Santa Cruz County, US Vacation Rentals: house rentals & more

Discover a selection of 1,000 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 $139 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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Find the best place to stay — Santa Cruz County

Search 817 vacation rentals

Stayed Jan 2021

Rest and relaxation

We were fortunate to stay on Sand Dollar Lane for the extended MLK weekend. The house was well situated with a 5 minute walk to the sand. We could see the beautiful waves crash from the living, room, dining room and front deck. There were only 3 of o...

Stayed Jan 2021

I will return.

When we received the keys at the gate, the guard mentioned that it was on the third floor. This concerned us until we got to the condo. Immediately we realized that this was the perfect spot with a spectacular view. After being there for a few days, ...

Stayed Jan 2021

Favorite spot

This is my third stay at this place with my now wife. Absolutely beautiful location for a very reasonable price. Super chill beach with not many people and the unit itself is perfect for a couple or small family. Marcia is super nice and helpful with...

Stayed Dec 2020

Perfect

This was just the home and location we needed for a quick anniversary get away over New Years. We couldn't have asked for a better place to stay. MJ was very communicative and despite COVID going on everything was done efficiently, safely, and cleanl...

Stayed Dec 2020

Beautiful Getaway

We really had no expectations coming into this trip and we were pleasantly surprised at how beautiful and cozy the property was. Everything you need to get away and feel at home at the same time. Oh yeah, did I mention the sound of waves putting you ...

Stayed Dec 2020

Hidden gem

On a quiet court this little gem hides. It's max 10min (with kids!) to the beach and has a lovely deck for when you get back. It's fully stocked with all that you could possibly need (including toys for kids). We had an amazing time here and would hi...

Stayed Dec 2020

Fantastic stay

Very close to the beach, beautiful sunset views. Beach is very nice and kids had fun. The second floor is very nice and has been updated. First floor furniture needs replacement, the owner/manager mentioned she is getting it replaced so it should loo...

Stayed Dec 2020

Such a beautiful place, such a beautiful view!

This place is really lovely - remodeled, comfortable, beautiful - such a great place to getaway and relax. I love Pajaro Dunes! It is so incredible to feel like you're right on the beach while you're sitting in comfort on the couch:) and then you can...

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Destination guide

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.

Things to do

Santa Cruz County is fun by the waves

There are plenty of Santa Cruz County vacation rentals to suit the whole family, plus Santa Cruz County attractions to keep the whole crew busy from morning to night. Check out the twirling carousels and concession stands of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, home to heart-thumping thrill rides, a Ferris wheel and gaming arcades. Just down the beach from that is the Santa Cruz, Big Trees & Pacific Railway. It's a vintage locomotive that chugs up a track first laid down in 1875, through redwood forests and up to the dusty Santa Cruz Mountains.

Activities

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.

Weather

So many great times in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County has different draws in different seasons. Summers, from June to August, are the most popular for Santa Cruz County vacation rentals by the beach, which fill up with swimmers and sunbathers looking to hone a tan. Fall – September and October – is a local pick, when the crowds recede and plenty of festivals come by. Winters are relatively mild and really quiet, making them perfect for dodging the crowds. Spring, in April and May, heralds the start of the best humpback whale-watching period and has some great surfing events, too.

Natural features

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.

How many vacation rentals are available around Santa Cruz County, US?

Our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 817 vacation rentals around Santa Cruz County. From 554 house rentals to 59 cabin rentals, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends.

What are the most popular destinations to visit in Santa Cruz County?

There are many lovely places to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Santa Cruz County. From Vrbo travelers, the top most popular destinations to visit are:

Aptos: 638 vacation rentals
Watsonville: 649 vacation rentals
Eastside Santa Cruz: 191 vacation rentals
Westside Santa Cruz: 158 vacation rentals
Santa Cruz: 562 vacation rentals

And Vrbo offers you the chance to discover many other popular destinations in Santa Cruz County! Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available in other popular destinations.

What are the main cities to discover in Santa Cruz County?

Whether you're traveling with family or friends, here are the cities with the largest selection of vacation rentals for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Santa Cruz County:

Aptos: 638 rentals
Watsonville: 649 rentals
Santa Cruz: 562 rentals
Capitola: 530 rentals
Felton: 542 rentals

For other cities, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

Near which points of interest can I spend my holidays in Santa Cruz County?

Vrbo offers a large selection of rentals near lovely places in Santa Cruz County. From Vrbo travelers, the top most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: 410 rentals
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: 738 rentals
Wilder Ranch State Park: 698 rentals
Santa Cruz Harbor: 738 rentals
Mission Santa Cruz: 723 rentals

But there are many other points of interest around Santa Cruz County listed on Vrbo where you can find your place to stay. Just write your wanted destination in our search bar and have a look at our selection.