Santa Cruz Vacation & Rentals

Beaches in Santa Cruz County & the Famous Boardwalk
Santa Cruz is where you will find the most impressive beaches in California. From the small, secluded beach to the large, wide expanses of soft sand in more popular locations, there are so many places from which to choose.

The world-class beaches are close by Santa Cruz County vacation rentals, which make staying in this type of quality accommodation all the better. Kick off your fun getaway by heading to Seabright State Beach, which sits between Santa Cruz Harbor and the famous Boardwalk. Walk the half-mile long beach, go body surfing, or set up a campfire. You can even head across the street afterward to visit the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.

As for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, you may want to head there for the warm sand of the mile-long beach or to go on a few thrill rides or family rides at the admission-free oceanfront amusement park. The Boardwalk dates back to 1907, making it the oldest amusement park still standing in California.

Many beaches close to Santa Cruz Coast vacation rentals are dog-friendly. Pleasure Point Beach is a great example and, as you might have guessed from the name, it’s a wonderful spot for having fun in the water. If you’re a surfer, you will love the adventures to be had there, or simply relax on the soft sand and take in the sights as you stretch out in peace.

Local Surfing Spots to Check Out
While we’re on the topic of surfing, there are more places than Pleasure Point Beach to show your expert moves on the surfboard or to watch others surfing up a storm. Be sure to head to Steamer Lane, as well; it is another great Santa Cruz surfing location, but it is best only for expert surfers, rather than beginners.

If you want to watch the surfers rather than partaking in the action at Steamer Lane, head to the cliffs in West Cliff that overlook Steamer Lane, which is located close to downtown Santa Cruz. From this location, you will have an ideal view of the surfers navigating the waters. If you’re looking to surf, Cowell Beach is a better option for novice surfers.

Steamer Lane has four surf areas: Indicators, Middle Peak, The Slot, and The Point. The difficulty level increases with each area from the Indicators to The Point, so only experts surf past The Slot. Hundreds of surfing events, in both the amateur and pro ranks, have been held at Steamer Lane.

Go Hiking & Camping
If you’re not a water enthusiast though don’t worry as there are many activities to be done on land during your days, aside from lounging on the patios of your vacation house rental in Santa Cruz, CA. Some of the best hikes in California are in Santa Cruz County, where you’ll find diverse terrain that includes hills and coastal cliffs, as well as gorgeous views.

When you stay in Santa Cruz beach house rentals, you are nearby the hiking trails and campgrounds that both offer amazing views of the ancient redwoods that are so well known in California. You might decide to explore the Redwood Grove in Henry Cowell Redwood State Park, which is in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

As you hike through the park’s old-growth redwood grove loop trail, watch for the biggest tree there, which stands an impressive 277 feet tall. A two-mile walk away from this trail is the campground that features 113 sites, as well as picnic tables and fire rings.

Still looking for more hiking adventures? Check out the stunning Skyline to the Sea Trail in Big Basin Redwoods State Park or Castle Rock State Park’s Skyline Trail that drops into woods and out into a series of meadows. If you want more adventures with redwoods, you can also ride the Roaring Camp Steam Train.

Dining Options & Wine Tasting in Santa Cruz
The farm-to-table trend is big in Santa Cruz County, with many restaurants offering up fresh, local ingredients for delicious plates and pairing them with wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains. Wine-tasting rooms abound, and there are both breweries and taprooms for the beer connoisseurs.

You can enjoy a range of cuisines in this part of California, such as BBQ, Mexican, seafood, and Chinese. There are also vegetarian and vegan eateries. Many family-friendly restaurants are open year round.

If you choose to instead dine in the comfort of your vacation hour rental in Santa Cruz, CA, simply order the food to go from the eating establishment and serve it up on the supplied dishes back at the rental. Alternatively, shop for ingredients yourself at local groceries and markets before making your meal yourself.

The kitchens in Santa Cruz Coast Vacation Rentals are typically outfitted with the basics like pots and pans, plates, cooking tools and silverware, so you can channel your inner Bobby Flay and make a great family-style meal. Save money versus eating out and enjoy being able to relax in quiet Santa Cruz beach house rentals too.

Book Ahead to Maximize Your Trip
The list of things to see and do in Santa Cruz County goes on and on. There is whale watching tours and don’t forget to check out the downtown shopping scene. Of course, you’ll also want to have a comfortable, clean, and spacious place to stay while you’re on this exciting trip.

Santa Cruz County vacation rentals are the perfect home away from home. They have more space and amenities than typical hotel rooms, making them a more affordable group option, and they are often close to beaches. Quality vacation house rentals in Santa Cruz, CA can save you money when you cook meals rather than dining out. Plus, they include washers and dryers that save you hotel laundry fees, and typical inclusions in the reasonable rental fee are TVs, DVDs, and WiFi for the duration of the stay.

Just be sure to book your dream beach house as far in advance as possible so that you won’t miss out on your first choice amongst the vacation house rentals in Santa Cruz, CA.

Book a Santa Cruz County Vacation Rental