Santa Cruz vacation rentals

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your current months are March, 2024 and April, 2024.
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Discover a selection of 286 homes, 28 apartments, and other vacation rentals in Santa Cruz that are perfect for your trip. Whether you're traveling with a group or just with your pet, vacation rentals have the amenities you expect for your stay, which might include WiFi and a washer and dryer. No matter what you're looking for, you'll be sure to find a rental that has what everyone needs, including a place that's non-smoking or offers accessibility.

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Explore the beachside setting in Santa Cruz

Enjoy the entertainment and other features of Santa Cruz. This walkable city is known for its beaches, sporting events and seaside. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay are just a couple of the must-sees. Whether you're planning a family holiday, romantic stay or friends trip, vacation rentals offer features like full kitchens and laundry facilities for a more convenient stay.

Activities and attractions in Santa Cruz

Do you want to find attractions to visit in the area? Travelers enjoy fun activities like surfing, camping and biking. Venture out of your cozy vacation rental and check out everything that Santa Cruz has to offer. These are some of the major attractions to put on your list, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (1.1 mi / 1.7 km)
  • Pasatiempo Golf Course (1.8 mi / 2.9 km)
  • Roaring Camp Railroads (4.8 mi / 7.7 km)
  • Seascape Golf Club (7.8 mi / 12.6 km)
  • Mount Madonna Center (15.9 mi / 25.5 km)
  • Testarossa Winery (16.4 mi / 26.5 km)

Exploring the beaches and other natural features in Santa Cruz

Whether you're an adventurous traveler or just want to appreciate the scenery, Santa Cruz is a great place to get out in nature. Here are a few of the area's most eye-catching features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

  • Monterey Bay (13 mi / 20.9 km)
  • Main Beach (1.1 mi / 1.7 km)
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach (1.1 mi / 1.8 km)
  • University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum (1.5 mi / 2.5 km)
  • Seabright Beach (1.6 mi / 2.5 km)
  • Twin Lakes State Beach (1.8 mi / 2.9 km)

Seasonal weather in Santa Cruz

Travelers speak highly of Santa Cruz for its surfing. If you're hoping to enjoy some warm-weather activities on your vacation, September, August, July and October are the hottest months to visit, when temperatures average 63°F.

Transportation to and around Santa Cruz

The nearest airport is in Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal), located 13.4 mi (21.6 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you might consider flying into Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), which is 27.6 mi (44.3 km) away.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay in Santa Cruz when booking a vacation rental?

Among the more popular areas to enjoy a vacation home in Santa Cruz is Twin Lakes. Base yourself here and you'll be close to some top attractions such as Twin Lakes State Beach and Lincoln Beach.

What is the most popular type of vacation rental accommodation in Santa Cruz?

The most in-demand types of vacation rentals in Santa Cruz are houses. Hoping for something different? Vrbo has a variety of options to match our guests' needs, so you'll see vacation properties in all shapes and sizes, and for all budgets. The ideal home away from home is waiting for you — grab yours today.

How much does it cost to rent a vacation rental in Santa Cruz?

The average price for a vacation home in Santa Cruz is based on a number of factors, such as length of stay, season and property type. Whether you're thinking about a sprawling villa with space for extended family or a quaint cabin perfect for just you and the kids, just add your travel dates to see stays with unbeatable value.

How much does it cost to rent a beach house in Santa Cruz?

The average price for a vacation home near the beach in Santa Cruz depends on when you're traveling and the size and type of property you want. You can quickly and easily find prices on Vrbo by entering your dates of travel. Then use our filters to choose the number of bedrooms and amenities important to you, such as WiFi, a pool and air conditioning.

Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Santa Cruz?

Yes. There are. You can pick from 717 vacation rentals that cater to pets in Santa Cruz. Plenty of our pet-friendly vacation rentals come with an outdoor area for your furry friend to play around in, complimentary treats, special dog beds and proximity to parks or green space. Apply the "Pets allowed" filter to find your pawfect digs on Vrbo.

Can I rent a house with a pool in Santa Cruz?

Add a whole new level of fun to your adventure by booking your crew into one of the 84 houses with a private pool in Santa Cruz. Use our search filter to find the kind of property you want on Vrbo, and then spend your downtime splish-splashing around in a swimming pool that's all your own.

What are popular rental amenities in Santa Cruz?

Nearby museums, a nearby river and a water view are the most popular rental amenities in Santa Cruz. Whether you plan to travel by yourself, with your other half or a group of dear friends, Vrbo can help you find a vacation rental that matches your style with all the extras you're looking for.

Are there large group vacation rentals in Santa Cruz?

With 80 vacation rentals that can sleep 10 guests or more in Santa Cruz, there's no need to keep anyone off the invite list. From vacations with the extended family to special events like Thanksgiving or Christmas parties, Vrbo will help you find a large group rental that fits the occasion.

Are there vacation rentals in Santa Cruz that welcome kids?

Santa Cruz has 714 family-friendly vacation homes to pick from. And discovering a stay that welcomes little ones is a cinch with Vrbo's "Properties good for families" filter. In addition to having the whole place to yourselves, you'll have access to amenities and perks such as living rooms, pools and kitchens.

What are the top attractions for families in Santa Cruz?

Keeping the kids happy during your vacation in Santa Cruz is a cinch with these awesome family-friendly attractions:

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Roaring Camp Railroads
  • Rio Del Mar Beach

Are there one-bedroom vacation rentals in Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has 133 one-bedroom rentals on offer. Usually located in popular areas because of their smaller size, a one-bedroom property is ideal if you're traveling with your partner or a friend. And with comforts such as laundry facilities and more privacy than a standard hotel, you'll be able to chill out while exploring this terrific destination.

Can I find two-bedroom vacation rentals in Santa Cruz?

You can select from 227 two-bedroom rentals in Santa Cruz. Give the kids the second room or fill it with a couple of your nearest and dearest friends. There's plenty of space for whoever's fortunate enough to be coming along.

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