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 840 holiday rentals in Santa Cruz

  • Nightly prices starting at

    Santa Cruz holiday rentals start at $120 NZD per night before taxes and fees

  • Verified guest reviews

    Over 62,970 verified reviews to help you choose

  • Pet-friendly accommodation

    Find 270 rentals that welcome pets

  • Holiday rentals with a pool

    60 properties feature pools

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    390 properties have a dedicated workspace

  • Wi-Fi availability

    830 of Santa Cruz holiday rentals include Wi-Fi access

  • Popular amenities for guests

    Guests love Kitchen, Wi-Fi 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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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, 188 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
The living area is adorned with warm wood paneling and features a cozy couch with colorful throw pillows. A glass coffee table sits in the center, while a television is positioned nearby. Natural light filters through the windows, highlighting the inviting atmosphere.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.79 out of 5 average rating, 705 reviews

Charming cottage in westside SC 2 blks from beach

Gingerbread-like cottage (600 square feet) was built from old growth redwood in 1922. Since remodeled with all the amenities. A private sanctuary, set back and hidden from street. Two block walk to ocean along tree-lined path in a quiet neighborhood on the west side. Serene and tranquil, lovely outdoor deck and garden. Half mile from selection of boutique wine tasting, breweries, and coffee roasters. We apologize for not being able to host children under 5 for safety reasons. 2 night minimum

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, 612 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 spacious living area features comfortable seating with a light-toned sofa and two woven armchairs. A round coffee table sits at the center, and large windows adorned with bamboo shades allow natural light to fill the room, creating a serene atmosphere.
Townhouse in Santa Cruz
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 200 reviews

Beach Hill Hideaway - Steps to Beach & Boardwalk

Escape to Beach Hill Hideaway, a bright 2,000 sq ft, 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Santa Cruz. Perfect for families and friends, it’s just steps from the Beach Boardwalk, Wharf, and downtown. One side of a duplex, it shares one wall with neighboring Unit A while offering a private entrance and outdoor spaces. Enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, free parking, EV charger, A/C, outdoor shower, BBQ, fire pit, Roku TV, piano, books, games, yoga mats, and workspace. Walk everywhere from this prime location!

Top Guest favourite
The exterior of a two-story carriage house is displayed, featuring a spacious driveway and large garage doors. Lush greenery surrounds the area, contributing to a serene garden setting. Bright blue skies complement the well-maintained landscaping, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere.
Guesthouse in Santa Cruz
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 348 reviews

Charming Light-Filled Carriage House Apartment

Our 1928 carriage house apartment is walking distance to the Boardwalk, beach, wharf, basketball stadium, and downtown. Cowells and Main Beaches, Steamers Lane, Boardwalk, wharf, and West Cliff Drive (path along the ocean) are all a quick 5 min walk from our house. The apartment is located in a private garden setting, away from the main street, behind our home. There is a separate dedicated garden space for you to use. We hope you will love this historical neighborhood as much as we do!

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
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 214 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
A welcoming entryway is framed by vibrant flower beds, featuring red roses and lush greenery. Large windows allow natural light to brighten the exterior, while a bright red door serves as a focal point, inviting guests into the residence.
Apartment in Santa Cruz
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 577 reviews

Santa Cruz Comfort - Close Clean Convenient

Welcome to your Santa Cruz home away from home. Exclusive, private use of the fully appointed first floor of this beautiful, centrally located Santa Cruz residence in a family friendly neighborhood located on a very quiet street. 1200 square feet, spacious enough to affordably accommodate up to 6 friends and family members... and still cozy enough for romantic couples' getaways. Close to downtown, the beach and Boardwalk, forests, hiking, mountain biking, golfing, and UCSC.

Guest favourite
Home in Santa Cruz
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 229 reviews

Sunlit Surf House 3 BR/2BA Downtown +Walk To Beach

Sunlit Surf Guest House – 3 Bedrooms / 2 Bath Accommodates 1–9 guests. Pricing is based on occupancy. All guests to the property must be registered. Located in downtown Santa Cruz, just a ½-mile walk to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! Family Friendly • No Parties • Non-Smoking/Vaping Property Shared driveway parking. Neighborhood parking pass included. Competitive rates for couples, families, and groups. The 14% transient occupancy tax is included in your rate.

Top Guest favourite
A spacious deck features comfortable adirondack chairs arranged around a fire pit, with the ocean and lagoon visible in the background. Eucalyptus trees provide shade and a natural ambiance, enhancing the serene atmosphere of this outdoor space.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 135 reviews

Beach View Cottage - Hot Tub

Gorgeous, newly remodeled, home with amazing views of the ocean, beach, and lagoon. Hot tub, bikes, surfboards, kayak. Everything you could possibly want for a Santa Cruz trip in a spectacular setting VR PERMIT # 191354 Just 200 yards from the beach, this tranquil beach view cottage is your perfect beachside escape. Located on a quiet, private street in Pleasure Point, this charming and newly updated two-story home offers stunning ocean views.

Guest favourite
An open kitchen and living area are highlighted, featuring a modern counter with three bar stools. Bright wood flooring complements the white cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. A dining table for four is visible in the background, seamlessly connecting the spaces.
Home in Upper Seabright
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 427 reviews

Sunny Seabright Beach House

Sunny beach house located in Midtown, Santa Cruz. Amazing location with a five minute walk to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Just a few blocks from Seabright Beach, the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor and some of the best local restaurants and breweries in town. The home boasts a well-furnished rooftop deck, a beautiful open floor plan, and a fully equipped kitchen. This house is cozy, bright, and inviting. You will surely love your stay here!

Guest favourite
A spacious deck is visible, adorned with modern outdoor furniture and surrounded by lush greenery, creating an inviting outdoor space. Large sliding glass doors lead into a bright interior with a cozy seating area and a fireplace, blending the indoor and outdoor environments.
Home in Aptos
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 270 reviews

Modern Beach Retreat-Free EV Charging

This open and airy modern home is a 5 minute walk to Rio del Mar beach. Enjoy the clean design, large deck and indoor outdoor living. Numerous outdoor activities at your doorstep including golf, world class surf breaks, and renowned biking and hiking trails in the forest of Nisene Marks. Equipped with high speed internet and a projector. We do not have a standard TV or channels.

Top Guest favourite
The living area features a comfortable blue sectional sofa and an accent chair, complemented by decorative pillows. A mounted flat-screen TV is visible above a modern electric fireplace, while natural light fills the space through several windows. A charming clock and wall art enhance the room's welcoming atmosphere.
Cottage in Santa Cruz
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 542 reviews

Sea Otter Cottage in Santa Cruz!

This quaint cottage, just a block and a half from the beach, was built in the early 1900's yet lovingly updated to maintain Old World Charm. Take a short stroll to the beach, quaint restaurants, shopping or the harbor. Enjoy provided paddle boards, cruiser bikes & boogie boards or have a bonfire in the backyard before ending your day with a relaxing soak in the hot tub!

Popular amenities for Santa Cruz family-friendly rentals

When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz?

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Avg. price$573 NZD$564 NZD$607 NZD$623 NZD$679 NZD$781 NZD$760 NZD$722 NZD$621 NZD$592 NZD$635 NZD$633 NZD
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