Santa Cruz holiday homes

Why visit Santa Cruz

• Stunning beaches: Santa Cruz boasts beautiful sandy shores, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach activities.
• Outdoor adventures: Enjoy hiking, biking, and exploring picturesque coastal trails, showcasing breathtaking views.
• Vibrant local culture: Experience the lively atmosphere of downtown, filled with art, music, and local markets.
• Family-friendly attractions: Discover amusement parks and interactive experiences that cater to visitors of all ages.
• Scenic jetties and piers: Stroll along the iconic piers and enjoy stunning ocean vistas and vibrant marine life.

Top attractions in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz offers a blend of outdoor adventures and family-friendly experiences, perfect for those seeking a beach holiday with a cultural twist. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant local culture, explore pristine beaches, and wander along scenic jetties and piers. Rich in natural beauty and history, the city provides an ideal setting for nature lovers and those looking to immerse themselves in a relaxed coastal ambiance.

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: A classic seaside amusement park in Santa Cruz offering outdoor adventure and family fun with thrilling rides and arcade attractions.
• Capitola Beach: Enjoy a scenic beach vibe just 6km from Santa Cruz, perfect for a relaxed day by the ocean with stunning coastal views.
• Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Laboratory: Explore marine science and culture at this family-friendly museum in Santa Cruz, where interactive exhibits bring the ocean's wonders to life.

Things to do recommended for couples

Santa Cruz offers a delightful escape for couples. Enjoy a scenic stroll along West Cliff Drive, take a sunset walk on the beach, or share a cozy dinner at a seaside restaurant. Don't miss the charming Santa Cruz Boardwalk for fun rides and games to create lasting memories together.

Things to do recommended for families

Your family will love exploring the vibrant Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, featuring thrilling rides and games. Spend a day at the stunning Natural Bridges State Beach, perfect for picnics and tide pooling, or visit the fascinating Seymour Marine Discovery Center for an educational experience.

Things to do recommended for groups

Groups visiting Santa Cruz can enjoy the vibrant Boardwalk with its amusement rides and games, explore the stunning redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and relax on the beautiful beaches while soaking up the Californian sun.

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

Whether you're journeying with a group, travelling as a family, bringing along your pets, or seeking extended stays, be sure to apply the appropriate filters. Here are some helpful Vrbo booking tips for you.

• Traveling to Santa Cruz with a group: Think about how many bedrooms you'll require, along with features like a fully equipped kitchen or outdoor areas for group get-togethers. Thankfully, you can easily filter for all these options and more on Vrbo.
• Traveling to Santa Cruz with young kids: Traveling with young kids can be a challenge. You must ensure their comfort and safety, along with age-appropriate facilities like a private swimming pool. It’s also wise to consider how close you are to family-friendly attractions.
• Taking your pets with you to Santa Cruz: For many, a family holiday isn’t complete without including their four-legged mate. If this resonates with you, have a look at Vrbo properties that welcome pets. Most pet-friendly homes come equipped with feeding bowls and beds, ensuring that all members of the family feel perfectly at home.
• Planning for a long term stay visiting Santa Cruz: If you’re after holiday rentals with special offers for month-long stays, you’ve come to the right spot. With the proper filter, you can effortlessly find and save on monthly rentals. You might also want to include extras like a parking space, a well-equipped kitchen, or a private pool in your search.

Where to stay in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a charming coastal city ideal for outdoor, family, and beach holidays. Explore downtown Santa Cruz's vibrant neighbourhoods, where friendly locals and a relaxing atmosphere welcome you. Enjoy scenic excursions along the coastline, and immerse yourself in the local culture, with plenty of family-friendly attractions that capture the essence of Santa Cruz, CA. Discover the magic of this Californian gem, where every corner reveals a new experience.

• Capitola: Nestled a mere 6km from Santa Cruz, Capitola is a charming coastal city known for its scenic outdoor settings and family-friendly atmosphere. With sandy beaches and a sparkling bay, it offers a delightful mix of adventure and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy a day out at the local amusement park or take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk. The recreational areas provide ample opportunities for picnics and outdoor fun, making it an ideal spot for families and adventure seekers alike.
• Westside Santa Cruz: Located within the vibrant area of Santa Cruz, Westside Santa Cruz is a neighbourhood that perfectly blends outdoor leisure with family fun. Its proximity to sandy beaches and a stunning bay make it a popular destination for those seeking a mix of amusement park thrills and relaxing boardwalk strolls. The area also offers engaging educational venues, making it a well-rounded experience for visitors of all ages.
• Twin Lakes: Situated in the scenic surrounds of Santa Cruz, Twin Lakes is a quaint village that offers a refreshing escape for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Its inviting beach atmosphere is complemented by a range of activities including boardwalk adventures and visits to nearby recreational areas. The local landmarks, including a family-friendly beach and a thrilling theme park, ensure that there’s plenty to explore for those seeking both excitement and relaxation.

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.

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

Booking with Vrbo is a breeze

Are you seeking to make the most of your next adventure? Being flexible with your travel dates can lead to some great savings, as prices often fluctuate. Additionally, consider booking a longer stay to unlock even more significant discounts. To discover a Vrbo property that aligns with your budget, utilise our filters to sort by price, location, and type of holiday rental. We're here to help you find the perfect getaway.

Vrbo Trips: Planning made easy

Vrbo’s Trip Board provides a convenient platform for planning new trips, managing your travel arrangements, or reviewing your bookings. The properties you've saved or reserved are now categorized into Potential, Upcoming, or Current Trips. To discover more about Trip Boards, please visit: https://www.bookabach.co.nz/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.