With its iconic redwood forests and comfortable climate, Santa Cruz is one of California’s most appealing vacation destinations. This Bay Area gem has easy access to several sweltering beaches popular with swimmers and sunbathers alike.
Downtown Santa Cruz has a charming Spanish influence with an eclectic atmosphere. Browse the local stores or explore the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk before touring the city’s bars and restaurants. If you’re more of an adrenaline-seeker, check out Santa Cruz’s famous watersports scene for some diving, paddle boarding, and sailing.
Whatever your reason for visiting Santa Cruz, you’ll need somewhere to stay. We’ve put together a list of the best Vrbos that the city has to offer. Here are the 11 best Vrbo Santa Cruz vacation rentals.
All listings featured in this article are carefully selected by our editors. We may earn a commission when you buy something through our links at no cost to you.
Best Vrbo Santa Cruz Vacation Rentals at a Glance
- Most Unique Vrbo Santa Cruz Vacation Rental: Peaceful Treehouse With Ocean View
- Best Ocean Views: Luxury Oceanfront Penthouse
- Best Forest Views: Seacliff Sunset House
- Best Vrbo for Groups: Beauty At The Beachfront
Table of Contents
Vrbo Santa Cruz Vacation Rentals – Best Of
Most Unique: Peaceful Treehouse with Ocean View
Aptos, California
One of the best Vrbo Santa Cruz rentals is nestled in the hills above the city in the form of this stunning treehouse. This unique property allows you to soak up panoramic views from the incredible wraparound deck, and there’s even a hammock perched above the trees. Sliding doors separate the various rooms for a Zen-like atmosphere, with mid-century furnishings lending an air of sophisticated comfort to the space.
Read next: 16 Gorgeous Vrbo Los Angeles Vacation Rentals (2021)
Best Ocean Views: Luxury Oceanfront Penthouse
Rio del Mar, Aptos, California
Enjoy one of the most relaxing vacation rentals in Santa Cruz as you watch the Pacific sunset from your private balcony. Take a short walk down to Rio Del Mar Beach or take a dip in the nearby swimming pool. The spacious designer interior is bright and airy, with stunning contemporary furnishings and space for 10 guests for a truly calming experience.
Best Forest Views: Seacliff Sunset House
Aptos, California
Nestled between Borregas Creek and Seacliff State Beach is this charming chalet. Relax and enjoy the picturesque views above the trees from the outdoor hot tub and dual decking areas. Both outdoor spaces feature dining tables for wonderful sunset meals. Inside, the stylish retro interior creates a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for the whole family.
Read next: 14 Gorgeous Vrbo Laguna Beach Vacation Rentals
Best for Groups: Beauty at the Beachfront
Eastside Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
Looking for a relaxed atmosphere and luxurious surroundings? Look no further than this impressive Santa Cruz vacation rental. Enjoy seaside views of Monterey Bay from two outdoor decking areas, with private access to your own piece of Twin Lakes Beach. The crisp, contemporary interior offers a sense of calm, with comfy couches and bright, airy rooms. With space for 12, this home is perfect for an extended family vacation.
Other Stunning Vrbo Santa Cruz Vacation Rentals
Surfer’s Paradise with Ocean View and Hot Tub
Westside Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
Soak up the beachfront vibes in this comfy Santa Cruz Vrbo located right next to Lighthouse Field State Beach. Enjoy views of the nearby park from the upstairs great room or the outdoor deck. After a day spent in the beautiful Pacific waters, come back and relax in the hot tub. Indoors, lounge comfortably on the cozy furnishings, or take your evening meal outside on the expansive patio area.
Endless Summer Gorgeous Ocean-view Home
Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz, California
Located in the heart of Pleasure Point, this property is the perfect base for enjoying local watersports or soaking up the sun on the beach. Head out onto the deck for some stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, with an outdoor dining area for memorable meals at sunset. The property is just 15 minutes from iconic attractions such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, perfect for a family vacation.
Read next: 15 Gorgeous Vrbo San Diego Vacation Rentals
Stunning Beachfront Retreat at Seascape
Rio del Mar, Aptos, California
This beautiful property overlooks Hidden Beach in the popular Rio Del Mar area of Santa Cruz, with an expansive balcony gazing out across the Pacific Ocean. Sink into the sun loungers, enjoy the private sauna, or lounge comfortably inside on the plush furnishings. There’s also a private courtyard for some shaded privacy, along with an outdoor dining area.
Exclusive Multi-Million Dollar Neighborhood
Santa Cruz County, California
Enjoy luxurious seclusion in this expansive mansion perched on the hills above Santa Cruz. Less than ten minutes drive from the beach, this property gives you plenty of ways to relax. Soak in the outdoor hot tub or lounge out on the huge patio and admire the views. Several world-famous golf courses are nearby, and the estate is nestled within a ribbon of hiking trails for more adventurous guests.
Read next: 17 Gorgeous Vrbo Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals
Surfview Chalet
Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz, California
Situated in the popular Pleasure Point area, this charming chalet is right next to the ocean. You’ll be spoilt for choice, with most of Santa Cruz’s most popular beaches within walking distance. Inside, the contemporary interior is spacious and welcoming, with space for six. Enjoy the secluded shade of the decked balcony or tuck into a meal in the outdoor dining area.
Brand New Luxury Home in the Heart of Capitola Village
Capitola, California
This stylish new build in the Capitola neighborhood is the perfect base for exploring the Santa Cruz area. Two of the three bedrooms have private balconies, with a third patio accessed through the living room. You’ll be just a few minutes away from the picturesque Capitola Beach, and after a day out on the dunes you can return and relax in the calming interior of this contemporary property.
Beautifully Remodeled Home at Pleasure Point
Eastside Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
With a comfy contemporary interior, this bright, charming property is ideal for a family vacation. There’s room for six and the home is within easy distance of some of the best surfing in Santa Cruz. When you’re not out catching some waves, soak up the sun on the outside deck or relax under the shade of the garden seating area.
Discover more incredible Vrbos in California
- Best Vrbo San Diego Vacation Rentals
- Best Vrbo Los Angeles Vacation Rentals
- Best Vrbo Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals
- Best Vrbo Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals
- Best Vrbo Laguna Beach Vacation Rentals
- Best Vrbo Santa Cruz Vacation Rentals
- Best Vrbo San Francisco Vacation Rentals
- Best Vrbo Newport Beach Vacation Rentals
- Best Vrbo Joshua Tree Vacation Rentals
- Best Vrbo Palm Springs Vacation Rentals