Family-friendly holiday rentals in Santa Cruz

Find and book unique family-friendly homes on Airbnb

Quick stats about holiday rentals that are family-friendly in Santa Cruz

  • Total holiday rentals

    Explore 880 holiday rentals in Santa Cruz

  • Nightly prices starting at

    Santa Cruz holiday rentals start at $123 NZD per night before taxes and fees

  • Verified guest reviews

    Over 61,720 verified reviews to help you choose

  • Pet-friendly accommodation

    Find 270 rentals that welcome pets

  • Holiday rentals with a pool

    50 properties feature pools

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    370 properties have a dedicated workspace

  • Wi-Fi availability

    870 of Santa Cruz holiday rentals include Wi-Fi access

  • Popular amenities for guests

    Guests love Kitchen, Wifi and Pool across Santa Cruz rentals

  • 4.9 Average rating

    Santa Cruz stays are highly rated by guests—averaging 4.9 out of 5!

Top-rated family-friendly rentals in Santa Cruz

Guests agree: These family-friendly homes are highly rated for location, cleanliness and more.

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Top Guest favourite
An A-Frame cabin is surrounded by lush greenery, positioned on elevated ground. A stone pathway leads to the entrance, flanked by wooden railings. The cabin features large glass panels on its façade, allowing natural light to flood the interior. A deck with seating overlooks the nature surroundings.
Cabin in Felton
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 168 reviews

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

Guest favourite
A uniquely designed treehouse is elevated among the trees, showcasing large glass windows and wooden beams. A wooden walkway leads up to the structure, enhancing the connection with the surrounding natural environment.
Treehouse in Aptos
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 602 reviews

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.

Top Guest favourite
A charming green guesthouse is nestled among towering redwood trees. The structure features multiple windows that bring in natural light, enhancing the connection with the surrounding forest. Sunlight filters through the branches, creating a serene outdoor atmosphere.
Cabin in Los Gatos
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 1,033 reviews

Private Guest-House in the Redwoods

Our custom built guesthouse was completed in 2016. It is situated on 5 redwood-covered acres, 10 minutes south of Los Gatos and 20 minutes from Santa Cruz. We have easy access to hiking and biking trails, world-class wine-tasting, microbreweries, shops, amazing dining, and more! There is something for everyone in our area! We are surrounded by a 35 acre tree farm, so it's very private, yet close to the silicon valley! Our property has a standby generator so we are not affected by power outages.

Guest favourite
A balcony with modern wicker seating is shown, offering a view of the ocean in the distance. Potted plants add a touch of greenery, while the wooden flooring complements the contemporary design of the home.
Home in Santa Cruz
5 out of 5 average rating, 99 reviews

Contemporary Seabright Beach House

Steps from the sand, this contemporary Seabright beach home is the perfect upscale beach getaway. The home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and sleeps 6 comfortably. Master bedroom features a king bed and private bath with deep oval soaking tub. Two guest rooms feature a queen bed and two twin beds. The living area is tastefully decorated and thoughtfully appointed with push button fireplace, large 4k TV, Jambox, PS4, etc. Did we mention the living area has a direct view of the beach and ocean?

Top Guest favourite
A private yard is surrounded by tall trees, featuring a hot tub with bubbles rising to the surface. A hammock is visible to the side of the yard, alongside two Adirondack chairs. The cabin's entrance is shown, with a window allowing natural light to enter.
Cabin in Boulder Creek
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 122 reviews

Forest Cabin & Hot Tub

Take it easy in this cozy cabin retreat in the Santa Cruz Mountains. 30 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz and beaches. This charming 400 sq. ft. studio is the perfect setting to disconnect from city life and immerse yourself in the redwoods. The cabin features a queen bed, full bathroom, kitchen & BBQ. The private yard includes a hot tub, propane firepit and hammock to fully relax and unwind. Please note the cabin is on a one way, windy road. There is WiFi but no TV or A/C. SCC Permit# 241449

Guest favourite
An outdoor space is presented, featuring four Adirondack chairs arranged around a wooden coffee table. Large concrete pavers lead to the entrance, surrounded by native coastal landscaping and pebbles. A privacy fence offers an intimate setting in this thoughtfully designed area.
Cottage in Santa Cruz
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 231 reviews

Modern Coastal Home|Central Location|Private Patio

Spend your coastal vacation in this newly designed 1940’s Cottage. Thoughtfully designed with a mix of both modern and traditional elements, this Cottage feels warm and inviting from the moment you enter the space. Enjoy the beautiful California weather in the private patio featuring native coastal landscaping. Whether you are spending your days at the beach, surfing, exploring the Redwoods or looking to simply unplug and unwind we look forward to hosting you at our Coastal Cottage. P# 221094

Top Guest favourite
A spacious sleeping area features a comfortable bed adorned with a white coverlet and decorative pillows. Two windows allow natural light to illuminate the room. A cozy armchair is situated nearby, and the entrance to a kitchen area is visible in the background.
Guesthouse in Santa Cruz
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 774 reviews

Cozy garden westside king suite STR18-0122

This cool and comfortable private space is a great spot to stay while visiting Santa Cruz. Close to everything yet private with its own private entrance and in a quiet setting with an outdoor sitting area. The neighborhood is old Santa Cruz and close to everything. Don’t forget the comfortable king bed! The best deal in Santa cruz! IMPORTANT NOTE: I am required to collect the city mandated short term rental tax in cash when you arrive because the city of Santa Cruz . Please have it ready.

Top Guest favourite
A bright interior space features large windows allowing natural light to fill the area. Colorful cushions in various shades are arranged on the floor, complemented by wooden accents and an open ceiling design that highlights the natural surroundings.
Treehouse in Half Moon Bay
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 146 reviews

Paradise Treehouse & Heavenly Cabin

A soulful and energetic paradise. Beautiful, private, peaceful & wild surroundings complimented with modern luxuries and comfort. A stunning, unique, & unrivaled experience sure to impact you deeply. Soak in the outdoor tub while you plan your next adventure. Just minutes from the beach, amazing hiking, views and biking. Outfitted with organic latex mattresses, down comforters, top of the line appliances, smoking fast internet and a spectacular wifi sound system with world class acoustics.

Top Guest favourite
The view captures the ocean and sandy beach from a spacious deck, framed by tall trees. Clear blue skies and calm waters are visible, while a dining area with wooden chairs is set up on the deck, inviting relaxation and enjoyment of the surroundings.
Home in Santa Cruz
5 out of 5 average rating, 198 reviews

Beach Front Dream House! Hottub/E-Bikes/Surfboards

Permit# 231467 Incredible modern home just steps from the best beach in all of Santa Cruz! Ocean and sand views, listen to the waves as you sleep on designer beds, cook in the chefs kitchen, and soak in the hot tub. Perfect central location, less than 5 minutes to boardwalk and downtown. 5 minutes to colorful Capitola village. 9 minutes to UC Santa Cruz Campus. 4 Electric bikes, 4 surfboards, and a kayak to take out and play in the waves! Plus the beach is right out front to enjoy!

Top Guest favourite
Two young goats wearing colorful knitted sweaters are seen foraging in a garden area. The goats, with their distinctive facial markings and playful demeanor, appear to be exploring among the greenery. The vibrant patterns on their sweaters add a touch of charm to the serene natural setting.
Farm stay in Aptos
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 489 reviews

Kinderwood Farm Stay • Animal & Culinary Adventure

*UPDATE Baby goats born June 30th 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.

Guest favourite
A uniquely designed white structure with rounded walls and irregularly shaped windows is surrounded by lush greenery. The building features a staircase leading to the upper level, and various plants and landscaping enhance the tranquil outdoor environment.
Home in La Selva Beach
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviews

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!

Guest favourite
The exterior of a newly renovated two-story home features a light-colored facade with a shingled design. Lush landscaping includes colorful flowers and greenery, enhancing the entrance. A spacious balcony is visible on the second floor, providing an inviting feel to the property's façade.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 126 reviews

Two-Six Beach House - newly renovated!

Experience luxury and comfort in our newly renovated Santa Cruz home! (Permit: 231143) This spacious retreat features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a spacious living room, and a fully equipped kitchen with everything you could need and more. Relax in the backyard with a firepit, hot tub, outdoor shower, and BBQ. Best of all, the beach is just a couple minutes away! Perfect for families and friends seeking a coastal getaway.

Popular amenities for Santa Cruz family-friendly rentals

When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz?

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Avg. price$587 NZD$578 NZD$622 NZD$606 NZD$622 NZD$719 NZD$779 NZD$740 NZD$636 NZD$606 NZD$650 NZD$649 NZD
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