A row of colorful buildings along a sandy beach at sunset.

Santa Cruz County holiday rentals

We found 1,284 holiday rentals — enter your dates for availability

Select from 569 houses, 83 apartments and other holiday rentals to find the perfect place for your stay in Santa Cruz County. Whether you’re staying in a holiday home with friends, family or just with your pet, you'll have the best amenities for spending time at your home away from home, which might include parking and a garden. No matter what you're looking for, you'll be sure to find a property to rent that has what everyone needs, including accessible or non-smoking choices.

Popular Santa Cruz County destinations on Stayz

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

Santa Cruz

A waterfront residential area with colorful houses and a bridge at dusk.

Capitola

A beach with waves, a person in yellow, and a cloudy sky.

Aptos

A waterfront with buildings reflecting on the water, palm trees, and a dock extending into the water.

Watsonville

A coastal landscape with rolling hills, golden grass, and a sea of clouds above.

Los Gatos

A sandy beach with waves and grassy dunes.

Pajaro Dunes

Holiday rentals with weekly discounts – Santa Cruz County

Showing deals for:1 Jan - 8 Jan

Exceptional

(49 reviews)

Cozy Creekside Cabin in Santa Cruz Mountains

Soquel

9% off

AU$2,512

for 7 nights, 1 cabin

AU$359 per night

includes taxes & fees

Stroll through lavender-lined paths leading to your private vineyard-inspired retreat in San Martin, CA. Perfect base for exploring Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail tastings & nearby boutique wineries

Enjoy breakfast or coffee in this sunny dining nook with garden views. A cozy spot for families, wine country explorers, golfers, or team retreats to start the day together

Golden sunsets & serene vineyard views create the perfect backdrop for corporate retreats, team building, or executive getaways in San Martin’s wine country.

Exceptional

(74 reviews)

Grand Farmhouse • Hot Tub • Heated Pool • Bocce • Pickle Ball

San Martin

8% off

AU$12,336

for 7 nights, 1 home

AU$1,762 per night

includes taxes & fees

Exceptional

(7 reviews)

Pets welcome and no check-out chores at Redwood Grove Retreat!

Boulder Creek

16% off

AU$4,218

for 7 nights, 1 cottage

AU$603 per night

includes taxes & fees

Exceptional

(141 reviews)

Oceanfront, family friendly, close to Natural Bridges and Boardwalk:

Santa Cruz

10% off

AU$11,158

for 7 nights, 1 home

AU$1,594 per night

includes taxes & fees

Ocean view from living room, dining room, kitchen.

Exceptional

(161 reviews)

BEACH FRONT HOME in Paradise! 2 min walk down your private path to ocean waves!

Castroville

8% off

AU$14,040

for 7 nights, 1 home

AU$2,006 per night

includes taxes & fees

Exceptional

(55 reviews)

Pacific View Treehouse

Watsonville

8% off

AU$5,665

for 7 nights, 1 cabin

AU$809 per night

includes taxes & fees

Upstairs Bedroom with queen bed, lofted ceilings and stunning ocean views

Dining Room with Office Desk and open concept to kitchen and living room

Exceptional

(149 reviews)

La Selva Beach House with Ocean Views! 2 bedrooms, 2 bath plus private den

Watsonville

8% off

AU$9,777

for 7 nights, 1 home

AU$1,397 per night

includes taxes & fees

Master Bedroom w/French doors, decorative fireplace & balcony

Exceptional

(37 reviews)

Waterfront Riverhouse • Private dock, 2‑min beach walk, FP, BBQ, Prking, Laundry

Capitola

8% off

AU$9,743

for 7 nights, 1 home

AU$1,392 per night

includes taxes & fees

You can even soak in the views while you prep for dinner.

The open concept extends the view to the sea.

Wonderful

(22 reviews)

Refreshed Oceanfront Beach House with two Master Suites

Castroville

8% off

AU$7,628

for 7 nights, 1 home

AU$1,090 per night

includes taxes & fees

Exceptional

(5 reviews)

Beach Point Pleasure Point Bungalow

Santa Cruz

6% off

AU$11,700

for 7 nights, 1 home

AU$1,671 per night

includes taxes & fees

Exceptional

(25 reviews)

Charming Cupertino Retreat: Spacious Home near Apple HQ, Dining and Shopping!

Cupertino

8% off

AU$5,523

for 7 nights, 1 home

AU$789 per night

includes taxes & fees

A hot shower is located adjacent to the hot tub for a quick rinse.

Exceptional

(78 reviews)

Entelechy Ranch - A Cozy Redwood Resort

Watsonville

8% off

AU$7,893

for 7 nights, 1 home

AU$1,128 per night

includes taxes & fees

upstairs king bedroom 2 with deck access through door shown

Exceptional

(199 reviews)

Beach House Overlooking Seacliff State Park and Rio Del Mar Beach, Aptos

Aptos

7% off

AU$5,098

for 7 nights, 1 home

AU$728 per night

includes taxes & fees

The deck at Aldo's restaurant on the yacht harbor, a 10 minute walk.

Exceptional

(191 reviews)

Beautiful 1 bedroom in Seabright Beach area

Santa Cruz

7% off

AU$2,413

for 7 nights, 1 cottage

AU$345 per night

includes taxes & fees

Exceptional

(95 reviews)

Scenic Getaway With Ocean Views

Santa Cruz

8% off

AU$2,641

for 7 nights, 1 home

AU$377 per night

includes taxes & fees

Kids love the cozy swing on this private deck — fun and relaxing spot for play

Exceptional

(10 reviews)

Family Favorite-Mickey Dream Loft + TREE house, A Tiny Home Adventure

San Jose

8% off

AU$3,237

for 7 nights, 1 home

AU$462 per night

includes taxes & fees

Just 2 houses down and to the left, a set of stairs to the beach awaits!

Exceptional

(78 reviews)

Ocean Views, Two Doors From Seabright Beach

Santa Cruz

5% off

AU$10,315

for 7 nights, 1 home

AU$1,474 per night

includes taxes & fees

Quaint and comfortable living space along the creek.

Exceptional

(218 reviews)

Capitola Nook Along The Creek.

Capitola

9% off

AU$4,175

for 7 nights, 1 cottage

AU$596 per night

includes taxes & fees

Exceptional

(51 reviews)

💥Weekly/Monthly DISCOUNT💥 Santa Cruz Home close to OCEAN+POOL+HOT TUB + DOGS💕

Santa Cruz

8% off

AU$12,613

for 7 nights, 1 home

AU$1,802 per night

includes taxes & fees

Great room conversation pit with ample seating and comfort 65" TV

Exceptional

(46 reviews)

Pajaro Dunes Beachfront - Hot Tub + Direct Beach Access

Watsonville

12% off

AU$14,739

for 7 nights, 1 home

AU$2,106 per night

includes taxes & fees

Quiet Private Magical Los Gatos vacation rental

Quiet Private Los Gatos vacation rental home

Wonderful

(13 reviews)

Charming Los Gatos–Saratoga–Monte Sereno Vacation House

Los Gatos

8% off

AU$4,140

for 7 nights, 1 home

AU$591 per night

includes taxes & fees

Wonderful

(14 reviews)

Pajaro Dunes Resort: New 3Bed/2Bath Rental Just Steps Away From The Ocean!

Watsonville

7% off

AU$7,922

for 7 nights, 1 apartment

AU$1,132 per night

includes taxes & fees

Pelican Point sits at the southernmost tip of Pajaro Dunes.

Comfortable patio to enjoy the coastal views!

Easy access from your patio to the beach.

Exceptional

(66 reviews)

Pajaro Dunes Resort: Pelican Point Beach Condo - Beach, Ocean & River Views

Watsonville

9% off

AU$5,074

for 7 nights, 1 apartment

AU$725 per night

includes taxes & fees

House is surrounded by vineyard, oak trees and a waterfall

Private driveway & parking + tennis, basketball, pool & spa (warm season only)

Exceptional

(61 reviews)

Family-friendly 3BR resort experience on quiet vineyard near Stanford/Palo Alto

Portola Valley

9% off

AU$5,133

for 7 nights, 1 home

AU$733 per night

includes taxes & fees

Find spaces that suit your style

House

Condo/Apartment

Cabin

Cottage

Villa

Chalet

Find the best place to stay - Santa Cruz County

Pacific View Treehouse

Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom

Premier Host

Either Way Hideaway

Sleeps 4 · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom

Mays Luxury Farm Stays

Sleeps 4 · 1 bedroom

Premier Host

Breathtaking Beach Front House - Steps to the Sand

Sleeps 10 · 4 bedrooms · 3 bathrooms

Santa Cruz Oceanfront Escape with Panoramic Views!

Sleeps 8 · 3 bedrooms · 3 bathrooms

Premier Host

Cozy Creekside Cabin in Santa Cruz Mountains

Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom

Choose a holiday rental for your Santa Cruz County getaway

Learn about the unique charm of Santa Cruz County with a stay in a holiday home rental. This city has something for everyone. Take in top local attractions such as Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. If you're looking for accommodation options with space to entertain friends and family, HomeAway has plenty of options to choose from. Many rental homes offer full kitchens and laundry facilities, perfect for big groups.

Sightseeing in and around Santa Cruz County

Are you looking for attractions to visit during your stay? Although it can be tempting to stay in your comfortable holiday rental, you'll want to check out everything that Santa Cruz County has to offer. These are some of the top attractions to put on your list, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (6.4 mi / 10.3 km)
Monterey Bay Aquarium (29.6 mi / 47.7 km)
Pasatiempo Golf Course (4.7 mi / 7.6 km)
Seascape Golf Club (6.8 mi / 10.9 km)
Mount Madonna Center (11.9 mi / 19.2 km)
Cinnabar Hills Golf Club (14.2 mi / 22.9 km)

Exploring the natural landscape of Santa Cruz County

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, you'll be sure to find the perfect setting for your holiday in Santa Cruz County. These are some of the area's most stunning natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

Monterey Bay (16.9 mi / 27.2 km)
New Brighton State Beach (4.7 mi / 7.6 km)
Capitola Beach (5.1 mi / 8.2 km)
Seacliff State Beach (5.5 mi / 8.9 km)
Twin Lakes State Beach (5.9 mi / 9.6 km)
Sunny Cove Beach (6.1 mi / 9.8 km)

Transport to and around Santa Cruz County

The nearest airport is in Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal), located 12.1 mi (19.5 km) from the city centre.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay in Santa Cruz County when booking a holiday home?

Santa Cruz is among the more in-demand areas to find a holiday home in Santa Cruz County. Looking for some top things to do in this destination? Don't miss Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and University of California, Santa Cruz.

What is the most popular type of holiday home accommodation in Santa Cruz County?

The most in-demand types of holiday homes in Santa Cruz County are houses. Searching for something different? Stayz offers a variety of options to match our guests' requirements, so you'll see holiday properties in lots of sizes and shapes. The perfect fit is waiting for you — grab yours today.

How much does it cost to rent a holiday home in Santa Cruz County?

The average price for a holiday home in Santa Cruz County can vary based on factors such as season, property type and length of stay. Whether you prefer a sprawling villa with lots of space or an apartment for just you and your sweetheart, just enter your dates of travel to view stays with amazing value.

How much does it cost to rent a beach house in Santa Cruz County?

When you travel and the size and style of the property will influence the cost of your beachside holiday home. Put in your Santa Cruz County travel dates to see your options on Stayz. Can't live without a private pool? Use the filters to select the features and amenities you want in your beach house.

Are there large group holiday homes in Santa Cruz County?

With 80 holiday homes that can sleep 10 or more guests in Santa Cruz County, you won't have to keep your invite list short. From fun family holidays to events like Thanksgiving or Christmas parties, Stayz will help you find a large group home that fits the occasion.

What are the top attractions for families in Santa Cruz County?

Keeping the kids happy during your holiday in Santa Cruz County is a snap with these fabulous family-friendly attractions:

Roaring Camp Railroads
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Can I find two-bedroom holiday homes in Santa Cruz County?

Santa Cruz County has 227 two-bedroom holiday homes for you to select from. Enjoy a holiday home with all the comfort and space you're looking for at a fantastic price on Stayz.

Are there holiday homes with WiFi in Santa Cruz County?

Pick from 266 holiday homes with WiFi in Santa Cruz County. If you want to disconnect from daily life on your escape, but still want to be connected to the internet, these properties have just what you need. Narrow your search by applying the WiFi filter on Stayz.

How old do you have to be to rent a holiday home in Santa Cruz County?

The minimum age permitted can vary across properties on Stayz, so be sure to check the rules of the holiday home in Santa Cruz County you're interested in. But typically, it's 16, 18 or 21.

How long can I rent a holiday home in Santa Cruz County for?

How long you can rent a holiday home in Santa Cruz County depends on the property. Simply enter your chosen dates to see a list of options offering extended stays. With many amenities such as kitchens and air conditioning, as well as some offering weekly or monthly discounts, you're sure to discover someplace just right to call your home away from home in Santa Cruz County.

More holiday ideas

Holiday homes