Family-friendly rentals near Santa Cruz Beach

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 166 reviews

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

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

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 601 reviews

A uniquely designed treehouse is elevated among the trees, showcasing large glass windows and wooden beams. A wooden walkway leads up to the structure, enhancing the connection with the surrounding natural environment.

Treehouse in Aptos

Peaceful Treehouse with Ocean View

Permit 171035 Featured by Sunset Magazine as a “chic escape,” this Peaceful Treehouse-style retreat blends mid-century design with natural materials like wood and stone for a calming, sanctuary feel. Light pours through floor-to-ceiling windows beneath soaring wooden beams, and Japanese-inspired doors add to the architectural charm. Set high in the trees with ocean views, the home offers three elevated decks including one with a hammock. Perfect for relaxing and enjoying the surrounding canopy.

A comfortable hammock hangs from a porch, offering a relaxing spot with an unobstructed view of the ocean. The surrounding scenery features vibrant greenery and a glimpse of passing vehicles along the road, enhancing the coastal atmosphere.

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 368 reviews

Full Ocean View Cottage!HotTub+Bikes+Srfbrds+Kayak

Our cute beach home offers the best Santa Cruz location! First house in from the ocean, with fantastic ocean views. Watch whales passing by from the deck, ride the bikes down beautiful west cliff drive to the Boardwalk and Wharf down the street, take the surfboards out to Steamer Lane, launch the 2 person sea kayak from the harbor (already there, ready to launch), and come back to soak in the hot tub. **Are you getting a message from Airbnb blocking you from booking? Message us we can fix it**

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 187 reviews

A cozy living area showcases a wood-burning stove with a warm fire glowing inside. The walls are painted in a calming green hue, accented by rustic decor such as a mounted deer head and circular wall art. A view into another room is visible through French doors.

Cabin in Felton

Redwood cabin retreat + hot tub + dogs ok + creek

Escape to Whiskey Creek (Permit #231409), a peaceful cabin in the Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Relax in the private hot tub beneath towering trees, explore nearby trails, and return to a cozy wood-stove retreat just minutes from the beaches of Santa Cruz. Perfect for couples, families, and friends, Whiskey Creek offers a fire pit, A/C, Sonos speakers and fast Wifi. Minutes from Henry Cowell State Park, Roaring Camp, world-class mountain biking, and the coast. You will love it here!

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 773 reviews

A spacious sleeping area features a comfortable bed adorned with a white coverlet and decorative pillows. Two windows allow natural light to illuminate the room. A cozy armchair is situated nearby, and the entrance to a kitchen area is visible in the background.

Guesthouse in Santa Cruz

Cozy garden westside king suite STR18-0122

This cool and comfortable private space is a great spot to stay while visiting Santa Cruz. Close to everything yet private with its own private entrance and in a quiet setting with an outdoor sitting area. The neighborhood is old Santa Cruz and close to everything. Don’t forget the comfortable king bed! The best deal in Santa cruz! IMPORTANT NOTE: I am required to collect the city mandated short term rental tax in cash when you arrive because the city of Santa Cruz . Please have it ready.

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.

5 out of 5 average rating, 197 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!

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.

5 out of 5 average rating, 187 reviews

Beach Hill Hideaway - Steps to Beach & Boardwalk

Escape to Beach Hill Hideaway, a light-filled, 2,000 sq ft 3 bedroom/2 bath coastal home in Santa Cruz. Perfect for families and friends, this stylish retreat comfortably fits your group and is just steps from the Beach Boardwalk, Wharf, and downtown. Enjoy a fully-equipped kitchen, free on-site parking, EV charger, air conditioning, outdoor shower, BBQ and fire pit, TV with Roku, piano, books/games, yoga mats, and dedicated workspace. Walk everywhere from this prime location!

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 486 reviews

Two young goats wearing colorful knitted sweaters are seen foraging in a garden area. The goats, with their distinctive facial markings and playful demeanor, appear to be exploring among the greenery. The vibrant patterns on their sweaters add a touch of charm to the serene natural setting.

Farm stay in Aptos

Kinderwood Farm Stay • Animal & Culinary Adventure

*UPDATE Baby goats born May 31st 2026* Nestled in an enchanting forest of redwood trees & ferns, lies a treasured, sustainability-focused homestead, waiting for you to enjoy its bounty. This is a one of a kind, immersive culinary & farm adventure with cozy accommodations & unique experiences. Subject to availability, Add-On Activities may include goat milking & feeding baby goats, cheesemaking, sourdough, and soapmaking. Join us for a visit you will remember for a lifetime.

Guest suite in Santa Cruz

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.

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 336 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).

Superhost

The image showcases a modern Airstream parked on a sandy area overlooking the ocean. A large retractable awning extends over an outdoor seating arrangement that includes a fire pit surrounded by chairs. Lush green grass and a wooden fence frame the scene, highlighting the coastal setting.

Campervan/RV in Half Moon Bay

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 231 reviews

Beachfront California Coast Airstream_Luxury (NEW)

This spectacular location comes fully equipped with the 'top of the line' 28 foot' Airstream, (Big Sur & Tommy Bahama class limited edition) with horizontal flip rear tail door for seamless indoor/outdoor living. Overlooking a stunning beach, perched high on a cliff this one of a kind experience boasts breathtaking views of the California coastline and Pacific Ocean to create an unforgettable magical experience of a lifetime.

Superhost

A secluded backyard space is presented with comfortable wooden seating adorned with soft cushions. A small table stands between the seating area and a hammock, which is gently swaying nearby. A hot tub is visible at the far side, surrounded by greenery.

4.84 out of 5 average rating, 433 reviews

BoardwalkOasis-HotTub+EBikes+Surfbrd+GameRoomKayak

Adorable beach cottage a few blocks to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Main Beach! In a perfect spot for beach, Boardwalk fun, and exploring downtown Santa Cruz. Take the 4 electric bikes along West Cliff Drive around town, surf at Steamer Lane with the 2 surfboards, kayak, and come back to soak in the hot tub. Game room with bouldering wall, pool table, ping pong table, darts, Bocci ball court.