The 10 best Airbnbs in Santa Cruz for a memorable Californian getaway

With room for up to six guests, this two-story home offers an unparalleled Santa Cruz beachfront experience. With a spacious open living room, two bedrooms, and a large bathroom, this property provides a cozy haven for your Californian getaway. But the true gem of this place? We’d have to say the secluded tropical backyard. Complete with a wraparound deck, hot tub, outdoor shower, BBQ grill, and marble-top dining table, it's the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of wine after a long day.

Beds? Four beds. Sleeps up to six guests.
The space: A spacious property with old-world charm.
Location perks: This convenient location puts you close to Twin Lakes Beach and the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.
Budget range: A comfortable group stay for an affordable price. 

Looking to stay on Santa Cruz's famous beachfront? This Airbnb is your golden ticket. With four bedrooms, a spacious backyard, a front courtyard, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, this modern home is all about family comfort. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely lunch on the patio, relaxing in the open-plan lounge, or organizing a super competitive table tennis competition, there's never a shortage of activities to enjoy. Plus, you'll have exclusive access to a private beach where locals come to surf and bask in the sun.

Beds? 9 beds. Sleeps up to ten guests.
The space: A sun-soaked, ocean retreat. 
Location perks: Close to the famous Pleasure Point and Capitola Village.
Budget range: A hefty price tag.

Hunker down in this snug mountain cabin. Located just a short fifteen-minute drive from Santa Cruz and its beaches, this peaceful retreat is tailor-made for romantic escapes. Whilst the stylish bathroom and a well-equipped kitchen will cater to your everyday needs, the snug reading nook and super comfy bed are great for unwinding after a day of adventures. And if that weren't enough, the hosts go the extra mile to make your stay that little bit more special, delivering fresh complimentary croissants every morning to kickstart your day. For those traveling with a third or fourth person, they can also set up a twin-size tri-fold futon, complete with a fluffy comforter and pillow.

Beds? One bed. Sleeps up to four guests.
The space: A little powerhouse.
Location perks: Surrounded by forest and nature but still close to the center of Santa Cruz. It really is the best of both worlds.
Budget range: A memorable stay for a reasonable price. 

Built in 1928, this stylish duplex is nestled in one of Santa Cruz's most sought-after neighborhoods, Seabright. Known for its ample sunshine, charming houses, and welcoming community, this area offers quick access to the wharf, boardwalk, ocean, and the University of California Santa Cruz – great for prospective students looking to check out the campus. Inside the house, you'll find a comfortable queen-sized bed, a modern lounge area, and a TV with both Netflix and Amazon Prime. Not to mention the private courtyard that provides a comfortable spot to enjoy beautiful sunsets.

Beds? 2 beds. Sleeps up to three guests.
The space: Bright and airy.
Location perks: Within a mile’s walk, you’ll find the beach, the harbor, the boardwalk, and Rio Theatre.
Budget range: An affordable stay in a prime location.

Just a quick 15-minute drive away from Santa Cruz's city center, this Airbnb provides the perfect backdrop to reconnect with nature. Surrounded by mountains and redwood views, this alpine retreat has three big old bedrooms, two sofa beds, four bathrooms, and a fully loaded kitchen. Start your day with a morning coffee on the porch, taking in the crisp mountain air, before treating yourself to a soak in the freestanding bath, which offers epic views of the lush greenery below. There’s even a private pool and sauna to take your relaxation to the next level. Talk about Zen.

Beds? Five beds. Sleeps up to eight guests.
The space: A private pool, sauna, separate workspace, peloton bike, and foosball table. This place is loaded with awesome amenities.
Location perks: A peaceful setting with easy access to nearby towns and beaches.
Budget range: A pricey stay but the views are worth it.

Located in the heart of Santa Cruz's popular Seabright community, this luxurious beach bungalow is sure to be the cherry on top of your US vacation. The ensuite master bathroom is a true gem, boasting a fully tiled walk-in shower with both rain and adjustable shower heads, along with a one-of-a-kind heartwood vanity. The kitchen is also fully decked out, featuring a Wolf range cooker, Subzero refrigerator, recycled glass countertops, and a handmade farmhouse sink. You’ll even find a super roomy California King bed in the master bedroom (cue the Rihanna song).

Beds? Four beds. Sleeps up to five guests.
The space: Quaint cottage vibes.
Location perks: Ideal location close to key attractions. The Santa Cruz Nature Museum, Beach Boardwalk, and Yacht Harbor are all within walking distance.
Budget range: A wallet-friendly stay for family and friends.

Wake up to spectacular ocean views at this third-floor studio apartment in Santa Cruz's Capitola Villa. Whether you're exploring the quaint beach town, enjoying lazy days at the beach, or taking the cruiser bikes for a spin, you'll never be short of exciting activities. For surf enthusiasts, there are surfboards available for guests to use, making it easy to catch some waves at the nearby beach, just a short walk away. Inside the studio, you'll find all the essentials, including a well-equipped kitchen, a dedicated work area, a bathroom, and a balcony. What more could you ask for?

Beds? Two beds. Sleeps up to four guests.
The space: A small studio that packs a punch.
Location perks: Situated in Santa Cruz’s Capitola Village a lively and vibrant seaside town. 
Budget range: Not too bad- one to consider if you want to focus your budget on beachside beers.

This good-looking Airbnb comfortably sleeps up to four guests, making it an ideal choice for couples or families with children over twelve. Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner under the stars, followed by an indulgent round of s’mores at the fire pit. The location is pretty ideal too. Nestled on a peaceful, tree-lined street right by the harbor, you’ll have easy access to restaurants, nightlife, shopping, hiking trails, and the iconic Santa Cruz Boardwalk, all within walking distance. And, if you’re in the mood for an evening drink, Brady’s Yacht Club is a great place for a pint and a game of pool.

Beds? Two beds. Sleeps up to four guests.
The space: Warm and inviting.
Location perks: Walking distance to numerous attractions. If you’re looking to explore a bit further, you can easily rent bikes just one block away.
Budget range: A reasonably priced stay.

If you're on the lookout for a property to accommodate a large group, this five-bedroom home is hard to beat. It's packed with tons of amenities, including a spacious backyard, a jacuzzi, sauna, outdoor shower, ping-pong, a fire pit, and even a cold plunge pool – the list goes on. Not only that, but it's in a prime location, conveniently close to Lighthouse Beach, the Surfing Museum, and the world-famous 'Steamers Lane' surf spot. And, for those who prefer to kick back at home, you can relax on the property's porch and watch the world go by – you might be lucky enough to spot dolphins, whales, or pelicans.

Beds? Ten beds. Sleeps up to fourteen guests.
The space: Large and in charge.
Location perks: The amenities speak for themselves.
Budget range: A more expensive stay but reasonable for large groups.

Find a home away from home at this beachside Airbnb. Featuring two inviting bedrooms, a giant soaking tub, a fully stocked kitchen, and an open-plan living area, this stylish retreat has all the comforts you need for a restful stay. The hosts provide a bike, surfboard, and beach gear, so you’ll have everything you need to ‘Cruz’ through the city (see what we did there?). The master bedroom boasts a seriously impressive view of the famous boardwalk, giving you a clear idea of just how close you are to Santa Cruz’s most popular landmarks.

Beds? Two beds. Sleeps up to five guests.
The space: Super chic.
Location perks: Take a leisurely stroll down the river path to access the shops and restaurants in downtown Santa Cruz. 
Budget range: A more affordable stay for the budget-savvy traveler.