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Savor the Santa Cruz Sunshine

Moments upon waking, you could easily find yourself scanning the horizon for breaching whales. Fresh ocean breezes go well with your morning coffee (especially when you’re still in your bathrobe and bare feet) and nothing quite compares to the feeling of emerging into the sunshine for a day of adventure after a satisfying night of sleep.


These experiences are typical when staying in a California vacation rental…and will highlight the best of Santa Cruz. Not that you’ll need much help when it comes to enjoying this charming town on the Central Coast. For starters, Monterey Bay is the site of Santa Cruz’s famous Beach Boardwalk, where it’s possible to take a ride on The Giant Dipper (an old wooden rollercoaster), play some pinball and maybe even snag some cotton candy for old time’s sake. Not every Historic Landmark is this much fun, so be sure to take advantage.


Santa Cruz, also known as Surf City, will also treat you to a leisurely and pleasant day of strolling and shopping downtown. Nature lovers will love exploring the Pajaro Valley and a calendar filled with special events and festivals means that you could end up with the chance to truly absorb the culture of this wine-loving, bird-watching, restaurant-filled and action-packed locale.


Paired with a convenient beach house that makes you feel like royalty or a bungalow on the river that’s as peaceful a place as you can imagine, it’s easy to see that a Santa Cruz vacation will keep you busy when you want to be and unencumbered when you don’t.


Book a vacation rental in Santa Cruz today and then let the countdown to California bliss begin.

  1. Casita de las Palmas
    Casita de las Palmas. Beautiful, brand new beach cottage on the West Side. — Property 252444

    Vacation Cottage rental in Santa Cruz area
    • Cottage
    • 2 bedrooms , sleeps 7
    • 2 bathrooms
    • beach, near the ocean
    • garden
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $1800 - $2000 per property per week
  2. Aquarius
    beachfront house on the sand with ocean views, hot tub, garden patio — Property 162884

    Vacation House rental in Santa Cruz area
    • House
    • 3 bedrooms , sleeps 8
    • 2 bathrooms
    • beach, waterfront
    • garden
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $2672 - $2926 per property per week
  3. Newly Appointed Luxury Beach Home - Welcome to the Harbor Lights! — Property 145807

    Vacation House rental in Santa Cruz area
    • House
    • 4 bedrooms , sleeps 8
    • 2 bathrooms
    • beach, waterfront
    • garden
    Rates (shown in USD)
  4. Villa de las Palmas
    Huge 4 bedroom, 2 bath home walking distance to West Cliff Dr. & Boardwalk — Property 246527

    Vacation House rental in Santa Cruz area
    • House
    • 4 bedrooms , sleeps 10
    • 2 bathrooms
    • beach, near the ocean
    • garden
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $3500 - $4000 per property per week
  5. Ocean View Cottage
    Ocean View, 4 Homes from Ocean- Santa Cruz — Property 237583

    Vacation House rental in Santa Cruz area
    • House
    • 2 bedrooms , sleeps 6
    • 1 bathroom
    • beach, near the ocean
    • balcony
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $1195 - $1450 per property per week
  6. New Beach House with White Water Views — Property 264523

    Vacation House rental in Santa Cruz area
    • House
    • 4 bedrooms , sleeps 10
    • 3 bathrooms
    • beach, town
    • garden
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $2800 - $3850 per property per week
  7. 26th Avenue Garden Cottage by the Sea — Property 267548

    Vacation House rental in Santa Cruz area
    • House
    • 2 bedrooms , sleeps 6
    • 1 bathroom
    • internet access
    • satellite or cable
    Rates (shown in USD)
  8. Ocean Front House & Pets
    Santa Cruz Pet Friendly Ocean Front Beach House Oasis — Property 258594

    Vacation House rental in Santa Cruz area
    • House
    • 4 bedrooms , sleeps 10
    • 2 bathrooms
    • 1 half bathroom
    • beach, waterfront
    • balcony
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $1990 - $2600 per property per week
  9. Luxury E-Cliff 4bd Beach House
    New, Elegant, Ocean View - Four Doors from the Best Beach in Santa Cruz — Property 256658

    Vacation House rental in Santa Cruz area
    • House
    • 4 bedrooms , sleeps 10
    • 3 bathrooms
    • beach, near the ocean
    • jacuzzi
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $2200 - $2950 per property per week
  10. Large 2 story house next door to beach with beautiful views of Monterey Bay. — Property 174651

    Vacation House rental in Santa Cruz area
    • House
    • 4 bedrooms , sleeps 18
    • 3 bathrooms
    • beach, waterfront
    • garden
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $1750 per property per week

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