A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the sand and sea.
Centrally-located
You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Discover nearby landmarks
Near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
4 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 12
Popular amenities
On beach
Balcony
Kitchenette
Barbecue grill
Refrigerator
Washing machine
Explore the area
Santa Cruz, CA
Twin Lakes State Beach
Place, Twin Lakes State Beach
1 min walk
Seabright Beach
Place, Seabright Beach
2 min walk
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
10 min walk
San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
60 min drive
Rooms & beds
4 bedrooms (sleeps 12)
Downstairs Master
1 King Bed
Megan's room
1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed
O'Neal Room
1 Queen Bed
Upstairs Master
1 King Bed
3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathroom 2
Bathroom 3
Bathroom 4
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Dining area
About this property
Castle Beach Retreat - Relax at the Best Beach in Santa Cruz!
Castle Beach Retreat (Santa Cruz City TOT registration certificate #001134T) offers a wonderful atmosphere that is unmatched by other beach rentals. It is perfect for extend family reunions and retreats.
Castle Beach Retreat is a 2-story, 3000sq ft home directly across from one of the best beaches in Santa Cruz - Seabright Beach. Full-length windows overlook the beach and Santa Cruz Pier - allowing you to watch the sunset while barbecuing on the spacious balcony or lie in bed listening to the waves.
Seabright State Beach, known to locals as Castle Beach, is a south-facing beach with the reputation of being the warmest, sunniest beach on the Monterey Bay. Great for families, this State Beach has restrooms, lifeguards*, and since Castle Beach Retreat sits at the beach's main entrance, there are no stairs or cliffs to negotiate. Enjoy roasting marshmallows on one of the only beaches that allows bonfires. Plus due to limited beach parking, traffic is much lighter here compared to other popular beaches.
Seabright Beach lies between the Santa Cruz Harbor and famed Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, home of the Giant Dipper roller coaster. The Boardwalk is 3 blocks over the old train bridge (the same bridge featured in the movie Lost Boys) or 1 1/2 blocks during low tide (but you might get your feet wet). The harbor is a great place to charter boats or rent paddle boards, Hobbies, kayaks, etc. It also has some great places to eat. - Our location has easy access for even families with small kids to both attractions without the hassle of the crowds or parking.
The Seabright area is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Santa Cruz. Centrally located, you are only a short walk from coffee shops, delis and great restaurants. There is also several theaters in the downtown shopping district and there are activities likes concerts, roller skating, bowling, laser tag, climbing, hiking, biking and much more just minutes away.
Castle Beach Retreat proudly maintains the highest sanitary practices, adheres to all local ordinances and is professional managed. This added level of quality offers the VRBO guest piece of mind and the ability to call someone when needed. The Retreat offers a beautiful setting with 4+ bedrooms/3.5 baths, including 2 master bedrooms with ocean views. There are beds for up to 11 people as well as other attractive features: We allow up to 10 adults max. We do allow an additional + 2 children or combinations of less adults and more children.
- Upstairs, the spacious grand room features an entire wall of full-length windows and sliding glass doors. They connect to the balcony and provide spectacular beach views. Our balcony is considered by many neighbors as the best in the area. There is also an outdoor gas BBQ, a dining table that seats 12, a bar that seats 6, a 65” 4K UHD TV with Tivo for local and network broadcasts and AppleTV for streaming apps, a fireplace, and exposed high beam ceilings. Castle Beach Retreat has a whole-house Sonos entertainment system
- The beautiful kitchen overlooks the grand room and ocean. It offers just about anything you are likely to need for even a Thanksgiving dinner party including: silverware, pots, pans, dishes, glasses, and serving utensils. This high-end kitchen is a chef's dream with a huge 11 foot working island attached to a bar for guests. It has the latest state-of-the art Jenn-Air microwave, warming drawer, double convention oven and inductive cook top. Also supplied is a toaster, coffee maker, coffee press, rice cooker and crock pot.
- You may never want to leave the upstairs master bedroom and bath. It offers a kingsize bed, 47' HDTV with AppleTV, Sonos entertainment system and walk-in closet. The master bath has a huge two person, extra deep tub, it's own 50” 4K UHD TV with AppleTV, Sonos sound system, and Robern vanities and cabinets.
- The downstairs master bedroom is a studio suite with a kingsize bed, kitchenette/dinning area, bath, 65” plasma HDTV with Tivo and AppleTV
- downstairs there are also two additional bedrooms, named the O Neil Room and Meg's Room respectively, and a large entertainment room/garage named the Ducati Room, as a solute to the famous motorcycle company. The Ducati Room offers guests a new 65' plasma HDTV, with Apple TV and Playstation 3 with BlueRay. It is perfect for the young or young at heart. The O Neil and Meg's Rooms are both connected to a “shotgun” bathroom. Meg's Room has a twin over double bunk-bed with an additional pull-out single bed. The O Neil Room has a queen-size bed.
- There is an outdoor shower with hot and cold water and a hose to rinse off the sand
Come enjoy an unbeatable beach getaway!
Notes: To maintain the quality of our neighborhood, we ask that guests try to limit the number of cars in their party.
Please no requests for discounts or trades. Booking request that contain these requests will be reported.
Lifeguard service is seasonal
Notice of Exterior Security Cameras: In the 14 years we have owned our home, there has never been a security issue. However, for the safety of our guests, there are external security cameras that monitor the exterior of the house 24/7. There are no internal security cameras and the exterior cameras are not located with a view of the upstairs deck to ensure our guest’s privacy. The camera’s are intended for perimeter security only. This includes a camera integrated into the front door lock. This camera is activated when the lock and/or doorbell are used. The doorbell feature works well for contacting us and getting information/assistance if you are having trouble operating the lock combination.
Keywords: Castle Beach Retreat
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Please do not proceed with booking if you're planning a Party, or bringing a pet. Neither of those are allowed! Absolutely no exceptions.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number 001134
Property # 167568vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Santa Cruz
Located in Eastside Santa Cruz, a neighbourhood in Santa Cruz, this holiday home is near theme parks and on the beach. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Capitola Beach and Monterey Bay. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History and Boardwalk Bowl are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and mountain climbing.
Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 26 min drive
Restaurants
Marini’s at the Wharf
Crow's Nest Restaurant - 17 min walk
El Chipotle Taqueria - 17 min walk
Humble Sea Brewing Co.
California Wraps - 13 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Castle Beach Retreat - Relax at the Best Beach in Santa Cruz! pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at Castle Beach Retreat - Relax at the Best Beach in Santa Cruz!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Castle Beach Retreat - Relax at the Best Beach in Santa Cruz!?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Castle Beach Retreat - Relax at the Best Beach in Santa Cruz! located?
Nestled on the beach, this Eastside Santa Cruz holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Seabright Beach and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Twin Lakes State Beach and Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History are also within 5 minutes.
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Incredible property just steps from the beach and about a 10 min walk to Boardwalk. Very clean and accommodating. Plenty of room for kids and great layout with the main master upstairs. Kitchen was stunning! Highly recommend.
We loved our stay! The house was perfect for our family and the view and access to the beach was ideal. We enjoyed walking to nearby restaurants and coffee shops, and taking long walks along the beach. We would love to stay here again!
Our family was blessed to stay for 3 days in this spectacular home and with an ideal location. Lou was helpful with the check-in process and providing tips for local attractions.
Wish we could have stayed longer...
We had a wonderful weekend at the Castle Beach Retreat. The home was even better than expected, the location was perfect and our hosts went above and beyond with clear communication, expectations and ensuring everything was perfect. Thank you!
Great house for extended family vacation. Perfect location super close to the beach. The kitchen and main living area were awesome for hanging out and watching the beach. Communication with hosts was great - Lou was super responsive! Would definitely book again!
It was open spacious and comfortable. A great place to have a gathering. The view was amazing. I wish I could’ve spent more time there. Can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Oct 2024
Thank you Michelle. Please come back soon. You guys were great guests
10/10 for our stay at this VRBO! Everything exceeded our expectations for our family New Year's trip. The view is fantastic, we walked to the Boardwalk with our kids, plenty of walkable restaurants, and enjoyed sunset views. House VERY clean, comfy beds and the family great room upstairs is perfect for a family retreat. Fun to cook in the kitchen with such good views and plenty of room for the family to spread out. The owner, Lou, was so nice and got back to us immediately with any questions that popped up. We wanted to rent next year for New Year's again, but sadly it is already booked. However, we will pick another date. Thank you Lou for your generous hospitality!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jan 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review Allison. You and your family were fantastic guests. Please come back again
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer W.
19 Apr 2017
Beautiful house!!
Beautiful house directly across from the beach. Sleeps large groups of people. Kid friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Mar 2020
Thank you for your kind words. We are glad you enjoyed your stay.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Peter J.
19 Oct 2014
Beach house
This house is as advertised. Very modern technology, comfortable house with plenty of room and excellent kitchen. Great location. We would certainly return.
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Mar 2020
Thanks Peter. We are glad you enjoyed our place. Thanks for a nice review.
It was a perfect stay and really beautifully maintained. It was nice to have the A/V, TV all updated and working well. It would be nice to have a selection of board games available for families to play. Thanks for everything.
We love to cook and loved this kitchen. The Great room area was prefect for all of us to be together and the downstairs TV area, two huge decks and additional dining and kitchenette downstairs gave us plenty of room to have individual space too. View to die for.....beach 20 second walk.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Aug 2020
Thank you Patti. We really appreciated you and your families stay with us!
Amazing home with new finishes, and the room too accommodate larger groups. Incredibly close access to the beach and decent parking on the street. House was beautiful inside, yet comfortable for our family/kids. The view of the ocean was amazing. Pictures online are great, but don’t due justice for the in person experience and view of the beach!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jan 2024
Thanks Tim for staying with us and leaving the house in such great condition.
Perfect place for mid to large gathering. Very comfortable with modern amenities,. Awesome view of the beach. Owner was available and informative. Thank you! See you next time.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Meg M.
25 May 2014
Love this house!
Love, love, love this house!!!
Fantastic location, super comfortable, clean and well appointed. Delightful owners! Would recommend to friends and relatives. This house is even better than the beautiful listing photos. Fantastic!!! We saw whales almost every day!
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Mar 2020
We are glad you had a good time Meg. Thanks for your nice review.
Had a great time in this house with extended families! Location is perfect and everything worked just like it’s supposed to. Quirky light switches and lots of beeps and tones from fridge to ovens but it kept us on our toes!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024
About the host
Hosted by Lou Albert
Lou and Sacha have rented out their beach house for years. They live in Los Gatos and use the house for themselves and their kids frequently as well. Sacha is originally from the Netherlands and works in high tech public relations. Lou is from Northern California and works in high tech sales. They love to travel and often rent other homes on VRBO for their family trips.
Why they chose this property
What makes this property unique
Languages:
German, Dutch
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests