Family-friendly vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County

Find and book unique family-friendly homes on Airbnb

Top-rated family-friendly rentals in Santa Cruz County

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

0 of 0 items showing

1 of 3 pages

Top guest favourite

Guest suite in Aptos

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 447 reviews

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.

Top guest favourite

Cabin in Los Gatos

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 928 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

Home in Santa Cruz

4.77 out of 5 average rating, 620 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

Home in Santa Cruz

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 124 reviews

Classy Getaway with Ocean Views

Get away from it all in this classy and private one bedroom nestled in nature with ocean views. Check the surf at Steamer Lane, enjoy a beautiful sunset, followed by the view of the city lights at night. All from the comfort of this lovely home. 11 mins to downtown and 15 mins from the beach. You will have the upstairs house to yourself completely. Their is a separate downstairs unit that is occasionally occupied by the owner. Inquire if concerned. Their is a security camera on the front porch.

Guest favourite

Place to stay in Aptos

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 556 reviews

Aptos Forest Retreat Hot Tub DIY Breakfast #231294

Come and stay with us and relax! Hear the birds sing to you, watch the hummingbirds and BREATHE! Venture out the door, walk in our neighborhood and see old growth redwoods. Let your cares drift away with a glass of wine by the fire.(fire restrictions apply) Take a soak in the hot tub then wrap up in the spa bathrobes. Feeling adventurous? Hike out your door to Nisene Marks State Park or mountain bike to Desolation Forest! Early arrivals, noon until 4:00, require an early check in fee $45

Superhost

Guest suite in Santa Cruz

4.83 out of 5 average rating, 1,032 reviews

Birdsong Studio by Beach-Jasmine Gardens

Jasmine Garden Oasis Retreat House—3 block walk to quiet beaches. Ideal for individuals, couples, or families seeking serenity. SC Permit # 231326. Two upstairs independent guest studios inside our home, each with queen bed and extra beds for $25 charge: Jade Studio with private deck, and Birdsong Studio overlooking garden and hot tub. Meditation & QiGong instruction, bicycle rental nearby, allergy-free, healing sessions, low-EMFs--renewing for heart, body & soul. Sunrise/sunset at beach.

Top guest favourite

Farm stay in Aptos

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 431 reviews

Kinderwood Farms Suite

>>Now is the perfect time to visit!<< 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. Activities may include farm to table meals, goat milking, cuddling baby goats, cheesemaking, sourdough, soap making & more. Join us for a visit you will remember for a lifetime

Top guest favourite

Guesthouse in Santa Cruz

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 694 reviews

Sunny Harborside Bungalow

Private small cozy 1 br/1ba bungalow. This space boasts a taste of Latin American beach, Spanish tile floors and wood furniture. Kitchenette with an induction burner and xl toaster oven (no range) , full size fridge, private patio seating, umbrella, tropical plants. Bathroom with a small shower. Curtained off bedroom with full closet, queen bed. Living room has day bed/couch with twin mattress for 3rd guest. Plz read “other details to note” before booking.

Top guest favourite

Home in Aptos

5 out of 5 average rating, 233 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, a projector and Sonos sound system. Our place comfortably hosts five and is good for couples, business travelers, solo, and families.

Superhost

Tiny homes in Santa Cruz

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 650 reviews

Harborside Retreat close to Beach and Boardwalk

This one of kind cottage is said to be on the smallest lot in Santa Cruz and just 2 blocks away from the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor and beautiful Twin Lakes Beach. There are many delicious restaurants, a beautiful walking path and easy access to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. All within your reach. The house boasts a queen bed, full size kitchen and bath, along with fast Wifi and a desk for working remotely. This is the perfect romantic getaway

Top guest favourite

Guest suite in Santa Cruz

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 307 reviews

Sunny Private Suite Near Harbor & Beach

Our clean, comfortable and private suite, with attached full bathroom, includes a private entrance and small patio (Hosted Rental Permit: 181359). While attached to the main house, it is completely private, locked off, space that is an ideal base for exploring and enjoying all that Santa Cruz offers. Our perfect escape for two is 3/4 mile from the S.C. Harbor and centrally located between Capitola and downtown Santa Cruz.

Superhost

Apartment in Aptos

4.84 out of 5 average rating, 670 reviews

Modern Ocean View 2 BD w Parking.

Sweeping ocean views of the entire beach from a sun-drenched deck. Just a short walk to the beach and restaurants. Remodeled single level two bedroom two bathroom condo. Travertine tiled floors, granite counters, washer/dryer, and fabulous lighting throughout. Relax while hearing the gentle crashing of the waves. A short walk and no stairs from the assigned parking spot to the unit.