Sunny and colorful, Santa Cruz is your quintessential California beach town where life revolves around exquisite beaches and parks. When you’re not strolling the Boardwalk, cycling West Cliff Drive, or catching a wave, you need somewhere to get your beauty sleep. Here’s the best of the Airbnb Santa Cruz vacation homes for couples, families, and surfers.
Photo: Airbnb
These Santa Cruz Airbnb Rentals Are the Perfect Escape for Surfers, Artists, and Beach Lovers
We hope you love the Santa Cruz Airbnb rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Unique Airbnbs in Santa Cruz
Luxurious historic windmill silo house
Whimsical and magical yet perfectly functional, this kooky windmill Airbnb Santa Cruz sits on the bank of Soquel Creek in Capitola Village. Rental grants access to three dwellings on the same plot – a windmill, a silo, and a renovated vintage trailer. Interior spaces across both units are brought to life with every color under the sun while all bedrooms offer water views. Bonus facilities include a ping pong table, hot tub, and putting green.
Twelve guests, six bedrooms
Price: $1,300 per night
Santa Cruz Airbnbs with pool
Luxury oceanview villa with infinity pool
This Mediterranean-style villa is kitted out with top-tier appliances and materials including a chef’s kitchen, French limestone, reclaimed pine floors, and a home movie theater. Gaze across Monterey Bay from the infinity pool and hot tub before heading indoors for a game of billiards and a cocktail from the bar. If this isn’t luxurious enough, the host has a private chef and professional massage therapist on speed dial.
Ten guests, five bedrooms
Price: $1,995 per night
Santa Cruz/Soquel home with ocean view
Located in the tranquil Capitola Village, this beautiful Santa Cruz Airbnb vacation rental offers ocean views. External decks and the backyard are surrounded by trees for privacy but that doesn’t stop this place from being a real suntrap. Facilities include a swimming pool, grill, ping pong table, and outdoor dining area. Besides the master and a kid-friendly twin room, the pool house accommodates a further two guests.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $430 per night
Gated estate house with views of the Boardwalk
Checking into this luxury home feels akin to stepping into a glossy magazine. Rooms are artistically appointed with designer furniture including a Le Corbusier chair and Chesterfield sofa. The blue-tiled bathroom with a deluxe soaking tub is exactly what you need after a day of surfing, hiking, or cycling. The patio of this downtown Santa Cruz Airbnb overlooks the Boardwalk and is a 10-minute walk from the beach.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,125 per night
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Boardwalk oasis with hot tub, bikes, and surfboards
This groovy cottage is stylishly appointed with a compact yet complete kitchen and two cozy double bedrooms. The vacation home has the perk of a private backyard with a hot tub and hammock for lazy days. Exploring the area is made easy: the host provides a pair of surfboards as well as four beach cruiser bikes. Best of all, dogs are welcome at this pet-friendly Airbnb Santa Cruz.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $575 per night
Beach oasis in Downtown Santa Cruz
Reimagined as a modern California vacation home, this two-story Victorian pad comes with an ambient backyard with a hot tub and fire pit. Each of the two bedrooms enjoys high ceilings while the master is affixed with a picturesque balcony. This downtown Santa Cruz Airbnb near the Boardwalk is perfect for families and first-time visitors. A stash of board games as well as an arcade game adds a few extra brownie points.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $465 per night
Santa Cruz beach house Airbnb rentals
Relaxing West Cliff Escape with hot tub
Situated in a quiet neighborhood a stone’s throw from downtown Santa Cruz and the beach, this immaculate vacation rental is a solid choice for families. The kitchen features every utensil and appliance you could possibly need – just remember to swing by one of the city’s legendary farmers’ markets. A fenced backyard offers privacy for enjoying a session in the hot tub or a barbecue dinner around the grill.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1,180 per night
Beach house with hot tub just a block to the ocean
Originally constructed in 1905, this historic home has been meticulously refurbished for modern needs with a country estate vibe. A spacious open-plan lounge and dining area that trickles into the kitchen is the epicenter of the home. The master bathroom features a clawfoot bathtub while the back patio comes with a Jacuzzi. There’s no extra fee to bring your dog to this pet-friendly Airbnb Santa Cruz.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $755 per night
Surfhouse with hot tub, bikes, surfboards, and kayaks
This cute turquoise bungalow is decorated with a wholesome flair with fantastically-proportioned living quarters and bedrooms. It’s all about the backyard, where you’ll find a hot tub, bocce ball court, and hammock. Step into the games room where you’ve got a pool table and bouldering wall to keep the boredom at bay. Bikes, surfboards, and a two-person sea kayak are all thrown in for good measure.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $625 per night
Caledonia paradise vacation home with sauna and Jacuzzi
This pretty bungalow is packed with character. Carefully chosen art and furnishings add personality while a piano is on standby for musical guests. French doors connect the bedroom to a botanical backyard brimming with flowers. Take the tandem cruiser out for a spin and spend indulgent evenings flitting between the sauna and hot tub.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $340 per night
Beautiful historic Spanish-style home with bicycles for two
Thoughtfully appointed and tastefully decorated, the host of this Santa Cruz Airbnb has left no stone unturned. Boutique bathing products, kitten-soft towels and bedding, and even a welcome gift ensure the highest level of comfort. A fireplace adds warmth for the evenings while the leafy patio is the perfect spot for your morning brew. Bicycles are provided as part of the rental. 
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $375 per night