Santa Cruz holiday rentals

Why visit Santa Cruz

• Stunning Beaches: Santa Cruz boasts beautiful beaches perfect for sunbathing, surfing, and beach volleyball, providing a quintessential Californian coastal experience.
• Scenic Wharf: The Santa Cruz Wharf offers picturesque views and is ideal for leisurely strolls, dining, and marine wildlife spotting.
• Vibrant Boardwalk: The iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features amusement rides, games, and attractions, making it a fun destination for families.
• Natural Parks: Explore nearby state parks for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the region's diverse flora and fauna.
• Local Culture: Experience the lively arts scene and local events that reflect Santa Cruz's unique charm and community spirit.

Popular types of accommodation in Santa Cruz

Discover the charm of Santa Cruz, California, with its scenic coastline, vibrant boardwalk, and a plethora of attractions right on its doorstep. Whether you fancy private holiday homes, cosy cottages, or stylish condos, Santa Cruz offers a range of star accommodations to fit every taste. Embrace the coastal lifestyle, explore local landmarks, and create unforgettable memories in this iconic Californian city.

• Private Holiday Homes: Experience the charm of a secluded retreat with independent, fully-equipped homes.
• Condos: Enjoy modern comforts in stylish, self-contained condominium units.
• Cottages: Relish the quaint appeal of cosy, picturesque cottages ideal for a peaceful break.
• Apartments: Discover the convenience of urban living in well-appointed apartment spaces.
• Villas: Indulge in spacious, elegant villas offering a luxurious holiday experience.**

Top attractions in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, offers a delightful blend of outdoor and beach experiences perfect for families and travellers alike. Explore the scenic Santa Cruz Wharf, relax on the stunning beaches, or enjoy the natural beauty of nearby state parks. The vibrant local culture comes alive through various activities and attractions, including the iconic jetty and pier, making it an ideal destination for those seeking adventure and relaxation in a picturesque coastal setting.

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: This vibrant amusement park offers thrilling rides and attractions right by the beach, perfect for families and adventure seekers alike. With classic boardwalk games and a lively atmosphere, it's an iconic Santa Cruz experience.
• Capitola Beach: A picturesque beach known for its charming seaside village vibe, Capitola Beach is ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, and enjoying stunning ocean views. Its colourful beachfront is perfect for leisurely strolls.
• Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: This magnificent park features towering redwoods and scenic trails, providing an immersive outdoor adventure. The serene environment is perfect for hiking and appreciating nature's beauty.

Things to do recommended for couples

Discover Santa Cruz's enchanting charm on a cosy couple's retreat. Enjoy a scenic coastal walk, savour delightful local cuisine, and explore the vibrant boardwalk, all while basking in the serene seaside ambience.

Things to do recommended for families

Families will delight in exploring the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, with its thrilling rides and games. Don’t miss the Seymour Marine Discovery Center for a hands-on marine experience, or enjoy a scenic hike through the redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

Things to do recommended for groups

Groups visiting Santa Cruz can enjoy a thrilling day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, explore the picturesque redwood forests at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and relax on the stunning beaches while indulging in local seafood delicacies at nearby restaurants.

What do I need to keep in mind when booking a vacation in Santa Cruz

Whether you’re journeying with a group, as a family, with your pets, or seeking extended stays, be sure to select the appropriate filters. Here are some Stayz booking tips to assist you.

• Traveling to Santa Cruz with a group: Consider how many bedrooms you'll require, along with facilities like a fully equipped kitchen or an outdoor area suitable for a group get-together. Thankfully, you can refine your search to include all these features, and many more, on Stayz.
• Traveling to Santa Cruz with young kids: Traveling with young children can be demanding, as you must prioritise their comfort and safety, along with ensuring access to age-appropriate amenities like a private swimming pool. It is also wise to consider the distance to family-friendly attractions.
• Taking your pets with you to Santa Cruz: For many, a family holiday isn’t complete without the company of a furry friend. If you share this sentiment, explore Stayz properties that welcome pets. Most pet-friendly accommodations provide feeding dishes and beds, ensuring that every member of the family feels at home.
• Planning for a long term stay visiting Santa Cruz: If you’re searching for holiday lets that offer discounts for stays of a month or more, you’ve come to the right place. With the appropriate filter, you can effortlessly discover and save on monthly rentals. You might also consider including a parking space, a well-equipped kitchen, or a private pool in your search.

Where to stay in and around Santa Cruz

Experience the charm of Santa Cruz, California, with its inviting beach escapes, family-friendly atmosphere and excellent surfing spots. Enjoy outdoor excursions and relaxing coastal holidays while exploring local attractions and scenic neighbourhoods. This vibrant city offers an ideal getaway with a blend of business-friendly and leisure pursuits, making it a perfect holiday destination for travellers seeking both adventure and tranquillity in a quintessential Californian setting.

• Capitola: Capitola is a vibrant city located 6km away from Santa Cruz, offering travellers a delightful outdoor, beach, and family experience. The town is known for its scenic beach and bay views, and invites you to explore its amusement park, boardwalk, and recreational areas. The area is ideal for a leisurely day out, where you can enjoy coastal charm and a variety of family-friendly attractions, all set against the backdrop of a picturesque theme park.
• Twin Lakes: Twin Lakes is a quaint village in the vicinity of Santa Cruz, where visitors can enjoy a blend of outdoor, beach, and family experiences. This charming locale offers access to an amusement park, boardwalk, and recreational areas, along with nearby attractions such as a sandy beach, family beach, and a theme park. Twin Lakes provides a relaxed environment for those seeking a mix of natural beauty and fun-filled activities.
• Pleasure Point: Pleasure Point is a trendy neighbourhood near Santa Cruz, celebrated for its outdoor, beach, and scenic appeal. It boasts excellent access to a local amusement park, boardwalk, and recreational areas, while its attractions include a lovely beach, a serene bay, and a national state park. This area is perfect for travellers who appreciate a blend of natural landscapes with a touch of coastal excitement.

Best time to go to Santa Cruz

If you're planning a trip to Santa Cruz, it's a good idea to check both the weather and property rates. The warmest month is September. Peak season runs from June to August, while off-peak times, like December to February tend to have fewer bookings and better deals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	54.7°F (12.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	56.7°F (13.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	60.1°F (15.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	63.3°F (17.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	63.9°F (17.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	61.5°F (16.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
December	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average

Booking with Stayz is a breeze

Looking to save on your next holiday? Consider being flexible with your travel dates, as prices can fluctuate. Moreover, extending your stay often results in significant savings. To discover the ideal Stayz accommodation that fits your budget, utilise our filters to search by price, location, and type of holiday rental.

Stayz Trips: Planning made easy

Stayz’s Trip Board offers a user-friendly platform for planning your journeys. You can easily create new trips, resume your previous ones, or manage and organise your travel plans. All the properties you’ve saved or booked are neatly sorted into categories like Potential, Upcoming, or Current Trips. To begin exploring Trip Boards, please visit: https://www.stayz.com.au/trips.

**Based on Vrbo properties bookings.

Explore the beachside setting in Santa Cruz

Enjoy the entertainment and other features of Santa Cruz. This walkable city is known for its beaches, sporting events and seaside. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay are just a couple of the must-see attractions. Whether you're planning a family holiday, romantic stay or trip with friends, holiday rentals offer features like full kitchens and laundry facilities for a more convenient stay.

Activities and attractions in Santa Cruz

Are you searching for attractions to visit in the city? Travellers enjoy fun activities like surfing, camping and cycling. Venture out of your cosy holiday rental and check out everything that Santa Cruz has to offer. These are some of the most popular attractions to put on your list, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (1.1 mi / 1.7 km)
• Pasatiempo Golf Course (1.8 mi / 2.9 km)
• Seascape Golf Club (7.8 mi / 12.6 km)
• Mount Madonna Center (15.9 mi / 25.5 km)
• Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (17.9 mi / 28.8 km)
• Mountain Winery (19.6 mi / 31.6 km)

Exploring the beaches and other natural features in Santa Cruz

Whether you're looking for exciting outdoor activities or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, Santa Cruz is a great place to spend some time outside. Here are some of the area’s most eye-catching natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

• Monterey Bay (13 mi / 20.9 km)
• Santa Cruz Main Beach (1.1 mi / 1.8 km)
• Cowell's Beach (1.2 mi / 1.9 km)
• University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum (1.5 mi / 2.5 km)
• Seabright Beach (1.6 mi / 2.5 km)
• Twin Lakes State Beach (1.8 mi / 2.9 km)

Seasonal weather in Santa Cruz

Travellers speak highly of Santa Cruz for its surfing. If you're hoping to enjoy some warm-weather activities on your holiday, September, August, July and October are the hottest months to visit, when temperatures average 17°C.

Transport to and around Santa Cruz

The nearest airport is in Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal), located 13.4 mi (21.6 km) from the city centre. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you might consider flying into San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.), which is 27.6 mi (44.3 km) away.