Santa Cruz County vacation rentals

We found 1,339 vacation rentals — enter your dates for availability

Select from 566 houses, 69 apartments, and other vacation rentals to find the perfect place for your stay in Santa Cruz County. Whether you’re staying in a vacation home with family or friends, you'll have the amenities you expect and more, including air conditioning and WiFi. Whatever 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.

Vacation rentals with weekly discounts - Santa Cruz County

Showing deals for:Jun 12 - Jun 19

Image gallery for "Queens Palace" Studio Apt Business Ready - San Jose

Room
10 out of 10, Exceptional, (7 reviews)
Exceptional
(7 reviews)

"Queens Palace" Studio Apt Business Ready - San Jose

Campbell

9% off
Price is $302
$2,115 for 7 nights
All fees included
"Queens Palace" Studio Apt Business Ready - San Jose

Find spaces that suit your style

Find out more about Santa Cruz County

Why visit Santa Cruz County

  • Stunning Beaches: Enjoy the beautiful coastline with scenic beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing.
  • Outdoor Adventures: Explore various state parks offering hiking, biking, and breathtaking views of nature.
  • Thrilling Amusement Parks: Experience fun and excitement at local amusement parks, ideal for family-friendly outings.
  • Vibrant Downtown: Discover unique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions in the heart of Santa Cruz.
  • Cozy Accommodations: Choose from charming vacation rentals, cozy cottages, and inviting condos for a comfortable stay.

Popular types of accommodation in Santa Cruz County

Looking for the perfect getaway in Santa Cruz County? You're in the right place. Our most popular vacation rental options include charming houses, cozy condos, and inviting cottages. Whether you're searching for Santa Cruz houses for rent or hosted rentals, we offer a variety of rentals in Santa Cruz County to suit your needs. Enjoy a stress-free experience with transparency and savings at every step.

  • Houses: The top choice among travelers, these homes offer spacious accommodations for families and groups, providing a home-like atmosphere.
  • Condos: A favored option for many, condos combine comfort and convenience, often featuring shared amenities in prime locations.
  • Cottages: Ideal for a quaint getaway, cottages provide a cozy and charming atmosphere, perfect for couples or solo travelers.
  • Apartments: A practical choice, apartments offer a flexible stay with essential amenities and a local feel.
  • Villas: For those seeking luxury, villas present upscale accommodations with stunning views and premium features.**

Top attractions in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County is a perfect destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic beach vacations. With its stunning beaches, beautiful state parks, and thrilling amusement parks, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers alike. Explore the natural beauty and vibrant local culture that Santa Cruz County has to offer for an unforgettable experience.

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: A classic California amusement park, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers thrilling rides, games, and delicious boardwalk treats. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with fun for all ages, from the iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster to family-friendly attractions and beautiful ocean views.
  • Capitola Beach: This picturesque beach boasts soft sands and gentle waves, making it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beachside picnics. Stroll along the charming village with colorful buildings, shops, and restaurants that add to its relaxed coastal vibe.
  • Mystery Spot: A quirky gravitational anomaly, the Mystery Spot is an intriguing exhibit that challenges your perception of physics. Explore tilted rooms, optical illusions, and guided tours that unveil the fun and mystery behind this unique attraction.

Things to do recommended for couples

For a romantic getaway in Santa Cruz County, indulge in a wine tasting at Regale Winery and Soquel Vineyards, both offering enchanting atmospheres. Unwind together at Luminescence Healing Haven, where wellness and relaxation await. Create unforgettable memories in this beautiful coastal region.

Things to do recommended for families

Experience the thrill of the Zip Line at TreeTop Walk, enjoy family fun at Boardwalk Bowl's arcade Adventure Zone, and unwind at Pinto Lake Park for wellness and relaxation. Santa Cruz County offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility for your family vacation.

Things to do recommended for groups

Explore the vibrant Ocean Street for shopping, enjoy a round of golf at Seascape Golf Club, or visit Watsonville Square Shopping Center for entertainment and dining with friends. Each spot offers a unique blend of local culture, making your group vacation unforgettable.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

What do I need to keep in mind when booking a vacation in Santa Cruz County

If you're traveling with a group, family, or pets, or planning an extended stay, be sure to filter your options according to your priorities. Here are some helpful booking tips for using Vrbo.

  • Traveling to Santa Cruz County with a group: Think about how many bedrooms you'll require, as well as features like a full kitchen or outdoor space for group gatherings. Luckily, you can easily filter for all of these options and more on Vrbo.
  • Traveling to Santa Cruz County with young kids: Traveling with little ones can be demanding. It's important to prioritize their comfort and safety, along with suitable amenities like a private pool. Additionally, it’s wise to think about how close you are to family-friendly attractions.
  • Taking your pets with you to Santa Cruz County: For many families, a vacation just isn’t the same without their furry companion. If this resonates with you, explore Vrbo listings that welcome pets. Many of these pet-friendly accommodations offer feeding bowls and beds to ensure that every member of your family feels comfortable and at home.
  • Planning for a long term stay visiting Santa Cruz County: If you’re searching for vacation rentals offering discounts for stays of a month or more, you’ve come to the right spot. By using the appropriate filters, you can effortlessly discover and save on monthly rentals. Don't forget to consider additional features like a parking space, a well-equipped kitchen, or a private pool in your search.

Where to stay in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County offers an idyllic vacation for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. With its family-friendly atmosphere and welcoming locals, you'll find plenty of excursions to explore. From the vibrant downtown Santa Cruz to the nearby charm of Silicon Valley, you'll enjoy great housing options in a prime location. Discover the stunning scenery and relax on the beautiful beaches, making Santa Cruz County a perfect getaway destination.

  • Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz is a vibrant coastal city renowned for its stunning beaches and outdoor adventures. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Cruz Mountains, this city offers visitors a unique blend of amusement, relaxation, and family-friendly activities. The iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features rides and games, while the picturesque beaches provide perfect spots for sunbathing and surfing. Nature lovers can explore nearby redwood forests and hiking trails, making Santa Cruz an ideal destination for those seeking both beach fun and outdoor exploration.
  • Capitola: Capitola is a charming seaside village known for its colorful beach cottages and stunning coastal views. Located just a short drive from Santa Cruz, this city offers visitors a serene beach experience with soft sand and warm waters. Enjoy leisurely strolls along the Capitola Wharf or indulge in delicious seafood at local restaurants. The annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival and the beautiful scenery make it a delightful spot for families and couples alike. Whether lounging on the beach or exploring quaint shops, Capitola embodies the essence of California's coastal charm.
  • Aptos: Aptos is a picturesque community located along the scenic coastline of Santa Cruz County. Known for its stunning beaches and lush natural landscapes, Aptos is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy beach activities, hiking trails, and the nearby state park that showcases the area's diverse ecosystems. The tranquil environment and scenic beauty make Aptos an excellent choice for relaxation and exploration. With a mix of recreational areas and beach access, it's a perfect spot for families seeking to enjoy nature and the outdoors.

Booking with Vrbo is simple

Are you interested in saving money on your upcoming trip? One effective way to do this is by being flexible with your travel dates, as prices can vary. Additionally, booking a longer stay often leads to significant savings. To discover the perfect Vrbo property that fits your budget, take advantage of our filters to sort by price, location, and type of vacation rental.

Save more with One Key

When you reserve a qualifying Vrbo for your group getaway, you’ll earn OneKeyCash on the full booking amount. It truly benefits you to take on the role of organizer. Become a member of our One Key rewards program to enjoy exclusive savings and accumulate OneKeyCash on eligible stays. Sign up today and start reaping the rewards.

Vrbo Trips: Planning as easy as it gets

Vrbo's Trip Board is designed to help you plan your travels effortlessly. You can create new trips, manage your ongoing plans, or revisit and organize your bookings all in one place. Your saved or booked properties are conveniently categorized into Potential, Upcoming, or Current Trips. To check out Trip Boards, simply visit: https://www.vrbo.com/trips.

**Based on Vrbo properties bookings.

Salty fun in Santa Cruz County

Bring the surfboard wax and the good vibes for that trip to Santa Cruz County vacation rentals. These Californian shacks and beachside pads, facing the spray of the Pacific Ocean, offer a gateway to some of the most celebrated shores in the whole United States. Many come with decks that gaze out across the rollers, while others hide amid the soaring redwoods of the forests. All are a place to chill, catch some waves, hike some clifftops and even check off the bucket-list sights of the Bay Area – it's just to the north.

Sightseeing in and around Santa Cruz County

Do you want to find attractions to visit during your stay? Although it can be tempting to stay in your comfortable vacation rental, you'll want to check out everything that makes Santa Cruz County a fun place to get away. These are some of the top attractions to see, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (6.4 mi / 10.3 km)
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium (29.7 mi / 47.8 km)
  • Pasatiempo Golf Course (4.7 mi / 7.6 km)
  • Roaring Camp Railroads (5.8 mi / 9.3 km)
  • Seascape Golf Club (6.8 mi / 10.9 km)
  • Mount Madonna Center (11.9 mi / 19.2 km)

Santa Cruz County and the roaring Pacific Ocean

The name of Santa Cruz County is nothing short of legendary in surf circles. As its rivers and creeks wiggle into the Pacific Ocean, and the wide beaches of Monterey Bay open to the swells, you'll find some seriously gnarly point breaks and hollow tube rides. Of course, you don't need to suit up and hit the waves to make the most of the water. This is also a hotspot for seeing huge humpback whales or catching glimpses of dolphins and porpoises – April to November is best.

Santa Cruz County is breathtaking Cali coastline

There's no question that the Santa Cruz County coastline is the piece de resistance of the region. It ranges from wide Monterey Bay, where turtles, whales and dolphins all splash in the Pacific, to the seal-spotted pebble beaches of Ano Nuevo State Park, with its dunes and boardwalk trails. There are countless surf-washed beaches and cliff-backed coves between them. Inland, you can discover the soaring trees of the Big Basin Redwoods State Park, a wilderness of bobcats and waterfalls, deer and wildflowers.

Transportation to and around Santa Cruz County

The nearest airport is in Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal), located 12.1 mi (19.5 km) from the city center.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay in Santa Cruz County when booking a vacation rental?
If you're thinking about a stop in Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz is one of the more desired areas to stay. While here, keep busy by exploring wonderful sights like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Roaring Camp Railroads.
What is the most popular type of vacation rental accommodation in Santa Cruz County?
According to our research, condos are considered the most popular property type in Santa Cruz County. But that goes without saying, everyone's idea of the perfect trip isn't going to be the same. Vrbo has vacation homes with every size, shape and budget in mind, so you're bound to find the perfect fit for you.
How much does it cost to rent a vacation rental in Santa Cruz County?
Several factors influence how much you'll pay for a vacation rental in Santa Cruz County, like the type of property, length of stay and season. But, all our vacation homes have one thing in common — excellent value. Just enter your travel dates to find your perfect match.
How much does it cost to rent a beach house in Santa Cruz County?
Prices for beach houses in Santa Cruz County may differ depending on the size and style of the property and time of year you're traveling. Simply enter your dates of travel into Vrbo and the number of guests to view your vacation rental options and prices. From there you can use our filter tool to refine your search results by nearby activities, amenities, ratings and more.
Are there vacation rentals with WiFi in Santa Cruz County?
Whether you'd like to keep up with the headlines, look over emails or surf social networks, there are 317 vacation homes with WiFi in Santa Cruz County. Check the "WiFi" box when searching on Vrbo and stay connected on your vacation.
How old do you have to be to rent a vacation rental in Santa Cruz County?
We recommend you check with the Santa Cruz County vacation property you're considering on Vrbo as age restrictions vary. However, normally it's 16, 18 or 21.
How long can I rent a vacation rental in Santa Cruz County for?
The length of time you can book a vacation rental in Santa Cruz County varies according to the property. Just enter your preferred travel dates to display a list of options offering extended stays. With plenty of amenities such as laundries and air conditioning, as well as some offering weekly or monthly discounts, you're sure to discover somewhere perfect to call your home away from home in Santa Cruz County.
Does Vrbo offer discounts for vacation homes in Santa Cruz County?
In Santa Cruz County, you'll find some fantastic deals and discounts for weekly and monthly discounts on vacation rentals, as well as newly listed homes on Vrbo. Whether you're after a mini vacay or a couple of weeks away, we've got plenty of options to suit your style.

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