
Places to stay near Santa Cruz Beach
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Top-rated holiday rentals near Santa Cruz Beach
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Charming cottage in westside SC 2 blks from beach
Gingerbread-like cottage (600 square feet) was built from old growth redwood in 1922. Since remodeled with all the amenities. A private sanctuary, set back and hidden from street. Two block walk to ocean along tree-lined path in a quiet neighborhood on the west side. Serene and tranquil, lovely outdoor deck and garden. Half mile from selection of boutique wine tasting, breweries, and coffee roasters. We apologize for not being able to host children under 5 for safety reasons. 2 night minimum
4.79 out of 5 average rating, 705 reviews
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.
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 613 reviews
Beach Hill Hideaway - Steps to Beach & Boardwalk
Escape to Beach Hill Hideaway, a bright 2,000 sq ft, 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Santa Cruz. Perfect for families and friends, it’s just steps from the Beach Boardwalk, Wharf, and downtown. One side of a duplex, it shares one wall with neighboring Unit A while offering a private entrance and outdoor spaces. Enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, free parking, EV charger, A/C, outdoor shower, BBQ, fire pit, Roku TV, piano, books, games, yoga mats, and workspace. Walk everywhere from this prime location!
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 200 reviews
Contemporary Seabright Beach House
Steps from the sand, this contemporary Seabright beach home is the perfect upscale beach getaway. The home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and sleeps 6 comfortably. Master bedroom features a king bed and private bath with deep oval soaking tub. Two guest rooms feature a queen bed and two twin beds. The living area is tastefully decorated and thoughtfully appointed with push button fireplace, large 4k TV, Jambox, PS4, etc. Did we mention the living area has a direct view of the beach and ocean?
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 102 reviews
Charming Light-Filled Carriage House Apartment
Our 1928 carriage house apartment is walking distance to the Boardwalk, beach, wharf, basketball stadium, and downtown. Cowells and Main Beaches, Steamers Lane, Boardwalk, wharf, and West Cliff Drive (path along the ocean) are all a quick 5 min walk from our house. The apartment is located in a private garden setting, away from the main street, behind our home. There is a separate dedicated garden space for you to use. We hope you will love this historical neighborhood as much as we do!
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 349 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!
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 217 reviews
Santa Cruz Comfort - Close Clean Convenient
Welcome to your Santa Cruz home away from home. Exclusive, private use of the fully appointed first floor of this beautiful, centrally located Santa Cruz residence in a family friendly neighborhood located on a very quiet street. 1200 square feet, spacious enough to affordably accommodate up to 6 friends and family members... and still cozy enough for romantic couples' getaways. Close to downtown, the beach and Boardwalk, forests, hiking, mountain biking, golfing, and UCSC.
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 583 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).
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 356 reviews
Sunny Seabright Beach House
Sunny beach house located in Midtown, Santa Cruz. Amazing location with a five minute walk to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Just a few blocks from Seabright Beach, the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor and some of the best local restaurants and breweries in town. The home boasts a well-furnished rooftop deck, a beautiful open floor plan, and a fully equipped kitchen. This house is cozy, bright, and inviting. You will surely love your stay here!
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 430 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.
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 453 reviews
Modern Beach House/Short walk to beaches/Boardwalk
Spacious beach house within walking distance to Cowell's Beach, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Main Beach, Municipal Wharf, and downtown entertainments & restaurants. Taking a scenic walk down West Cliff is perfect for viewing the ocean cliffs, beautiful surroundings, and enjoying fresh coastal air!
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 143 reviews
Timeless Coastal Carriage House
Central location on historic steam train line in downtown Santa Cruz. Walk to beaches, surfing, the Boardwalk & Pier, museums, restaurants, nightlife, bike paths, spas, yoga & UCSC. Comfortable, private apartment admist whimsical Victorians and manicured gardens. Enjoy the best of Santa Cruz!
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 660 reviewsPopular amenities for holiday rentals near Santa Cruz Beach
Other top sights near Santa Cruz Beach
Condo rentals with Wi-Fi

Welcome to Harbor House. Your Favorite Home at the Beach.
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 349 reviews
The Boardwalk Haven - Santa Cruz, CA
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 150 reviews
Walk to the beach, panoramic ocean view, and pool!
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 110 reviews
Beautiful Ocean View 2 BR-Seascape-Miles of Beach
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 116 reviews
Aptos Condo with Spectacular Ocean Views
4.78 out of 5 average rating, 600 reviews
Beach View Condo - Heated Pool - Seascape Resort
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 188 reviews
Seaview Condo - 150 Steps to the beach!
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 189 reviews
OCEAN Views and Steps from the BEACH, New & Modern
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 140 reviewsFamily-friendly house rentals

Sunlit Surf House 3 BR/2BA Downtown +Walk To Beach
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 229 reviews
Walk to everything! Surf Colony Modern Surf Shack
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 252 reviews
Beach House w/ hot tub just a block to the ocean!
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 211 reviews
The "Sea Pearl" at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 231 reviews
Sunny and Spacious Beach House Steps to Seabright
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 225 reviews
Beach View Cottage - Hot Tub
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 137 reviews
Beach-Harbor Retreat
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 111 reviews
Kid-Friendly Beach Cottage-Beach Gear-Aquarium tix
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 538 reviewsApartment rentals with air conditioning

New 1-Bedroom apartment in Beautiful Santa Cruz
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 144 reviews
Luxury stay near Oakridge Mall for vacation/work
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 293 reviews
Stylish 1bed/1bath apartment in prime location
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 180 reviews
Cozy home near Monterey Beach
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 130 reviews
New Modern Craftsman Guest House with Bay Windows
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 123 reviews
Amazing apartment in the heart of San Jose!
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 266 reviews
An oasis of tranquility!
4.83 out of 5 average rating, 290 reviews
1B1B Top Floor | Private Parking | Quiet | 403 Ji
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 133 reviewsOther great holiday rentals near Santa Cruz Beach

Sunny Harborside Bungalow
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 772 reviews
Wave House by the Beach for Two!
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 577 reviews
Amazing Seabright Beach Cottage
4.8 out of 5 average rating, 564 reviews
Cozy garden westside king suite STR18-0122
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 791 reviews
Harbor cottage close to the Beach and Boardwalk
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 714 reviews
Stylish Apt by Beach & Downtown | Full Kitchen
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 648 reviews
Beach Oasis in Downtown Santa Cruz
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 176 reviews
Victorian Cottage on West Cliff Drive 18-0089
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 112 reviewsFrequently Asked Questions
Where is Santa Cruz Beach located?
Santa Cruz Beach is on the northern edge of Monterey Bay in California, bordered by the vibrant city of Santa Cruz. The beach sits near the downtown area, with the iconic Boardwalk and wharf nearby.
When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz Beach?
Santa Cruz Beach has drier, warmer weather in summer and early fall, which are often recommended for beach and outdoor activities. Spring brings wildflower blooms and lighter crowds, while winter tends to be cooler and occasionally rainy.
What are some things to do near Santa Cruz Beach?
Around Santa Cruz Beach, you can explore the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with its classic rides, stroll the Municipal Wharf for ocean views and local seafood, or join surf lessons along the shore. The area also has lively shops, casual cafes, and scenic walking trails.
How is the weather near Santa Cruz Beach?
Expect mild winters with temperatures around 42–59°F (6–15°C) and wetter conditions, while summers are warmer and mostly dry, reaching 58–77°F (15–25°C). Fog can drift in mornings and evenings, clearing to reveal sunny afternoons.
Destinations to explore
- Stanford University
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Capitola Beach
- Carmel Beach
- Levi's Stadium
- SAP Center
- Carmel Beach
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Big Sur Campground & Cabins
- Rio Del Mar Beach
- Pebble Beach Golf Links
- California’S Great America
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Seacliff State Beach
- Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
- Asilomar State Beach
- Montara Beach
- Winchester Mystery House
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Seabright Beach
- Googleplex
- Twin Lakes State Beach
- Manresa Main State Beach





