A university town, Santa Cruz is a popular weekend spot with students taking a well-deserved break here, but the laid-back locals also make it a memorable destination. Several nearby beaches have often been referred to as the finest in the Western Hemisphere — how's that for a reason to visit? Book your Santa Cruz holiday letting for a date in paradise!
Top 15 Recommended holiday lettings in Santa Cruz
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Budget-friendly Holiday Homes in Santa Cruz
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Popular holiday rental amenities in Santa Cruz
Nearly half of the accommodation options provide a pool, which makes Santa Cruz an excellent destination for holidaymakers looking to spend their holidays poolside. Holiday rentals with pools in Santa Cruz cost, on average, £333 a night. Most of the listed accommodation options with pools are hotel room. If you would also like to be close to the water, nearly half of the rentals providing a pool are situated within 2 kilometres of the waterfront.
Waterside Holiday Rentals in Santa Cruz
Price and Availability Index for Santa Cruz
Holiday Letting Price Information in Santa Cruz
The price graph will give you the nightly price average for the upcoming months. In Santa Cruz, prices rise to around £374 in August (08/08 – 15/08). Prices are at their lowest during one week in April (18/04 – 25/04), when costs are £281 on average.
Rental availability information in Santa Cruz
The graph shows the weekly availability rate in Santa Cruz for the next year. The week with the highest booking rate is in March (13/03 – 20/03). Only 5 of the rentals are still available. In contrast, only 23% of the holiday homes are booked during a week in July (11/07 – 18/07).
Things to do and see
The pedestrian-friendly downtown strip enjoys its proximity to the beach, and is perfect for a family stroll after dusk. Downtown Santa Cruz regales with its people-watching opportunities, restaurants with global cuisine, cool indie shops and clubs. The city's star attraction is the Beach Boardwalk, which is the only original boardwalk amusement park still in use on the West Coast. Municipal Wharf meanwhile is a great viewing point for the sea lions and pelicans. During winter, stop by Steamers Lane and watch the surfers and sea lions doing their bit to impress cheering onlookers.
Popular with tourists, the Mystery Spot is a visual illusion–based attraction that calls itself a 'gravitational anomaly' for the strange phenomena that take place here. See for yourselves and decide! A hike up to the University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC) will fetch you stunning bay views, redwood forests and the UCSC Arboretum. Rejuvenate at the clothing-optional family spa Kiva Retreat House, and unwind in your Santa Cruz holiday homes.
Excursion destinations
The kids will love the Delaveaga Disk Golf Course, which offers free entry and superb views. Next is the oldest state park in California, Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Año Nuevo State Park is home to one of the highest populations of elephant seals. The Natural Bridges State Beach thrills with its monarch butterflies and windsurfing opportunities, while the heavily-forested Henry Cowell State Park boasts the San Lorenzo River that flows through it.
Watersports enthusiasts should definitely indulge in some surfing, sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding in Santa Cruz. Mountain biking is a popular activity in the Santa Cruz mountains — note that some inclines can get steep.
Creating memories in Santa Cruz
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Centre
Overlooking the ocean, this hyper-modern building houses an exciting interactive marine animal sanctuary. Exploring the exhibits and marine inhabitants is rewarding for the whole family.
Seymour Marine Discovery Centre
Make friends with a shark, learn about what scientists do, and enjoy views of the famous Monterey Bay at this centre which is part of the University of California.
Mystery Spot
A supposed gravitational anomaly, this area has seen strange things happening ever since there have been people to observe them. Visit for quirky visual illusions and lots of fun.
Santa Cruz Wharf
Head to this lively wharf for great shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. It's also the starting point for various water sports and boat tours.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Monarch butterflies flood this stunning beach from the end of October until January. It's a natural wonder the family won't forget in a hurry.
Information about holiday rentals in Santa Cruz
| 🏡 Holiday homes available | 1,164 rentals |
|---|---|
| 🌙 Nightly prices from | £118 |
| ⭐ Popular amenities | Pool, Pets allowed and Parking |
| 🐾 Pet friendly rentals | 285 properties |
| 🏊 Holiday rentals with pools | 557 properties |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a common nightly price for a holiday rental in Santa Cruz?
You can book a holiday home in Santa Cruz for as little as £118 per night. Prices vary depending on the type of holiday let, season, and amenities. Use HomeToGo to compare deals and find the best value for your trip.
How many holiday cottages are available to book in Santa Cruz? And what are the most popular types of holiday lets?
There are currently 1,164 holiday lettings in Santa Cruz to choose from and book for your next trip. The most popular types of holiday lets in Santa Cruz include house rentals and bed and breakfast rental. They’re ideal whether you’re planning a romantic escape or a group getaway. Use HomeToGo to easily find the top-rated holiday rental for your trip.
What is the most searched holiday home amenity in Santa Cruz?
When booking a holiday apartment in Santa Cruz, consider looking for a place with Pool, Pets allowed, or Parking, which are the most popular amenities for this destination.
Do you offer holiday homes with a swimming pool in Santa Cruz?
Looking for a pool? You’ll find that nearly half of holiday cottages and homes in Santa Cruz have one. Enjoy your own private swim spot by browsing one of the 557 properties with a pool available. Browse poolside holiday rentals on HomeToGo, starting from around £333.
Are there any pet-friendly holiday cottages in Santa Cruz?
Absolutely! Pet-friendly holiday rentals in Santa Cruz are widely available. So your furry friend doesn’t have to miss out on the adventure. Just tick the ‘Pets allowed’ filter on HomeToGo to see what’s available for you and your pet.
What is the perfect time to travel to Santa Cruz?
Sun lovers should visit Santa Cruz in September and October to enjoy the warmest weather.
How do I find deals on holiday homes in Santa Cruz?
You can find brilliant bargains on holiday lets in Santa Cruz with prices for accommodation beginning at £118 - and HomeToGo has introduced a range of filters that make it a piece of cake to uncover the best offers. When considering different dates for your break, search with HomeToGo's flexible dates technology to easily look for low-price date options and see savings of as much as 9%. Moreover, HomeToGo's 'distance from' filter lets you uncover hidden gem holiday homes in lower-price, lesser-known locales with good proximity to the area of your choice, whether that's sand and sea, a mountain for snowboarding, or a city's urban hub. Start your search as soon as possible to get the benefits of good availability and the best deals - and do so without worries by ticking HomeToGo's 'free cancellation' filter when searching for holiday accommodation.
What are the advantages of choosing a holiday letting in Santa Cruz with HomeToGo?
From serenity away from the crowds to more space for relaxing with your family, friends or partner, holiday homes in Santa Cruz have many bonuses. HomeToGo shows you genuine ratings written by previous guests, and searching is secure, simple, and stress-free - so with 1,164 lets from 13 providers in the area, you're sure to uncover the ideal place to stay with the amenities and features you need in Santa Cruz.
Do you offer holiday accommodation for couples in Santa Cruz?
There are lovely holiday homes in Santa Cruz designed with couples in mind. Whether you’re after seclusion or a city break, there’s something for every type of trip. Let HomeToGo help you plan your next romantic break.
Can I book a waterfront holiday rental in Santa Cruz?
You can book one of 1160 waterfront holiday homes in Santa Cruz for a truly scenic break. These spots are perfect for a morning coffee with a view or lazy days by the water. Use HomeToGo’s "Near the water" filter to find your perfect waterfront holiday let.
Why should I book my holiday rental with HomeToGo?
With HomeToGo, you get access to the world’s largest selection of holiday lettings – all in one place. You’ll enjoy a simple booking process, local expertise, and top prices from trusted providers. Your next great stay is just a few clicks away.
Can I find family-friendly holiday lettings in Santa Cruz?
You’ll find family-ready holiday rentals in Santa Cruz that cater to groups. You’ll find options for every budget and family size. Start your search with HomeToGo for a stress-free getaway.
Can I cancel my holiday rental booking for free?
Worried about changes? Plenty of holiday rentals listed on HomeToGo come with free cancellation options. Always read the terms to avoid surprises.
Is it possible to rent a holiday home for a weekend getaway in Santa Cruz?
Short stays are absolutely possible in Santa Cruz, including weekends. Many homes offer short stays without long commitments. HomeToGo helps you spot the best weekend-friendly options fast.
Are there any last-minute holiday rental deals in Santa Cruz?
Need a quick break? Last-minute holiday is just a few clicks away in Santa Cruz. With HomeToGo, you can find great value — and save up to 9%, even at short notice. Check today’s offers and grab a holiday cottage at a great price.
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