So many places to relax!

Guest: Family for the weekend (Oakland, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/05/12 Review Submitted: 01/15/12

Our favorite part of the Harbor Beach House and Cottage was all the space. We were lucky enough to be there on a beautiful weekend, so we were able to hang out on the back patio, either at the table with a glass of juice, on the bench swing, or in the hot tub. Inside the living room was a comfortable place to watch movies. We quickly set up a puzzle on the big table, and there was still room to play games on one end. The glassed in front porch was a cozy place to read. The location was ideal with the beach just steps away. We enjoyed the local coffee place, the Kind Grind, every morning, especially on Saturday when the ukelele club gathered on the beach. We ate lunch and brunch at the Crow's Nest with beautiful views and friendly service. The owners were friendly and helpful. We particularly appreciated the opportunity to check out an hour later, allowing our teens a few more precious moments of sleep. Thank you!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, pet owners, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Thanksgiving Vacation

Guest: Dr. Ruth (Dallas, Texas)
Date of Stay: 11/22/11 Review Submitted: 11/28/11

It was such a relaxing week with our son and his family - (2 little boys). Close to everything a vacationer needs with the comforts of home. Spent time on the beach, early morning coffee and pastry at Kind Grind, several trips to the little park, and dinner at the Crow's Nest. My Mother and then myself and siblings grew up in the area going to Twin Lakes Beach, so this was especially nice for me. Will definitely stay here again!

Recommended for:Sightseeing, pet owners, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.

Charming little property, great for families

Guest: Mom from SF (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 08/11/11

We shared this cottage with another family - in total four adults, four young kids. It was a great spot for all of us. The beach house itself is very charming. It is compact but has everything you need, with lots of hanging out space including a porch/sunroom, family/dining room with a large communal table, small but well equipped kitchen with an eat in table, full bath and laundry (which you need for all of the beach towels). The cottage in back was wonderful for added space and privacy between the families. The patio with hot tub and grill were between the main house and the cottage. The location is terrific, only steps from a very good beach. We loved having the two beach cruiser bikes - ok a little rickety but good enough for a ride around the block. The only criticisms were the slightly busy street (and corresponding traffic noise at night) and the slightly underwhelming gas range which had very low powered burners (for the foodies). Overall very comfortable, would recommend it and consider renting again.

Recommended for:Sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Loved It!

Guest: VeryHappy (Livermore, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/06/11 Review Submitted: 04/08/11

We just got back from our little two day vacation and we loved this place. Went with my family of four with a couple of significant others and was super comfortable for all of us to sleep. The place has a real beach house feel and was very clean and nicely upgraded where needed. I loved how they decorated, very simple yet with beach elegance. The hot tub was clean and hot all the time. The beach was a very short sprint across the street. and while it is not my most favorite beach, you can go around the corner during low tide and have a nicer experience. Kinda cool to be near the marina and kayaks can be rented within walking distance. The price to rent was exceptionally reasonable and working with the owners was very pleasant. They were extremely accomodating. Thank you very much for having a great rental, and I tend to be very picky. Also, to other tenants, check out Redwood Canopy Tours if you have some money and energy to burn during your visit. They provide an awesome experience of our beautiful Redwood forrest and mountains!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Great Beach Getaway

Guest: Echo (Arlington, TX )
Date of Stay: 09/23/10 Review Submitted: 09/29/10

What a perfect place ....The home is just that, a home...Nothing has been overlooked by the owners...Location is perfect, a short walk to the beach, a kitchen that has everything you need to cook...a gas grill for great steaks and burgers..Ideal spot family or couples...We were a mixed group from Oklahoma and Texas....Came in for a wedding, so we had grandparents as well as grandkids....The hot tub was a favorite by everyone...The house was spotless, plenty of nice fluffy towels, a washer and dryer, great if you have kids, comfy beds, full kitchen.. We highly recommend this "getaway" to anyone...It is what coming to Santa Cruz is all about.. Thanks for having us..

Recommended for:Sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Just like home!

Guest: Lisa (Discovery Bay, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/29/10 Review Submitted: 07/05/10

This property has everything. It was enjoyable and pleasant. There wasn't anything we wanted or needed. The owners have done a great job in making their property comfortable. The beds were wonderful and all slept great after long days on the beach. Being there for the 4th of July was very fun. The main house was warm and cozy. The studio was perfect for our daughter and son-in-law. We look forward to renting from them again in the future. Thank you for making our first family vacation in three years awesome.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

What a Charming Cottage!

Guest: Joyce M. (San Jose)
Date of Stay: 05/21/10 Review Submitted: 05/25/10

We thoroughly enjoyed our three night stay at this charming beach cottage. with just THREE houses between us and the beach, the location was perfect. We just parked the car for the weekend as we could walk to the beach, down to The Crow's Nest for dinner, and to the Kind Grind for their almond breakfast pastries.(Yum!) We brought some bikes to explore the neighborhood, and also used the two beach cruisers provided by our hosts. Our daughter and her husband stayed in the very private studio cottage off the back courtyard, and our younger daughter stayed in the main house with us. We enjoyed the comfy queen beds and appreciated the complete kitchen. We cooked most meals in, and had our choice of nice seating areas inside and out so we could follow the sun/shade as needed. My favorite spot was the front glassed in porch with an ocean view. We hope to return in the Fall, when we California locals know the beach is clear and warm for all of September and October. We'll be back Cindy!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children.

2009 in Santa Cruz

Guest: Alicia74 (Cerritos CA )
Date of Stay: 09/18/09 Review Submitted: 04/01/10

It was my first trip to Santa Cruz and i found this beach house to rent out. After my 7 hr drive and I pulled into the driveway I was in love. The house is so awesome! Its so close to the beach, walking distance...Staying at this house made me feel as if it was home away from home. Everything was perfect! We grilled on the BBQ and then hit the beach after it was a wonderful weekend. The house is so comfy and relaxing. I didnt want my stay there to end... so before I even left I told myself Im going to stay here next year. And I will be going this year again!! Im so very excited. I absolutely recommend this beach house its amazing!! Thanks!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Guest: Gina (-)
Date of Stay: 08/09/09 Review Submitted: 03/26/10

We had a fabulous vacation. We spent a lot of time right at Twin Lakes Beach. I loved that I didn't have to drive to the beach. We used the cruisers more than our car. The Boardwalk was close, but not too close. We built a bonfire one night and rented kayaks at the harbor another.

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