Family-friendly vacation rentals in Aptos

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 422 reviews

Guest suite in Aptos

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.

Bungalow in Upper Seabright

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 300 reviews

2 bdrm Bungalow 3 blocks from the Beach

3 blocks to Twin Lakes State Beach, the Yacht Harbor & Crow's Nest restaurant. 8 blks to the Boardwalk. You’ll love the sunny, landscaped & fully enclosed yard w/ lounge seating on the deck, gas BBQ, hammock, outdoor fireplace, large teak dining table & tropical outdoor shower w/ warm water. Perfect for outdoor entertaining. Beach chairs & umbrellas provided, all you need to bring is your bathing suit! A great place for couples, families w/ kids, girls' getaway. Pet friendly ($50/pet per stay).

4.76 out of 5 average rating, 595 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

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 100 reviews

Cottage in Santa Cruz

Hawaiian Beach House-1 block beach-Family Friendly

Beach & Lagoon Front! Views of the ocean from all decks and the kitchen/great room. 3 min walk to the beach. This house is centrally located to everything Santa Cruz has to offer. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious layout with a large eat-in kitchen great room, formal dining room, living room with fireplace, along with an outside deck with a fire pit This house is ideal for family get-togethers. There is nothing like sitting around the fire and listening to the waves crash on the beach.

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 462 reviews

Kid-friendly Beach House; 5 minute walk to Beach

This charming beach bungalow is only ~500 steps from Twin Lakes/Black’s beach & a short walk to the SC harbor & Sunny Cove beach. Close to amazing SURFING breaks, including shortboarding down the block, & longboarding in Pleasure Point. Short drive to Beach Boardwalk and other beaches. Kids games, books and more. The home is newly remodeled & features new cabinets, counters, wood floors & stainless steel appliances. Fully fenced yard- perfect for families. Washer & Dryer in the garage.

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 113 reviews

Home in Upper Seabright

Vacation home Seabright Santa Cruz with Sauna

Charming Seabright Getaway Experience the best of Seabright, with everything you need just a short walk away! Located 0.5 miles from the beach, the harbor, and the iconic Boardwalk (0.6 miles) Our cozy home embodies the spirit of indoor-outdoor living, thoughtfully designed for comfort and relaxation. Highlights include a Succulent Haven unique treehouse, a sauna for unwinding, and many amenities:bikes, surfboards, a paddleboard, BBQ, fire pit, hammocks, cozy deck w/ comfortable seating.

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 338 reviews

Modern Designer: Amazing Location

Beautiful modern home, with ocean view from 2 of the bedrooms. walking distance to the beach and internationally known surfing spots. Surrounded by trees and nature, perfect to enjoy amazing sunrises and sunsets. Convenient location , between Santa Cruz and Capitola. Close to shopping, restaurants, coffee shops and one of the best ice-cream shop in town. Perfect for family reunion, special events accommodation and small group retreats. Not for parties, is in a quiet street and neighborhood.

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 133 reviews

Home in Ben Lomond

Central Coast; Meadow, Hot Tub, Polite Pets Welcom

VR#111596 Seemingly remote & private yet so close to everything, single level home with massive deck on 2 1/2 acres backs to park and trails. The cook’s kitchen & herb garden overlook our meadow. The hot tub, outdoor living room & garden shower are just a few of the surprises you will uncover. The 350 heritage oak tree with 10,000 sq ft canopy is a magnet for wildlife. Ask about detached office if you need to work from home; the internet is great. Polite well trained pets OK.

4.8 out of 5 average rating, 241 reviews

Victorian Beach House Santa Cruz

We love the old 1876 Victorian for its funky charm and great location. Downtown Santa Cruz is bustling with shops and restaurants. We can bike to the beach and not deal with traffic. Run or ride a bike on West Cliff Drive. Lots to do! I have a load of flyers for all the activities in Sc. Top things to do Boardwalk Visit quaint Capitola Mystery spot Marine mammal sanctuary museum Ride bikes on west Cliff Shops and restaurants downtown Surf lessons at cowells!

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 333 reviews

Townhouse in Castroville

28 Seconds Walk to Beach

This beachfront oasis, nestled in a gated community between Monterey and Santa Cruz, offers stunning ocean views, private beach access, and a recently remodeled interior. Ideal for 1 big family or 2 small families, the 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom house features a steam shower, a split-level design, and sleeps 7. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets, whale watching, and easy access to nearby attractions.

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 395 reviews

Home in Upper Seabright

Peaceful & Private Seabright, 1 mile from beach

600 sq. ft. home. Attention is paid to every detail, highest quality bed & linens, bbq, large private patio, SUPER PRIVATE & QUIET, one mile from the beach, walking distance to the harbor, 1 mile from the boardwalk, 5-7 minute drive to UCSC, restaurants walking distance as well as grocery stores. Fully equipped kitchen, 2 bikes, up to 3 occupants max