Discover a selection of 259 vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County, US that are perfect for your trip. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or even pets, Vrbo vacation homes have the best amenities for hanging out with the people that matter most, including swimming pools and WiFi. Prices start at $235 per night, and houses and cabins are popular options for a stay in Santa Cruz County. Either way, you'll find a rental for everyone's needs.
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Top rated rentals — Santa Cruz County
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Destination guide

Choose a vacation rental for your Santa Cruz County getaway

Learn about the unique charm of Santa Cruz County with a stay in a private vacation home. This city has something for everyone. Santana Row Shopping Center and Cannery Row are a couple of places to search for that perfect souvenir. If you're looking for accommodations with space to entertain friends and family, HomeAway has plenty of options to choose from. Many rental homes offer full kitchens and laundry facilities, perfect for big groups.

Things to do

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:

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium (29.7 mi / 47.8 km)
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (6.4 mi / 10.3 km)
  • California's Great America (24.2 mi / 39 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)
Natural features

Exploring the natural landscape of Santa Cruz County

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, Santa Cruz County is a great place to get outside. These are a few of the area's most enchanting natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

  • Monterey Bay (16.9 mi / 27.2 km)
  • Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (4.7 mi / 7.5 km)
  • New Brighton State Beach (4.8 mi / 7.8 km)
  • Capitola Beach (5.1 mi / 8.2 km)
  • Seacliff State Beach (5.5 mi / 8.9 km)
  • Sunny Cove Beach (6.1 mi / 9.8 km)
How to get there

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.

What are the top vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County?

Whether you're organizing your next exciting adventure with friends or a romantic escape with your loved one, one of these top vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County is sure to catch your eye:

  • "Beach Lovers Retreat": This Pleasure Point escape comes with 2 bedrooms and is rated highly among guests. Conveniences such as a dishwasher and towels help make your stay comfortable.
  • "Fantastic Views, Beach Front Condo": Settle in at this property in Capitola and make use of off-street parking options, a DVD player and more. It has 2 bedrooms to accommodate your friends and family.

For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Santa Cruz County vacation rental for you.

What are the best tiny house vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County?

For a unique vacation experience, book a tiny house rental in Santa Cruz County. A word of warning though — after you've stayed in a tiny house, the urge to move into one of these cute-as-a-button digs will be tough to resist!

  • Get away from it all and get back to basics at "Luxury Private Tiny House On 10 Remote Acres". This getaway in Ione packs plenty of comforts into its small space, such as air conditioning and a pool.
  • "Among The Stars - Tiny Home With Views" in Oakhurst is another great choice. Cookware, dishware and utensils and a stovetop will help make your stay here even more comfortable.

What are the top-rated vacation rentals for weekend getaways in Santa Cruz County?

While big extravagant trips are epic, there's something refreshing about escaping for a weekend getaway. These rental properties in Santa Cruz County are perfect for just that:

  • "Beachfront Condo With Amazing Views" - Located in Pajaro Dunes, there's tons of exciting stuff to see and do on the doorstep of this property. Little conveniences like outdoor furniture and a barbecue grill are the cherry on top!
  • "Oceanfront On The Sand - Awesome 4 Bedroom" - With WiFi and a microwave oven, plus its convenient location in Watsonville, you'll wish you had more than a weekend at this rental.

Can I find studio apartments for rent in Santa Cruz County?

Forget about booking a tired old hotel and opt for one of our studio apartments in Santa Cruz County. Here's where you can hunker down in your own digs and experience your next travel destination like a local:

  • Nap, eat, socialize ... Do it all from the compact yet smartly designed single room space at "Shangrila Pajaro Dunes Ocean Front Condo Between Santa Cruz And Monterey". Located in Watsonville, golf and an iron and ironing board are among the amenities here.
  • Start the day with a cup of coffee and freshly cooked bacon and eggs at "Ocean Front Condo With Wonderful 180 Degree View From Santa Cruz To Monterey". This Pajaro Dunes property has everything you need to make your stay cozy, including a hair dryer and golf.

Can I find short term rentals in Santa Cruz County?

With Vrbo's great range of short-term rentals in Santa Cruz County, it's easy to find a property to suit your needs. Whether you're on the lookout for somewhere to escape on your own or to have fun with old friends, these options are difficult to beat:

  • "Beachfront Condo With Amazing Views" in Pajaro Dunes is a perfect place for a short-term stay. It's close to the town center, so you can easily go out and see all the best sights without having to travel too far.
  • Another excellent option is "Oceanfront On The Sand - Awesome 4 Bedroom" in Watsonville. Whether you're on a brief stopover or enjoying a couple of days away, this property will make you feel right at home.

What are the best romantic weekend getaways in Santa Cruz County?

If you really want to dazzle your special someone, take them somewhere special! Organize a romantic weekend getaway in Santa Cruz County at one of these retreats and let the sparks fly:

  • "Beach Lovers Retreat" in Pleasure Point was just made for whispering sweet nothings in each other's ear. It's full of nice touches, including a fireplace and a music library.
  • Alternatively, organize an amorous weekend escape at "Fantastic Views, Beach Front Condo". Located in Capitola, it offers a balcony, a dining table and other bonuses.

What are the best large group vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County?

If your idea of a dream getaway is to bring along all your favorite people, you'll be needing a whole lot of space. Luckily, there are plenty of vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County that cater to large groups, starting with these sprawling escapes:

  • "Sweeping Ocean Views. . . Steps From Sandy Beaches": With 4 bedrooms, everyone can join the fun at this impressive escape in Twin Lakes. A kitchen and a garden are among the amenities available here.
  • "Villa De Las Palmas - Walking Distance To Santa Cruz's Best": You'll get your squad's stamp of approval at this Westside Santa Cruz option which features a garden, a kitchen and more. It has 6 bedrooms that will easily accommodate your loved ones.

What are the best houses for rent with a pool in Santa Cruz County?

You'll have your choice of houses with a pool in Santa Cruz County, so toss your swimsuit into your bag and get ready to spend your days enjoying yourself in the water. Here are two top options guaranteed to entice you:

  • Say hello to "At The Beach Insanely Great Beach House", where the first thing on your itinerary should be taking a dip in the pool. This getaway is located in Watsonville and features a range of family-friendly amenities, including a stereo and a separate dining area.
  • "Cool Off And Relax @ 26th Ave Beach House" in Pleasure Point is another popular option. There's plenty to love about this place besides its pool, such as towels and a barbecue grill.

What are the best large family vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County?

The first step to a fantastic family getaway is finding an awesome place to stay. If you're looking for a home away from home with enough room for everyone, one of Vrbo's large family vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County is sure to suit:

  • For family-friendly getaways in Watsonville, "Oceanfront On The Sand - Awesome 4 Bedroom" is a good choice. It features 4 bedrooms and can fit up to 8 lucky guests. A smart TV and a separate dining area are two of the amenities you'll find here.
  • Another wonderful option is "Want To Get Away But Not Ready To Get On A Plane". Located in Twin Lakes, this excellent escape boasts 3 bedrooms and many great amenities including a smart TV and free toiletries. It can accommodate up to 8 people.

If you're hoping to visit some family-friendly attractions in Santa Cruz County, you're spoiled for choice. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Surfing Museum and Pacific Avenue promise fun for all ages.

Can I find family cabin rentals in Santa Cruz County?

Toast some s'mores and enjoy a game of charades. These cabins in Santa Cruz County are wonderful bases to reunite with the family:

  • "Romantic Woodland Cabin For Ultimate Getaway" - Book a few nights or more at this getaway in Nevada City. Amenities like a separate dining area and on-site watersports will help make your stay comfortable.
  • "Cabin - Log House - Rustic Luxury Hideaway On 40 Private Acres" - Craft some magic memories together at this popular hideaway. Located in Mariposa, it comes with childrens activities, books and more.

For more options, use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the Santa Cruz County vacation rental that's perfect for your needs.

Explore destinations around Santa Cruz County

Eastside Santa Cruz
188 vacation rentals
Westside Santa Cruz
155 vacation rentals
Seabright
143 vacation rentals
Upper Seabright
106 vacation rentals
Beach Hill - Beach Flats
65 vacation rentals
Circles
44 vacation rentals
Downtown Santa Cruz
42 vacation rentals