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Happy Harbor

Photo gallery for Happy Harbor

Outdoor dining
Marina
Outdoor dining
Marina
Private kitchen

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue
  • Balcony
  • Internet access

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Garden

About this property

Happy Harbor

Summary:

Located in the heart of the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor is a sunny two-story home, fully furnished with views of the ocean, Walton Lighthouse and Yacht Harbor.



The Space:

VR PERMIT # 221358 expires 12/10/2027



Welcome to Happy Harbor – Your Ideal Family Getaway in Santa Cruz!



Nestled in the picturesque Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor, Happy Harbor is the perfect home for families seeking adventure and relaxation by the sea. This charming, fully furnished two-story home boasts stunning views of the ocean, the iconic Walton Lighthouse, and the lively harbor, providing a memorable backdrop for your family vacation.



Accommodating up to 6 guests, this spacious home is ideal for families or small groups looking to explore all that Santa Cruz has to offer. Each room is thoughtfully decorated to capture the coastal charm, blending comfort and beachside elegance.



The heart of the home is the kitchen, fully equipped with all the essentials for preparing family meals. With modern appliances, plenty of counter space, and a variety of cooking utensils, it's the perfect spot to whip up everything from quick breakfasts to family dinners. Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining area offers a cozy place to gather and share meals.



One of the best features of Happy Harbor is the enclosed courtyard, a private outdoor retreat. Relax in the covered patio seating, perfect for sipping morning coffee or enjoying evening cocktails. The courtyard also includes a BBQ grill, ideal for family cookouts and outdoor dining under the stars.



The spacious living area is designed for comfort, with plush seating and large windows that fill the room with natural light, offering beautiful views of the harbor. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a fun-filled day of beach activities, or to simply enjoy some quiet time with your favorite book.



Please note that this property is "handicap friendly" - there are two steps to enter the house from the backyard, and one bedroom, bathroom and living space are all on one level



Outdoor Fun for the Whole Family

Step outside and you're just a short walk from Twin Lakes Beach, a fantastic spot for families to soak up the sun, swim, or play beach games. For added excitement, rent paddleboards or kayaks to explore the calm waters of the harbor or cruise along the coastline. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is also nearby, where you can enjoy thrilling rides, arcade games, and a classic seaside experience for all ages.



For a delicious meal with a view, head to the nearby Crow's Nest, a family-friendly restaurant that offers fantastic food and vibrant summer BBQ parties that both locals and visitors love.



More than Just a Place to Stay

Happy Harbor is more than just a vacation home; it’s your gateway to everything Santa Cruz has to offer. From local attractions to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're here to relax by the beach, try out new activities, or enjoy the harbor’s dynamic atmosphere, this home is the perfect base for an unforgettable family vacation.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 10:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

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Events

No events allowed

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Pets

No pets allowed

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

🚨 Top 5 Non-Negotiables 🚨 (Please read before proceeding with your booking) 1. No Parties or Events — Ever Any party, gathering, or event will re...

Important information

You need to know

Property # 1939421vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Santa Cruz

Located in Eastside Santa Cruz, a neighbourhood in Santa Cruz, this holiday home is near theme parks and near the beach. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Monterey Bay and Capitola Beach. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History and Boardwalk Bowl are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby fishing, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling.
View more Holiday homes in Santa CruzOpens in a new window
Map
Santa Cruz, CA

What's nearby

  • Santa Cruz Harbor - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Harbor Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Twin Lakes State Beach - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Seabright Beach - 16 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 8 min drive - 2.2 km

Getting around

  • Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Crow's Nest Restaurant - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Betty Burgers - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Verve Coffee Roasters - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪L & L Hawaiian Barbecue - ‬5 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Happy Harbor pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Happy Harbor?

As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Happy Harbor on 7 February 2027 start from NZ$999, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Happy Harbor?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Happy Harbor?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Happy Harbor?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Happy Harbor located?

Located in Eastside Santa Cruz, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Santa Cruz Harbor and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Monterey Bay is 2.7 mi (4.4 km) away.

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 12 out of 15 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 15 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 15 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 15 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marsail F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was well maintained and the host was easy to connect with.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 December 2025
Thank you for choosing Beachnest Vacation Rentals!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elisa Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house is a great location. We booked this for UCSC graduation weekend and it was perfect. A short drive/uber to campus, walkable to the harbor. House itself was clean and comfortable. Parking was tight, but it worked out.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lanette G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquil Beach Retreat.

Adorable house, great for all ages! Had fabulous views from the 2 decks. Loved all the reading material and even enjoyed a visit from Blu the harbor cat. Hope to stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2022
Thank you for choosing Beachnest Vacation Rentals, Lanette! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay at the Happy Harbor in Santa Cruz.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Priya M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy, great views, beach themed home

Had a lovely stay at beach themed home. Loved the views and decor of home. Walking distance to the beach and close to Santa Cruz board walk. Nice out door patio with view of marina. Large deck off the master with beautiful views. Definitely would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2022
Thank you for choosing Beachnest Vacation Rentals, Priya! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay at the Happy Harbor in Santa Cruz.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jan N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

View of Harbor

Nice dwelling in a nice area overlooking harbor. Easy access. No problems.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

boardwalk beach week

The house was as pictured. The location was centered to both downtown Santa Cruz and Capitola. The furnishings were complete and there was no problem with anything. We were three adult females with three female children.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 24 August 2022
Thank you for choosing Beachnest Vacation Rentals, Linda! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay at the Happy Harbor in Santa Cruz.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Teena N.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

Great location but..... maintenance, cleanliness and management not so great.

We loved the location. The fees were outrageous for a two day stay. The house was lacking general maintenance and cleaning. The toilet downstairs was sketchy, the water kept running and it didn't want to flush. The managers said turn off the water to the toilet, after they told us to jiggle the handle. It would eventually turn off. About a $30 part would fix that issue. The front slider screen fell off the frame the first time we opened it, we texted and crickets. The lights in the bedrooms were odd. In the room I stayed in only one lamp in the entire room worked and the walk in closet light didn't work. There was an extension cord stapled to the wall that led behind a dresser and under the carpet. There was an overloaded power strip that the light was on but I'm not sure what the deal was with the lights. I'm sure that doesn't meet California electrical code. Fire hazard for sure. There was bird poop on the screens, wall, and the patio surround that was quite unsightly, obviously had been there awhile and not cleaned up. The tracks for both of the sliders were dirty and full of debris. Obviously the $#%) cleaning fee for two nights was not being utilized correctly. Wouldn't stay there again but I liked the neighborhood.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 31 July 2022
It was unfair retaliation on social media - but it doesn't change the fact that we rated you a one-star guest. Perhaps this will assist other management companies in determining whether or not to rent to you in the future.
Verified

8/10 Good

Marianne H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely harbor location!

The house is as advertised. Location is fabulous! Lower deck is THE place to spend time! Quick walk to the Crow's Nest, market and beach. Parking was not too bad. Furnishings are dated and hodge podge. A little too much clutter-decor for my taste. Owners clothes in downstairs bedroom closet stuck me as odd.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tony R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location. Great house.

Even though it rained most of the days we were there we had a great time. The location was great for visiting different places around the area and for just hanging out near the harbor. Beach was near by for when it was not raining. House was a great hang out space for when it was raining. We would definitely stay again.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maureen L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beach House Happiness

The house was darling, location was fabulous and we will be back again!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place

The location is ideal. Close to the Beach and Harbor. Lots to see and do. The house was clean and comfortable, with all the desired appliances. We stayed here in August 2021 with three generations - grandmother, father, daughter and spouses. Something for everyone.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous property in a great location!

Such a cute, clean, comfortable and lovely place with a fantastic view! Easy walk to the beach and restaurants. Fantastic.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Debbie W.

Liked: Location, listing accuracy

Overall experience

When we arrived at 3:00PM our check in time, the Housecleaner was there & had not mopped the floors yet. She was surprised to learn that 3:00 was our check in time. She hurriedly mopped but they were filthy. We cleaned them ourselves as our infant granddaughter was getting dirt stains on her hands, knees & feet. After that, we loved our stay. The house was charming, great location, & wonderful view. Thank you very much! We hope to stay there again!!!💓
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Twin Lakes location in SC!

We recently stayed at this property that is overlooking the harbor in Santa Cruz. This place is super cute and the views were amazing! Easy walk down to the beach and kayak rental right nearby as well. There are even a couple of places to eat within walking distance. We brought bikes and biked down to Pleasure Point which was great. All in all this place is perfect for a family of 4+.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 17 November 2020
Thanks for choosing Beachnest Vacation Rentals, John! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay at the Happy Harbor, and hope you will come again.

About the host

Hosted by Reservations

Host profile image

Beachnest Vacation Rentals offers you the finest assortment of vacation rentals and beach rentals in Santa Cruz and surrounding areas. Whether you are looking for a fun vacation rental for a week-long family reunion, a family and pet-friendly vacation home, or a romantic getaway – the ultimate vacation experience awaits you in sunny Santa Cruz. Our comfortable, well-maintained and fully furnished vacation rentals provide you with a true home-away-from-home and each property is close to all that Santa Cruz County has to offer. Allow us to help customize your Santa Cruz vacation rental with the amenities that are most important to you – from dramatic oceanfront whitewater views to family and pet-friendly properties, we focus on top-notch customer service from the time you begin your initial inquiry, to the time that you check-out – our highest priority is to exceed your expectations.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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