Places to stay near The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

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.

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

Manresa Surf House 1 bedroom Sleeps 4 unit #2

Welcome to Manresa Surfhouse, a trendy boutique coastal retreat just 500 yards from the beach! This stylish 1-bedroom, 1-bath unit sleeps up to 4 and is part of a spacious 5-unit property on half an acre. Enjoy your own private outdoor space, plus access to ' Platforms' a shared community area perfect for relaxing. Designed as a complete coastal getaway, it offers everything you need inside and out. Grab our complimentary bikes and explore nearby Manresa State Beach, or venture minutes away to S

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.

Aptos Forest Retreat Hot Tub DIY Breakfast #231294

Come and stay with us and relax! Hear the birds sing to you and BREATHE! Venture out the door and walk in our neighborhood and see old growth redwoods. Let your cares drift away with a glass of wine by the fire.(fire restrictions apply) Take a soak in the hot tub then wrap up in the spa bathrobes. Feeling adventurous? Hike out your door to Nisene Marks State Park. Please know we have two cats, dogs must be leashed. EARLY CHECK FEE OF $45 IS REQUIRED. Automatic charge for arrivals before 4:00.

Forest Cabin & Hot Tub

Take it easy in this cozy cabin retreat in the Santa Cruz Mountains. 30 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz and beaches. This charming 400 sq. ft. studio is the perfect setting to disconnect from city life and immerse yourself in the redwoods. The cabin features a queen bed, full bathroom, kitchen & BBQ. The private yard includes a hot tub, propane firepit and hammock to fully relax and unwind. Please note the cabin is on a one way, windy road. There is WiFi but no TV or A/C. SCC Permit# 241449

Luxurious 24’ Yurt in beautiful half acre garden

Nestled in the Santa Cruz mountains just 4 miles from the beach, 5 miles to Davenport and 9 miles from Santa Cruz (12 minutes by car) sits a magical Yurt situated in a beautiful private fenced half acre garden in Bonny Doon. Experience all that Santa Cruz has to offer then get away from the noise, traffic and bustle of the city and relax in this quiet and peaceful place situated above the fog line. Guaranteed to meet and likely exceed your expectations Dog, Child, and 420 friendly.

Coastal Redwood Cabin | Hot tub | Private Creek

Welcome to our cozy cabin nestled in the serene beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains! Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of towering redwoods surrounding our charming studio-style cabin. Whether you're seeking a peaceful getaway or craving an adventure-filled retreat, our cabin offers the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. Follow us @thecoastalredwoodcabin We welcome one small pet (dogs only) to join in on the fun!

Kinderwood Farm Stay • Animal & Culinary Adventure

*UPDATE Baby goats born June 30th 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.

Redwood Ridge Retreat by the Sea

Unparalleled redwood seclusion at the top of a sunny ridge with a view of Monterey Bay. Just 10 mins to downtown Soquel and 15 mins to the Santa Cruz beaches. 40 mins to Silicon Valley, a rare property with a Big Sur feel close to everything. Vacation permit #191374. Enjoy cozy wood heat or cool shade provided by surrounding redwood and oaks. Extensive decks for outdoor dining, relaxing, yoga, sunbathing, birdwatching! We are happy to answer your questions!

Aptos Beach Retreat • Hot Tub & 5 Min Walk to Sand

Unwind by the Bay at this luxury Aptos beach bungalow near Rio Del Mar Beach. Enjoy cathedral ceilings, a private outdoor hot tub, heated bathroom floors, and a fully equipped kitchen. Perfect for couples, small families, or remote stays with Wi-Fi and Roku TV. Walk to the beach or explore nearby Seacliff State Beach, Capitola Village, and Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Relax, recharge, and soak up Monterey Bay’s coastal charm. Permit #211099

Ohana with Private Outdoor Shower and Hot Tub

Permit #231458. For Outdoor Lovers. Big outdoor area with a private entrance to a cozy, small bedroom/bath, your own large outdoor private enclosed shower & outdoor kitchen area in a garden setting in Aptos, Seacliff area. It is a room with it's own entrance at the back of our house. Hot tub, sauna, fire pit, BBQ, organic garden. 15 min walk to beach thru an open meadow, secluded yet close to everything.