Santa Cruz Vacation Rentals

A university town, Santa Cruz is a popular weekend spot with students taking a well-deserved break here, but the laid-back locals also make it a memorable destination. Several nearby beaches have often been referred to as the finest in the Western Hemisphere — how's that for a reason to visit? Book your Santa Cruz vacation rental for a date in paradise!

Flying in

Although the nearest major airport to Santa Cruz is in San Jose (SJC), travelers often land at the airports of San Francisco and Oakland. A taxi or rental car is the quickest way to get to your Santa Cruz vacation rental.

Dining out

Santa Cruz offers visitors a range of international cuisines to choose from. While here, profit from the ocean-front restaurants and lounge bars that offer prolific coastal views. Santa Cruz's laid-back vibes are best-experienced at the Asian Rose Cafe which serves vegan, Californian and Sri Lankan cuisine. For Thai-Vietnamese fusion under ambient lamps and shimmery lights, Charlie Hong Kong awaits. El Palomar and Jalapeños Taqueria dish out Mexican staples such as tortillas and tacos with finesse. Or you can pick up Chinese takeaway for later at your Santa Cruz vacation rentals.

For a fun night out, Pacific Avenue in Downtown Santa Cruz is the place to go; this stretch has a number of bars and clubs.

A good time to visit

Summer is the undisputed peak season, meaning you'll need to book your Santa Cruz vacation rental well in advance. Winter is a nicer time to visit and have the beach to yourself, as it never really gets cold here. Moreover, you're assured discounts on your Santa Cruz vacation homes, not to mention peace and quiet. The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn when colors change are recommended for nature lovers.

Things to do and see

The pedestrian-friendly downtown strip enjoys its proximity to the beach, and is perfect for a family stroll after dusk. Downtown Santa Cruz regales with its people-watching opportunities, restaurants with global cuisine, cool indie shops and clubs. The city's star attraction is the Beach Boardwalk, which is the only original boardwalk amusement park still in use on the West Coast. Municipal Wharf meanwhile is a great viewing point for the sea lions and pelicans. During winter, stop by Steamers Lane and watch the surfers and sea lions doing their bit to impress cheering onlookers.

Popular with tourists, the Mystery Spot is a visual illusion–based attraction that calls itself a 'gravitational anomaly' for the strange phenomena that take place here. See for yourselves and decide! A hike up to the University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC) will fetch you stunning bay views, redwood forests and the UCSC Arboretum. Rejuvenate at the clothing-optional family spa Kiva Retreat House, and unwind in your Santa Cruz vacation homes.

Art and culture

For a lowdown on the surfing culture from 1885 until the present day, come visit the Surfing Museum. For families, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center beckons with its native aquatic species in glass tanks, the dolphin-sighting area and terrific views of Monterey Bay after dusk.

Classic rock fans should check out the Grateful Dead Exhibit, which comprises an impressive collection of memorabilia and artifacts from the group. Jazz, bluegrass, folk, Celtic and world music enthusiasts should catch a gig at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center.

Excursion destinations

The kids will love the Delaveaga Disk Golf Course, which offers free entry and superb views. Next is the oldest state park in California, Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Año Nuevo State Park is home to one of the highest populations of elephant seals. The Natural Bridges State Beach thrills with its monarch butterflies and windsurfing opportunities, while the heavily-forested Henry Cowell State Park boasts the San Lorenzo River that flows through it.

Watersports enthusiasts should definitely indulge in some surfing, sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding in Santa Cruz. Mountain biking is a popular activity in the Santa Cruz mountains — note that some inclines can get steep.

Regular events

The Santa Cruz Blues Festival in May attracts crowds from all over the state for its impressive lineup. Every fall, artists open their studios for a few weeks to the general public as part of the 'Open Studios Art Tour'.

Discover all aspects of surf culture at the Santa Cruz Surf Film Festival held each September. Every Sunday, all year round, salsa enthusiasts dance up a storm at the boardwalk with Salsa By The Sea.

It is easy to see how Santa Cruz welcomes those of all tastes and sensibilities. Book your Santa Cruz vacation rental and gear up for a fun vacation.

Creating memories in Santa Cruz

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Overlooking the ocean, this hyper-modern building houses an exciting interactive marine animal sanctuary. Exploring the exhibits and marine inhabitants is rewarding for the whole family.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center

Make friends with a shark, learn about what scientists do, and enjoy views of the famous Monterey Bay at this center which is part of the University of California.

Mystery Spot

A supposed gravitational anomaly, this area has seen strange things happening ever since there have been people to observe them. Visit for quirky visual illusions and lots of fun.

Santa Cruz Wharf

Head to this lively wharf for great shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. It's also the starting point for various water sports and boat tours.

Natural Bridges State Beach

Monarch butterflies flood this stunning beach from the end of October until January. It's a natural wonder that the family won't forget in a hurry.

Frequently Asked Questions