etc. should be placed in waste basket in bathrooms. Clogged toilets will be charged to guests! Kitchen: oils/greasy items to be placed in garbage cans instead of in kitchen sink. Remove all garbage to outside house garbage cans. All rooms:candles not to be used at any time by guests. Bedroom: remove sheets and pillow cases from bed, put in laundry basket and bathroom, but, Leave shams on pillows, and top bedspread draped on foot board of bed. Empty waste baskets and remove items from closet and under beds.

7 – 14 July

$1,718 AUD total

Guest favourite

Cabin in Los Gatos

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 397 reviews

The Coach House

The Coach House is located on our mountain top horse and lavender farm. We offer youth summer camps so are set up for fun outdoor adventures and activities. Have fun with our horses, goats, and chickens! You can take a 10 min walk over to Nonno's Restaurant for wine/pizza/BBQ and bacchi ball, or take an 8 min drive into Los Gatos, or 15 min to Santa Cruz for the beach and some of the best restaurants and spas around!. Good for couples, solo adventurers, business travelers, kids, & behaved dogs!

10 – 17 Sept

$1,344 AUD total

Guest favourite

Guest suite in Scotts Valley

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 627 reviews

Snug and Cozy between the Skyline and the Sea

Super private, peaceful, and quiet; an excellent place for the traveler who is excited about exploring the Santa Cruz mountains and coast. Completely private In-law unit with extras needed to make it cozy. Snuggled between Scotts Valley, Felton, and Santa Cruz it's near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, 1440 Multiversity, and Mount Hermon Conference Center yet less than an hour from Silicon Valley. The Airbnb cleaning handbook is followed making this one of the cleanest places you’ll stay at!

21 – 28 Sept

$978 AUD total

Superhost

Tiny home in Aptos

4.78 out of 5 average rating, 314 reviews

Bamboo Cottage in Aptos Mountain Retreat & Spa

Om Oasis is a beautiful and lush retreat center on several acres of a remote and peaceful 15 acre mountain top property. We host guests who wish to connect with the beauty of nature and experience peace. We are 10-15 minutes up the mountain and partially off-grid with little to no cell reception but with a great WiFi connection. There are a total of 7 guest accommodations (including this one) spread out over our developed 3 acres, making it always a very private experience and easy to distance.

8 – 15 June

$1,948 AUD total

Guest favourite

Guest suite in Boulder Creek

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 895 reviews

Redwood Riverfront Getaway

We are nestled in the beautiful California Redwood forest next to the San Lorenzo River. Guests can enjoy our private guest suite with its own entrance and full bathroom. Our property features tall trees, seasonal river swimming on our private beach, fishing, kayaking, and exploring. We are close to downtown Boulder Creek, minutes away from Santa Cruz, wine tasting, hiking, fine dining, and the coastline. We have no hidden fees and even offer a full return of our cleaning fee. Permit #181307

29 Jan – 5 Feb

$1,405 AUD total

Guest favourite

Guest suite in Boulder Creek

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 425 reviews

Enjoy Private Redwoods from Your Bed or the Deck

Come and visit our own private slice of the REDWOOD FOREST with over 40 trees and large deck to enjoy them. Wake up to fresh mountain air, a view of nature and coffee. After a day of WINE tasting, HIKING, BEACHES, or exploration, bring a bottle back and sprawl in comfort reflecting, chatting, or sipping on the deck. The perfect little getaway spot. Treat yourself to some nature with us. A winter fireplace, easy walking and parking makes this scene. 1.5 miles to downtown Boulder Creek and fun!

1 – 8 Sept

$1,773 AUD total

Guest favourite

Guest suite in Santa Cruz

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 138 reviews

Cute Pleasure Point Studio - Walk to the Surf

In the heart of Pleasure Point, this remodeled, private studio is a short walk to the best surf spots in Santa Cruz. 3-minute walk to the stairs by O'Neill's house, and ~6 different breaks also within walking distance. Short stroll to coffee shops, restaurants and more. Walk or ride bikes (2 provided) almost everywhere. Quick drive to Capitola, Boardwalk & downtown Santa Cruz. Open to singles or couples (baby OK) that understand that our family lives in adjoining property. No pets allowed.

22 – 29 Aug

$1,697 AUD total

Guest favourite

Guesthouse in Boulder Creek

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 145 reviews

Digital Nomad Retreat

Imagine yourself in the REDWOOD FOREST and take a breath of mountain air. Only 25 miles from the Silicon Valley, 15 miles from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, a cozy location tucked in the forest. Many are on the move and can work from anywhere, so why not a beautiful place of your own? A perfect getaway spot central to WINE TASTING, HIKING, BEACHES and even mountain exploration, right from the doorstep. Located only a mile and a half from downtown Boulder Creek, food and window shopping are easy.

2 – 9 Oct

$1,801 AUD total

Guest favourite

Guesthouse in Santa Cruz

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 606 reviews

Sunny Harborside Bungalow

Private cozy 1 br/1ba bungalow. This space boasts a taste of Latin American beach, Spanish tile floors and wood furniture. Kitchenette with an induction burner and xl toaster oven (no range) , full size fridge, private patio seating, umbrella, tropical plants. Private bathroom with a small shower. Curtained off bedroom with full closet, queen bed. Living room has day bed/couch with twin mattress for 3rd guest. Plz read "the space" section before booking re: 14% city tax payment required.

20 – 27 Nov

$1,730 AUD total

Guest favourite

Guesthouse in Santa Cruz

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 621 reviews

Upper WS Guesthouse-2mi. from UC, Downtown & Beach

This detached guesthouse, recently updated in May 2023, is 500 sq. ft and 20ft. away from the main house. It’s located up the driveway & tucked away on the right side of the property. Perfect for 2 people but can sleep 3-4 (convertible couch OR queen air mattress). Close to popular destinations such as: UC Santa Cruz campus (approx. 2 miles), Boardwalk, desired beaches (approx. 2 miles), downtown Santa Cruz, hiking trails etc. Fully furnished guesthouse w/washer & dryer.

9 – 14 Sept

$1,497 AUD total

Guest favourite

Bungalow in Santa Cruz

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 206 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).

30 Sept – 7 Oct

$1,762 AUD total