Family-friendly holiday rentals in Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley

El Nido; a Peaceful, Relaxing, Restorative Retreat

As an artist, I'm deeply interested in aesthetics. I think I've succeeded in creating a beautiful, restful venue for relaxation. The queen size bed overlooks a bird sanctuary over the Valencia Creek watershed. The kitchen includes a fridge stocked with goodies, toaster oven, microwave, coffee pot, French press and cooktop for light cooking. You're welcome to use the oven/stove in the main kitchen with prior arrangements. A backyard gas barbecue is available for heavier cooking (or if you're planning to cook fish!) Hairdryer and shampoo are available in the spacious private bath. Thick terry robes are provided for your comfort, and beach towels and chairs if you decide to spend some time on one of our beautiful beaches. There's a large flat screen smart TV complete with Netflix. Lots of reading material and a writing desk are also here for your use. You have a private entrance with a coded entry. You have a private entrance with a coded entry. Your rooms are private and you have your own porch and you're welcome to use the yards/patios. I share the front house with my partner and our two dogs. We'd love to meet you and perhaps share a cup of coffee or a glass of wine (depending on the time of day!) but will also respect your need/desire for privacy if you prefer. I'm happy to provide any information or amenities that will make your visit more comfortable and enjoyable. This home is close to the beautiful beaches of the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary and the Forest of Nisene Marks, just a mile from Aptos village, south of Santa Cruz and the Boardwalk and north of Elk Horn Slough and The Monterey Bay Aquarium. Parking is easily available on our quiet cut-de-sac. The flagstone path to the left of the property will lead you to a gate and your private porch/entrance. Provide a 4 digit code before you arrive and I'll program the entry for your convenience. No keys to hassle with. Public transit is available one mile from the house. Uber is a popular alternative in our area. We're just minutes away from a thriving downtown scene complete with music venues and restaurants, shopping, art galleries, and the SC Beach Boardwalk. Whale watching, kayaking, cycling and hiking trails are also just minutes away. My place is good for couples, solo adventurers, business travelers, or those looking for a quiet retreat.

Santa Cruz A-Frame

This unique A-Frame cabin, in a quiet mountain neighborhood with private creek access, was handbuilt in 1965 and remodeled in the summer of 2024. Now a little slice of heaven on the creek in the redwoods. *5-10 min to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Roaring Camp Railroad, Loch Lomond Recreation Area, the Trout Farm Inn, Quail Hollow Ranch + Felton stores. *20 min to Santa Cruz, beach + Boardwalk. *1 min to Zayante Creek Market (EV charger) Find us on social: Insta @SantaCruzAFrame

Manresa Surf House 1 bed upstairs unit #4

Welcome to Manresa Surfhouse, a trendy boutique coastal retreat just 500 yards from the beach! This stylish 1-bedroom, 1-bath unit sleeps up to 4 and is part of a spacious 5-unit property on half an acre. Enjoy your own private outdoor space, plus access to ' Platforms'—a shared community area perfect for relaxing. Designed as a complete coastal getaway, it offers everything you need inside and out. Grab our complimentary bikes and explore nearby Manresa State Beach, or venture minutes away to S

Peaceful Treehouse with Ocean View

Permit 171035 Featured by Sunset Magazine as a “chic escape,” this Peaceful Treehouse-style retreat blends mid-century design with natural materials like wood and stone for a calming, sanctuary feel. Light pours through floor-to-ceiling windows beneath soaring wooden beams, and Japanese-inspired doors add to the architectural charm. Set high in the trees with ocean views, the home offers three elevated decks including one with a hammock. Perfect for relaxing and enjoying the surrounding canopy.

Guest Suite 2 miles from Rio Del Mar Beach

Arriving at a long driveway, convenient parking IN FRONT of GARAGE (left side). Enter private entrance through wooden gate leading to stairway of guest suite. A full kitchen/2 bedrooms, livingroom that converts to additional sleeping quarters wwhether it’s a trip to the Boardwalk, a hike through Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, or scenic drive along the coastline/picnic-on-the beach…a set-up with our guests in mind makes it a special serene stay. NOTE: There’s a 75.00 Pet Fee WELCOME & ENJOY

Steps to Capitola Beach♦King Bed♦EVCharger♦Pets OK

Recently renovated with hardwood floors & stainless steel appliances. Spend your next beach getaway in the heart of the Capitola Village, a 3 minute walk to the beach, restaurants & shopping. This lovely 2-bedroom house has a private balcony w/a BBQ & sleeps up to 6. Level 2 EV charger in garage. Convenient Amenities Include: *Self check-in *Wireless Internet *Dog Friendly - 1 dog (40lbs +/- max) *Parking for 1 car in the attached garage (w/EV Charger) *Roku TV with Netflix, Disney+, YouTube

Beautiful La Selva Beach

Large 4 BR, 3 BA, 2,100 sq. ft. home in beautiful La Selva Beach! Just 1 mile from the beach. The entire home has been remodeled. The master bedroom includes a second living room area and an office. Enjoy a chef's kitchen, washer/dryer, ocean peak from the upper deck, large yard, and hot tub. Enjoy a BBQ, roast marshmallows, or just lounge and enjoy the views. Easy drive to Santa Cruz or Monterey. This is a quiet neighborhood, so no partying, excessive alcohol, or loud noise, please!

Kinderwood Farm Stay • Animal & Culinary Adventure

*UPDATE Piglets born July 13 2026* Nestled in an enchanting forest of redwood trees & ferns, lies a treasured, sustainability-focused homestead, waiting for you to enjoy its bounty. This is a one of a kind, immersive culinary & farm adventure with cozy accommodations & unique experiences. Subject to availability, Add-On Activities may include goat milking & feeding baby goats, cheesemaking, sourdough, and soapmaking. Join us for a visit you will remember for a lifetime.

the SilverBIRD - vintage 1986 Airstream with views

Escape to a dreamy vintage Airstream perched above Monterey Bay with breathtaking 180° views stretching from Santa Cruz to Big Sur. Just 30 minutes to Santa Cruz, an hour to Big Sur, and minutes from the beach, this glamping gem blends retro charm with modern comfort. Enjoy an outdoor kitchen, cozy fire pit, and romantic interior—all surrounded by wildlife. Perfect for couples or solo travelers seeking stargazing, sunsets, and a peaceful, elevated retreat in nature.

Unique Sculptured House with Private Beach Access

Escape from the outside world to this one of a kind ROMANTIC Sculpture House. Enjoy its unique design, white rounded walls, sitting nooks, gas dome fireplace, and beautiful tranquil gardens. Sit back and relax in the rounded sunken bathtub perfect for two. This is the perfect romantic getaway and just one block away from private beach access. Named one of the most stunning Airbnb's in Santa Cruz. Enjoy more fun with zero extra Airbnb fees—we've got you covered!

Spectacular Ocean View- Heated Pool & Spa Seascape

Relax at this beautiful, peaceful place to stay with an amazing ocean view! This 1 bedroom condo at Seascape Resort is the perfect getaway if you're looking to go to the beach, check out amazing restaurants, enjoy the boardwalk, or hit up nearby beach towns shops. This condo has been updated and is prepared spotless each time. Seascape Resort is located nicely at the center of Monterey Bay making it easy to visit Santa Cruz, Capitola, Monterey, Carmel and more!

Coastal Condo with King Suite + Loft

Stylish tri-level condo blending modern comfort with coastal charm. The primary suite has a king bed, and both mattresses are brand-new. Two bedrooms and two baths on separate floors ensure privacy, plus a versatile loft for work or play. Enjoy garage parking, in-unit laundry, and a prime location—just 1 minute to Seascape Resort and steps from dining. *15 min to Santa Cruz *30 min to Monterey *35 min to Carmel