Last updated on October 16, 2024

Santa Cruz has the ocean, the city, the forest and the mountains, and no matter which one you choose, there are some gorgeous places to stay. We’ve included some hotel options in our things to do in Santa Cruz post, and here’s our pick of the best Santa Cruz AirBnBs. They’re an excellent way to get a little insight into local life. We went to Santa Cruz as part of our epic California road trip, and have also written a guide to all the best things to do in Santa Cruz.
Don’t miss our top Airbnb tips for finding your perfect dream stay.
The Best of AirBnB: Santa Cruz
Escher tiny cabin
If I had to choose one favourite AirBnB from this list, this would be it. Just look at how beautiful it is – and that view, oh my! Handcrafted with love and honed to perfection, the Escher is a cabin with comfort, character and careful attention to detail, including organic skincare products, a portable speaker, book collection and luxury kind bed. There’s even a private hiking trail with spectacular views across the valley. It’s close to Big Basin State Park and Boulder Creek, about 30 mins from Santa Cruz
What the guests say: “This is paradise. If peace was a place it would be here, nestled into the top of a mountain with the bright stars lighting your way at night and the beautiful forest greeting you in the morning. I am already planning my next trip here. Do yourself a favor and do the same.”
Airbnb listing: Escher tiny cabin
Price: From $265 per night
Sleeps: Four people






Vineyard Treehouse
This treehouse has ‘wow factor’ aplenty with a dramatic fir-tree perch on the edge of a vineyard, looking out across the forests to Monterey Bay. The 400-square-foot platform has a glamping tent with a cosy queen-size bed and a deck for enjoying the spectacular views. There’s electricity and wi-fi in the tent, and guests have access to their own private bathroom in the main house of the vineyard. It’s 30 minute’s drive from Santa Cruz.
What the guests say: “This Airbnb is simply one of a kind! If you are thinking of booking it – just do it, you definitely won’t regret it! Robin and Mark made us feel so welcome and have us a tour of their beautiful property. The treehouse itself is incredible and Robin has thought of everything to make your stay perfect. The view when you wake up will take your breath away.”
Airbnb listing: Vineyard Treehouse
Price: $220 per night
Sleeps: 2 people






Monterey Bay views and pool
My dream is to have an arts and crafts house with a porch, and this place takes that a step further with views out to Monterey Bay across an organic vineyard. Oh my! You can stay here in a private room, enjoying the estate Pinor Noir as you gaze out to the ocean. And to top that off, there’s even a shared indoor pool with a magnificent vaulted skylight roof. The owners are living my dream.
What the guests say: “This is a gem that overlooks Monterrey Bay With a small Pinot noir vineyard in the foreground.. Judy and Peter go out of their way to make guests feel welcome and the property and amenities are stunning. If you are seeking rejuvenation and relaxation – look no further. A “bucket list” type of destination. You have to see it to understand.”
Airbnb listing: Monterey Bay views and pool
Price: From $185 per night
Sleeps: 2 guests (private bedroom)






Mushroom Dome Cabin
The Mushroom Dome Cabin has been on Airbnb for over 10 years and has the most bookings for any of the listings on the site – making it one of the most popular in the world. There’s even a replica of it in the Airbnb offices! You can see why its popular, with its charming mushroom shape, formed by a geodesic dome as the loft roof, atop a pentagon-shaped cabin. The semi-rustic retreat is on 10 acres of land and is a perfect natural retreat for hanging out, watching the hummingbirds, star gazing and petting the owner’s goats. It’s next to Aptos town, just 20 minutes from the centre of Santa Cruz.
What the guests say: “We absolutely loved staying in Kitty and Michael’s mushroom dome! The dome itself is a really unique and cozy place to stay. Kitty met us there and was such a brilliant host – she welcomed us with lots of information about the dome and showed us the humming bird hangout! If you are staying in Santa Cruz we would definitely recommend a night or two here!”
Airbnb listing: Mushroom Dome Cabin
Price: From $130 per night
Sleeps: 3 people (1 bedroom, 1 sofa bed)





Cosy pied-a-terre in downtown Santa Cruz
If you’d like to be in the centre of the action, then this little home in downtown Santa Cruz is ideal. It’s in an artsy neighbourhood, filled with students and artists, and just a 10-minute walk to the beach. The décor is stylish with wooden floors, white wood furniture and lots of fun pops of bright pastel colours. There’s also a small backyard area with a hammock.
What the guests say: “The apartment is very spacious, comfortable and beautifully decorated. It’s centrally located near shops and restaurants and a short walk from the beach but on a quiet residential street so ideal! I would highly recommend it.”
Airbnb listing: Cosy pied-a-terre in downtown Santa Cruz
Price: From $128 per night
Sleeps: 2 people





Romantic historic home
Stay in walking distance of downtown Santa Cruz at this cosy apartment in a Spanish-style home built in 1929.The décor plays on the home’s past with old-world furnishings and an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel instantly at home. On cold days, you can watm yourself by the fireplace, or when it’s warm, spend some time outside on the private leafy patio. Two bikes are also available to guests.
What the guests say: “Jenna’s place was fabulous! It was super cute with a very comfortable bed, awesome fireplace, and cute little kitchen. Jenna and Gavin pay attention to detail. The shampoo and conditioner were top notch, wine and dark chocolate when we checked-in, delicious granola and yogurt, and super soft sheets. This place is rad and I’d highly suggest it if you’re looking for a place on the west side of Santa Cruz.”
Airbnb listing: Romantic historic home
Price: From $200 per night
Sleeps: 2 people





Left Coast Tiny
I love a tiny house and this one is extra special, set amid the redwoods of Scotts Valley and just a short drive from Santa Cruz centre. It’s decorated with a cosy, scandi style, and the outdoor area is magnificent, including a big deck area, jacuzzi, fire-pit, hammocks and picnic table. It’s an ideal forest hideaway.
What the guests say: “This was our first tiny house experience and it set the bar high! I wish they could come and decorate our house … the space is super stylish, clean, upscale, and thoughtful with all kinds of neat little touches. We saw deer and wild turkey during our down time relaxing on the deck and in the hot tub. The location is perfectly tucked away and serene but still close to the Redwoods and Santa Cruz.”
Airbnb listing: Left Coast Tiny
Price: From $150 per night
Sleeps: 4 people





El Nido
The cute and colourful Airbnb near Aptos village, just south of Santa Cruz is a good, reasonably-priced place to base yourself outside of the city. Have a BBQ on the patio with the trees as your backdrop, or just snuggle up on the sofa after a long day at the beach.
What the guests say: “We had the best stay at El Nido! Very clean and stylish – we loved every aspect of the home. Chris had every little thing you could think of to make your stay more pleasant and was quick with her communication. The bed linen was SO soft and the bed far exceeded our expectations. Would definitely stay again if ever in the Santa Cruz area!”
Airbnb listing: El Nido
Price: From $120
Sleeps: 3 people





Luxury home with ocean views
For the ultimate luxury Santa Cruz experience, choose this stylish and eclectic home with views of the ocean and boardwalk. All the rooms are decorated with individual flair and it comes stocked with everything you need for a relaxing oceanside break. It’s just a 10-minute walk to the boardwalk.
What the guests say: “This property is absolutely stunning. Pictures don’t do justice to this grand estate. It was a fantastic experinece spending time at this property. The house was meticulously rehabbed in way that keep much of the old charm and blended in beautiful modern touches. Each room in the house was very well curated with unique design touches. We spent much of the weekend on the massive rear deck soaking in the sun. The kitchen has every tool imaginable for cooking a massive feast. The owners were a pleasure to work with. We look forward to going back!”
Airbnb listing: Ocean and Boardwalk views
Price: From $1000 per night
Sleeps: 8 people (4 bedrooms, 7 beds)






Our California travel guides
We also have detailed guides to loads of California destinations that can help you plan even more. They’ll especially suit you if you’re a bit like us, keen on discovering the creative side of a destination and in pursuit of all the best cafes, ice creams, doughnuts, bookshops, murals and beauty spots. And we have lots of family guides if you’re travelling with kids.
Road trips: California Road Trip | Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip | San Francisco to Seattle road trip | San Francisco to Seattle road trip
Handpicked travel guides: Laguna Beach | Mendocino |San Clemente| San Diego | Santa Barbara | Santa Cruz|Shasta Cascade and Redding | Sonoma |Tuolumne County | Yolo County
California family travel guides: California with kids | Los Angeles with kids | Sacramento with kids| San Diego with kids | San Francisco with kids
California accommodation guides: Joshua Tree Airbnb | Laguna Beach Airbnb | Hip Palm Springs Hotels | Palm Springs Airbnb | Palm Springs VRBO | San Diego Airbnb | Santa Cruz Airbnb | Santa Barbara Airbnb |Santa Monica Airbnb | Sonoma Airbnb | Venice Beach Airbnb | Hip San Francisco Hotels
California attraction guides: How to get the most out of Disneyland with toddlers | The ultimate guide to Universal Studios with babies and toddlers
If you’re heading elsewhere in the USA or even worldwide, see more of our family travel tips here.
All photos courtesy of Airbnb.
You can use this link to get $25 off your first booking with Airbnb.
My youngest son will be attending The University at Santa Cruz. I have been looking for a place to live relatively close. I have been staying in places that I totally did not want to stay and paying a lot. I will try and plan ahead and use your recommendations! Thank you for the tips. They probably book out quickly though!:(
Sincerely,
Lori Zegar
great post thanks for sharing