A colorful coastal town with a sandy beach and a calm sea.

Holiday Rentals in Santa Cruz

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Check prices for these dates

In two weeks
16 Oct - 18 Oct
In two months
27 Nov - 29 Nov
In three months
25 Dec - 27 Dec
In four months
22 Jan - 24 Jan

Our top choices for Santa Cruz holiday rentals

A cozy cabin interior with wooden walls, a sofa, a bench, and large windows offering a view of the forest.

1. Fern River Resort

Fern River Resort
3.0 star property
Felton
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (523 reviews)
"Unbelievably beautiful property among the redwoods, adorable red cottage next to a creek! I can't wait to go back. I've told all my friends about this place, and if I was not such an oldie (over 50), I would definitely do an Instagram about it! Charming, quiet and lovely place to stay."
United States
CarriLin
The price is €111
includes taxes & fees
26 Oct - 27 Oct
Fern River Resort
A bedroom with a large bed, a desk, a dresser, and a view of the outdoors through a sliding door.

2. Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel

Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel
4.0 star property
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (14 reviews)
"Great location and the room was very cute. Would stay again."
United States
Andrea
The price is €152
includes taxes & fees
26 Oct - 27 Oct
Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel
A patio with outdoor furniture, a barbecue area, and a television mounted on the wall.

3. Charming Coastal Getaway – 5 Min to Boardwalk!

Charming Coastal Getaway – 5 Min to Boardwalk!
Westside Santa Cruz
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (10 reviews)
"Great stay. Loved the property"
United States
EDDIE B.
Charming Coastal Getaway – 5 Min to Boardwalk!
A modern house with a patio area featuring a wooden table and chairs, a covered seating area, and a potted plant.

4. Aptos Bayview, large 1 Br.Cottage, Pets & parking. Ocean View deck, fire pit

Aptos Bayview, large 1 Br.Cottage, Pets & parking. Ocean View deck, fire pit
Aptos
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (85 reviews)
"We loved the location, the kitchen and most of all the view and fire pit!! Celebrated our 30th anniversary. Joe was very friendly, accommodating and helpful."
United States
Kimberly
The price is €295
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Aptos Bayview, large 1 Br.Cottage, Pets & parking. Ocean View deck, fire pit
A wooden dock extending into a calm river, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

5. Capitola Nook Along The Creek.

Capitola Nook Along The Creek.
Capitola
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (218 reviews)
"Great location! Nice room comfy beds ! We had a great time and easy directions for check in and out !"
United States
Jeri K.
Capitola Nook Along The Creek.
A bedroom with a large bed, a nightstand, a lamp, a framed picture on the wall, and a view into the bathroom.

6. Oceanfront Beach House overlooking the Boardwalk

Oceanfront Beach House overlooking the Boardwalk
Westside Santa Cruz
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (36 reviews)
"Great location for visiting the boardwalk and wharf!"
United States
Tom T.
The price is €1,143
includes taxes & fees
18 Oct - 19 Oct
Oceanfront Beach House overlooking the Boardwalk
Living area

7. Liberty Cottage - Walk to Beach

Liberty Cottage - Walk to Beach
Westside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (3 reviews)
"Place was very well maintained and in an excellent location! Loved staying there."
United States
Kristine K.
Liberty Cottage - Walk to Beach
A patio with a wooden table and chairs, a potted plant, and a string of lights.

8. Sunlit Surf Guest House - Downtown -2bd/1ba

Sunlit Surf Guest House - Downtown -2bd/1ba
Westside Santa Cruz
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (13 reviews)
"We enjoyed staying there. Very comfortable"
United States
Chelsea S.
The price is €504
includes taxes & fees
4 Oct - 5 Oct
Sunlit Surf Guest House - Downtown -2bd/1ba
A garden pathway with various plants and a wooden fence.

9. 4th house from Twin Lakes Beach and an easy walk to the Boardwalk

4th house from Twin Lakes Beach and an easy walk to the Boardwalk
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (267 reviews)
"Great location, loved it!"
United States
Alfonso C.
The price is €618
includes taxes & fees
4 Oct - 5 Oct
4th house from Twin Lakes Beach and an easy walk to the Boardwalk
A modern living room with a white sofa, two armchairs, and a coffee table. There are decorative pillows and a painting on the wall.

10. The Boardwalk Haven - Santa Cruz, CA

The Boardwalk Haven - Santa Cruz, CA
Westside Santa Cruz
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (30 reviews)
"Really enjoyed our time here at the Haven. It was clean, modern, and well put together. We’ll definitely be back!"
United States
Joey L.
The Boardwalk Haven - Santa Cruz, CA
A backyard with a hot tub, a patio table, and a wooden fence.

11. Harbor home - with a hot tub!

Harbor home - with a hot tub!
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (5 reviews)
"Very nice place. "
United States
Rick H.
The price is €623
includes taxes & fees
12 Oct - 13 Oct
Harbor home - with a hot tub!
A spacious living area with a curved staircase leading to a second floor, a kitchen with a central island, and a cozy seating area with a sofa and bar stools.

12. Luxury beach retreat in Capitola Village

Luxury beach retreat in Capitola Village
Capitola
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (56 reviews)
"Fantastic place, location is perfect! Fireplace kept us wam and so happy to have a parking spot."
United States
Nadia T.
Luxury beach retreat in Capitola Village
Living area

13. Artistic Pelican in Downtown Santa Cruz

Artistic Pelican in Downtown Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (2 reviews)
"Amazing property we loved our stay extremely unique and charming!"
United States
Nicholas P.
The price is €469
includes taxes & fees
1 Oct - 2 Oct
Artistic Pelican in Downtown Santa Cruz
A residential street with houses, a parked car, and a view of the ocean.

14. Oceanview Retreat with Hot Tub

Oceanview Retreat with Hot Tub
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (164 reviews)
"Great location, nicely updated house, great stay!"
United States
Ben C.
Oceanview Retreat with Hot Tub
A purple house with a black door, a small porch, and a tree in the foreground.

15. Charming 5 BD Victorian House by Beach Boardwalk

Charming 5 BD Victorian House by Beach Boardwalk
Westside Santa Cruz
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (17 reviews)
"We had an outstanding stay. Hosts were very easy to communicate with. Home was very clean and we would happily stay there again!"
United States
Daniel B.
Charming 5 BD Victorian House by Beach Boardwalk
A coastal landscape with a rocky shoreline, waves crashing against the rocks, and a large building with multiple stories on a grassy hill.

16. Dazzling Family Beach Retreat: HOT TUB, BIKES, SURF BOARDS, BBQ, BEACH ACCESS

Dazzling Family Beach Retreat: HOT TUB, BIKES, SURF BOARDS, BBQ, BEACH ACCESS
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (301 reviews)
"Great location, everything we needed was there, perfect."
United States
Cathy P.
The price is €657
includes taxes & fees
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Dazzling Family Beach Retreat: HOT TUB, BIKES, SURF BOARDS, BBQ, BEACH ACCESS
A patio with outdoor furniture, a stone table, and a wooden fence.

17. 6+BD Downtown House Walk to Beach Boardwalk!

6+BD Downtown House Walk to Beach Boardwalk!
Westside Santa Cruz
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (11 reviews)
"Great location, spacious welcoming house, attentive host. Perfect for a family reunion: grandchildren, grandparents, parents, friends, and the dog. Would come here again."
United States
Richard E.
The price is €1,239
includes taxes & fees
4 Oct - 5 Oct
6+BD Downtown House Walk to Beach Boardwalk!
Room

18. Seas The Day and Skip to the Ocean

Seas The Day and Skip to the Ocean
Westside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (6 reviews)
"Great stay with family. Loved the hot tub. Great location! "
United States
Stefanie K.
Seas The Day and Skip to the Ocean
A room with a sliding glass door leading to a patio with outdoor furniture and a view of a beach.

19. Harbor Haven-Ocean Views, Steps to Beach + Dining

Harbor Haven-Ocean Views, Steps to Beach + Dining
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (10 reviews)
"We loved our stay and would definitely book again!"
United States
Kim D.
Harbor Haven-Ocean Views, Steps to Beach + Dining
A modern living room with a grey sofa, a round coffee table, and a fireplace.

20. Capitola Village Condo - 1 min walk to beach

Capitola Village Condo - 1 min walk to beach
Capitola
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (27 reviews)
"We stayed in these units on multiple occasions and love it every time. Great location!"
United States
Rachel G.
Capitola Village Condo - 1 min walk to beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Top Santa Cruz Hotel Reviews

Marea Sol Hotel

Marea Sol Hotel

8/10 Good
"Clean, cute, convenient, comfortable beds, flat pillows, and no luggage carts - which made it difficult for us traveling by motorcycle. We paid for a partial ocean view and to be fair you could see the ocean if went out on the balcony and looked real hard :)."
Karilee 1-night trip
Posted 8 hours ago
Marea Sol Hotel

Find out more about Santa Cruz

Everything you need to know about Santa Cruz holiday rentals

Whether you’re excited for the perfect family holiday, a romantic getaway for two, or the ultimate city break, we’ve got the Santa Cruz holiday rental for you. At Expedia, you can take your pick from private holiday homes, apartments, cottages, apart-hotels, cabins, villas... The list goes on, and on… and on!

There’s just as wide a choice of amenities, too. Maybe you’re dreaming of your own pool, long evenings in a hot tub, or watching the kids laugh through the day at a waterpark. Maybe you just want a quiet retreat in a pet-friendly apartment. Well, we can help you find it. Hunt out the perfect Santa Cruz holiday rental for you by simply entering your desired dates. Then check your favorite filters to narrow down your search. 

Santa Cruz holiday rentals: An excellent choice for every season

Whenever you want to travel, a warm welcome awaits you in Santa Cruz. If you’re looking for a little peace, consider booking during the quieter months, such as  . For more hustle and bustle, you may prefer to visit in . 

Prices vary throughout the year and depends on the property type. Your chosen location and amenities will impact the cost of your trip, too. A Santa Cruz holiday rental often works out to be a fantastic, cost-effective option for groups and families visiting for a few nights or longer. And if a hotel room is just too small, get a holiday rental with multiple bedrooms and shared living spaces to kick back in.  The selection of Santa Cruz holiday rentals we have selected for you start as low as €152 per night. Entering your travel dates in the search wizard you might find even better deals!

How to find incredible deals on Santa Cruz rentals

At Expedia, we put the best Santa Cruz holiday rentals in one place. All you need to do is take your pick. And as we offer book now, pay later options, as well as free cancellation on some properties, you can plan your trip with total peace of mind. You’ll always find a great deal with Expedia. 

To find some top Santa Cruz rental deals, enter your travel dates, and sort your search results by price. You can also filter by budget, so you only see accommodation in your ballpark. Next, add any filters you want—and just like that, you’ve built your dream Santa Cruz holiday.

If you’re looking for a little inspiration, browse our latest incredible offers, or use the map to view all accommodation in and around Santa Cruz. And to unlock even more fantastic deals, bundle your accommodation, flights, and car rental together to save and book with Expedia in complete confidence. 

Frequently asked questions

Can I find a holiday rental in Santa Cruz?

Yes, there are holiday rentals in Santa Cruz close to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, or you can select a more secluded option if you're looking for a relaxing stay. Visitors to Santa Cruz like the scenic seaside and entertainment choices this destination is known for. Make sure you have time to check out the sporting events while you're in the area.

What are some of the best holiday rentals that Santa Cruz has to offer?

Spacious Santa Cruz Beach Home, Walk to the Ocean, Game Room, Pet Friendly!: This highly rated holiday home rental in Santa Cruz is located on a lake, and has a fireplace, a balcony and a BBQ to put you at ease in your new surroundings. It has 6 bedrooms, as well as a kitchen with a dishwasher, a fridge and a stovetop, so that you can cook with friends or family. You can relax into your holiday with a garden and a selection of games. Some other top choices in Santa Cruz are 6+BD Downtown House Walk to Beach Boardwalk! and Beautiful View...and a short walk to Boardwalk!.

How many holiday rentals are there in Santa Cruz?

With 274 Expedia holiday rentals, you're guaranteed to find just the right place for your Santa Cruz stay.

What’s there to see and do in Santa Cruz?

Family-friendly attractions include Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, whereas Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Main Beach are a couple of great spots to enjoy the outdoors. While here, Ocean Street and Pacific Avenue are other places worth a visit.

What’s a holiday rental in Santa Cruz like?

Holiday rentals are privately owned properties you can book for a few days, or a quick weekend, in Santa Cruz. Holiday rentals feature extras such as patios, hot tubs and fire pits so you'll feel just like you're at home. If you're concerned about cleanliness, a holiday rental can offer a sense of security away from shared hotel lifts and busy concierge desks while still allowing you the excitement and enjoyment of travel. You'll also have more space in a holiday rental than in a hotel, which makes a holiday rental an attractive option for family trips.