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

Neighborhood: Twin Lakes

There’s so much to love here, from the high ceilings and lush garden to the gorgeous blue kitchen tiles. If you’re down to steam, there’s a sauna right in the backyard, along with a private hot tub surrounded by tropical greenery. The redwood deck, complete with a grill, is a great shout for cheffing up some tasty dinners. As if all of that wasn’t enough, you couldn't be better placed for a beach getaway, because here you’re five minutes from Twin Lakes State Beach, the perfect spot for long walks with your canine companion. It’s the ideal spot for dog-lovers and beach-babes alike. 

Time Out tip: Pleasure Point is just down the road, and offers amazing waves for keen surfers. 

Sleeps: 5 guests.

Perks: Washer/dryer, outdoor shower, TV, board games, portable fans, heating, WiFi, dedicated workspace, kitchen, coffee maker, BBQ, back garden, beach essentials, sun loungers, free parking, private hot tub, sauna, pets allowed. 

Price: From $1,200 for two nights.

Neighborhood: Seabright

Sunny Seabright is the location of this compact but cheerful home, with one bedroom and one sofa bed for getting some sleep after long beach days. Apparently, it’s decorated with a “Waldorf inspired Lazure technique”, but to an untrained eye: the walls are really colorful. There’s a fancy copper soaking tub in the garden with palm trees all around, so you’ll have no trouble relaxing. 

Time Out tip: Grab a brisket sandwich from Seabright Deli and enjoy lunch on Seabright Beach, before hitting Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for rides and sunset views. 

Sleeps: 3 guests.

Perks: Washing machine, outdoor shower, TV, air conditioning, portable fans, heating, travel cot, WiFi, dedicated workspace, kitchen, coffee maker, back garden, beach essentials, sun loungers, free parking, private copper tub. 

Price: From $430 for a nights.

Neighborhood: Neary Lagoon

Bring the beach indoors (not the sand, just the aesthetic) at this gorgeous lagoon-side cottage. Four guests can sleep comfortably here but it’s best suited to two, so might just be the couple’s retreat of your dreams. The MVP is the hot tub in the garden, but don’t let that distract you from all the other goodies here, like the fire pit, big private patio and light, airy living space. When you want to actually see the coast you’ve come for, Cowell’s Beach is just a 10 minute walk away.

Time Out tip: Neary Lagoon Park is on your doorstep and is an ideal bird-watching spot where you can catch sight of local hawks.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: TV, air conditioning, electric fireplace, ceiling fan, WiFi, dedicated workspace, kitchen, coffee maker, BBQ, back garden, fire pit, free parking. 

Price: From $980 for three nights.

Neighborhood: Near Westlake Park

This Spanish-style casita is a dream base for all Santa Cruz has to offer. One of four unique Earth Homes built into the hillside between 1929 and 1932, it’s specially designed to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter, so don’t worry that there’s no aircon listed. There are loads of small touches that make the home even more special (granola and oatmeal provided, a Dyson hairdryer with diffusers, plus an iMac if you need to do some work) but the curated cocktail bar is definitely the stand-out. Enjoy your drinks on the private patio with incredible sunset views. 

Time Out tip: The two bikes provided mean you can explore the area easily on two wheels. Pedal over to Companion Bakehouse for some pastry fuel before you tackle West Cliff drive, a three-mile stretch which takes in multiple small beaches and offers the opportunity for whale-spotting. 

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Harbor view, TV, board games, gas fireplace, portable fans, heating, WiFi, dedicated workspace, kitchen, coffee maker, beach essentials, bikes, free parking, breakfast provided, private patio. 

Price: From $750 for two nights.

Neighborhood: Twin Lakes

You couldn’t really get any closer to the sand than this. Soak up the ocean views while you’re cooking or relaxing thanks to the huge windows and two private balconies overlooking Twin Lakes State Beach, or luxuriate in the private hot tub: how you make the most of this place is up to you. After a beach day on your doorstep, you can come home, rinse off with the handy outdoor shower, and then settle in for a BBQ as the sun sets. Sounds like paradise to us!

Time Out tip: You’re probably going to want to make the most of the beach location, but if you fancy going ever so slightly further afield, Schwan Lagoon is a local beauty spot worth checking out. 

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Outdoor shower, washer/dryer, TV, travel cot, board games, indoor fireplace, portable fans, central heating, WiFi, kitchen, coffee maker, BBQ, beachfront home, ocean views, private balcony, private backyard, private hot tub, beach essentials, sun loungers, free parking. 

Price: From $940 for two nights.

Neighborhood: Seabright

Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner under the stars, followed by an indulgent round of s’mores at the fire pit at this family-friendly place. It’s got a distinctly comfy vibe, and plenty of the previous guests keep coming back each year which is always a great sign. 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. 

Time Out tip: 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. Just note that the apartment itself is suitable for kids who are 12+. 

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Washer/dryer, TV, ceiling fan, heating, WiFi, kitchen, coffee maker, dedicated workspace, back garden, firepit, BBQ, beach essentials, free parking. 

Price: From $980 for three nights.

Neighborhood: Beach Hill

Bring the whole gang to this sprawling townhouse, which boasts a deck and a patio with a BBQ for al fresco dining. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms and wide open living spaces mean you won’t be living on top of each other, and the hosts have helpfully included loads of kid-friendly amenities like highchairs and baby gates. You’re in a great spot for walking everywhere you need, but the home is peaceful and designed for relaxing in. TLDR, book this spot if you’re looking for a brilliant base for a family beach vacation.

Time Out tip: The Penny Ice Creamery and the Boardwalk are both in walking distance, perfect for big kids and little ones alike.  

Sleeps: 8 guests.

Perks: Outdoor shower, washer/dryer, TV, piano, cot, high chair, changing table, babysitting recommendations, baby safety gates, board games, air conditioning, potable fans, heating, WiFi, dedicated workspace, kitchen, coffee maker, BBQ, private backyard, fire pit, free driveway parking, EV charger, private deck, private patio. 

Price: From $1,200 for two nights.

Neighborhood: Near Santa Cruz Boardwalk

Cathedral-style ceilings and skylights give this place a really light, airy feel, and the loft bedroom means you’re tucked away with a great vantage point of the open plan living area. And there’s lots to look down on (literally, not metaphorically): a cozy logburner, a compact but well-equipped kitchen and a big comfy-looking couch. Outside there’s a little patio with seating, and the bedroom has a balcony off it too, so you’re spoiled for options when it comes to soaking up the Santa Cruz sun.

Time Out tip: Watch sea-lions from Santa Cruz Wharf, then head to El Palomar, locally loved for its Mexican dishes in a 1920s mission-style building. 

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks:  Washer/dryer, TV, board games, portable fans, heating, WiFi, kitchen, coffee maker, private back garden, beach essentials, free parking, private decks.

Price: From $600 for two nights.

Neighborhood: Seabright

There’s nothing wrong with wanting home comforts while you’re on vacation, so let this cute place cocoon you in cozy luxury. Spread out in a California king bed (hi, Rihanna) or curl up in front of the fireplace on a comfy couch. There’s also a private patio for sunset drinks with a very slight ocean view, and you’re close to the beach with everything you’ll need provided. Sit back and relax, you’ve earned it. 

Time Out tip: Nearby Crow’s Nest Restaurant is a popular spot for seafood with harbor views, and you’re also close to the very picturesque Walton Lighthouse. 

Sleeps: 5 guests.

Perks: Washer/dryer, TV, fireplace, heating, WiFi, kitchen, coffee maker, garden, patio, free parking. 

Price: From $1,500 for three nights.

Neighborhood: Twin Lakes

This place looks small from the outside, but it packs a lot into its compact footprint. There are two queens and another single bed, and three bathrooms mean you won’t be fighting your pals for a shower in the morning (or post-beach, because there’s one outside too). The backyard is full of lush greenery and then, of course, there’s the hot tub. When you’re all soaked-out, the harbor is a five minute stroll away, and the beach is just a little further.

Time Out tip: Chardonnay Sailing Charters, just across the bridge, offer luxury boat tours on Monterey Bay. Catch one of their sunset sails for a gorgeous evening on the water. 

Sleeps: 5 guests.

Perks: Outdoor shower, washer/dryer, TV, indoor fireplace, heating, WiFi, dedicated workspace, kitchen, coffee maker, BBQ, beach essentials, free parking, hot tub, private backyard.

Price: From $1,100 for two nights.

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