Family-friendly vacation rentals in Aptos

Find and book unique family-friendly homes on Airbnb

Top-rated family-friendly rentals in Aptos

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

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Top guest favorite

A light-filled living space features a comfortable striped sofa adorned with vibrant cushions. A coffee table with a floral arrangement sits at the center, while a bookshelf filled with various reading materials stands to one side. A small dining table is visible by the sliding glass doors.

Guest suite in Aptos

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 430 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 favorite

The entrance of the property is marked by a blue door framed with decorative glass. Two teal umbrellas provide shade over lounge chairs on the porch, which is surrounded by lush greenery and flower beds. A stone pathway leads to the entrance.

Bungalow in Upper Seabright

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 301 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).

Guest favorite

A cozy living area features warm wooden paneling and an inviting couch adorned with cushions. A glass coffee table rests on a patterned area rug, while natural light enters through a nearby window framed by sheer curtains. A door opens to the outdoor space.

Home in Santa Cruz

4.77 out of 5 average rating, 605 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

Superhost

A modern eco-home showcases a combination of sleek concrete and warm wood materials. Features include a bright yellow front door, large windows, and a balcony surrounded by greenery. The structure is set on a landscaped yard with a stone pathway leading to the entrance.

Home in Santa Cruz

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 339 reviews

Relaxed Luxury by the Beach

Escape to a stunning modern retreat in the heart of Santa Cruz, where contemporary design meets relaxed coastal living. This beautifully designed eco-home offers a peaceful and private getaway. Just a short walk to beach access and surf spots, this home provides the perfect balance of seclusion and convenience. Whether you're here to relax, reconnect, or adventure, you’ll have everything you need—ocean views, a serene backyard, and easy access to Santa Cruz’s best restaurants, cafés, and shops.

Superhost

Cottage in Santa Cruz

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 102 reviews

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.

Superhost

A bright and airy space features a spacious king-size bed with decorative pillows. A comfortable couch is accented with textured throws. A wooden ladder leads to a loft area, while a vibrant blue door opens to a bathroom. Natural light fills the room from large windows.

Place to stay in Soquel

4.83 out of 5 average rating, 137 reviews

Modern Coastal Studio w/ Loft

Our family friendly space is nestled in a sunny valley up a short windy county road just minutes from Capitola and the beach. Perfect for a small family to enjoy the Santa Cruz-Monterey Bay Area with quick access to the stunning cliffs and redwood valleys. (Parcel No. 10411119) Remodeled bathroom and loft. THERE IS NO STOVE/OVEN - per Santa Cruz County rules guests cannot cook in this unit. There is a private back patio with comfortable outdoor seating as well. Private parking right outside.

Guest favorite

The bathroom features a clean design with a shower-over-tub setup, complemented by a modern vanity with one sink. A large wall mirror, storage cabinet, and subtle tile accents enhance the functionality of the space. Natural light filters in through the window.

Home in Santa Cruz

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 472 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.

Guest favorite

The charming exterior showcases a blend of natural stone and yellow stucco walls, framed by greenery. A path of stone steps leads to the front door, flanked by potted plants and vibrant flowers that enhance the inviting entrance.

Home in Upper Seabright

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviews

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.

Superhost

A well-appointed bathroom features a bathtub with a shower, complemented by decorative tiles. A dual sink vanity with wooden cabinetry holds toiletries, while framed artwork and a small plant add warmth to the space. Safety bars are installed for added convenience.

Home in Ben Lomond

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 139 reviews

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.

Guest favorite

A spacious outdoor patio features a round dining table surrounded by chairs, with a detached lounge area including a couch and lounge chairs. The ground is tiled, and a patterned rug adds a decorative touch. Two large umbrellas provide shade against the sun.

Home in Upper Seabright

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 401 reviews

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

Superhost

The living area features a cozy seating arrangement, including a large futon and a sofa with ottomans. A dining table with four chairs occupies the foreground, while windows draped in soft curtains allow natural light to illuminate the space. A ceiling fan adds a contemporary touch.

Guest suite in Upper Seabright

4.83 out of 5 average rating, 354 reviews

Arana Gulch/PurpleTriangle Hideaway

Nearby Freeway, Whole foods, Safeway, trader Joes, Costco, Boat harbor, beaches, Boardwalk , malls, nightlife, public transport, the city center, 45 mins fr SJC airport . You’ll love my place because of the coziness, cleanliness, the kitchen, and the Arana gulch nearby. good for couples, solo adventurers, business travelers, families (with kids)

Guest favorite

A cozy living area is featured with warm yellow walls and hardwood flooring. A queen-sized sleeper sofa in teal sits alongside a wooden coffee table. A small dining table with white chairs provides additional seating, while a flat-screen TV is positioned on a shelf nearby.

Home in Upper Seabright

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 507 reviews

Tropical Seabright Beach and Boardwalk Getaway

Come soak up the sun and positive vibes of Santa Cruz in our private, adorable, tropical 2 bedroom space. All the amenities of home. Walking distance to the beach, The Boardwalk, Yacht harbor and tasty eateries. Complete with extras for the beach. The perfect location for couples, friends and families!

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What guests are saying

Santa Cruz Beach Cottage Getaway

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 367 reviews1 week ago

This is by far the perfect beach getaway house! My husband had classes in the area so during the day my daughter and dog could walk right to the beach! There is even a museum right in walking distance I took my daughter to twice. And the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk is only a ten minute walk which we did another day! The Airbnb itself was beautifully decorated with a wonderful shower and a clawfoot tub. The outdoor area was so great to relax in as well. This place was stocked with beach chairs and toys and extra towels and even sunblock. Everything we could need. In fact we loved it so much we extended our stay. Yvonne was SO responsive and friendly and really made our vacation just completely hassle free and perfect. I can see why this place is always booked!

Home in Upper Seabright

What guests are saying

CAPITOLA PERFECT LOCATION! Steps 2 Beach/Shops

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 248 reviews3 days ago

Such a great location! Very peaceful and quiet spot. House was very comfortable and great for a group. Parking in the village is always a challenge but was made easier because the host outlined several options in pre-arrival messages and in an onsite binder.

Home in Capitola

What guests are saying

Walk to everything! Surf Colony Modern Surf Shack

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 228 reviews2 weeks ago

The stocked kitchen saved us enough money on dining out to make this worth the cost. It was so accessible to walk to the beach. We enjoyed the use of the bikes to ride Cliff Dr to Natural Bridges as well as being able to ride down town and not have to battle and pay for parking. We were at the fire pit every evening enjoying the nights in every type of weather. The grill in the backyard kitchen got a ton of use and we were so happy to have it.

Home in Santa Cruz

What guests are saying

Sunny, modern/contemporary one-bedroom.

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 254 reviews5 months ago

Well-stocked, simply furnished bungalow-type attached residence in the Seabright neighborhood, convenient to the northeastern residential sections of Santa Cruz and to supermarkets and natural food stores. Many new, easy-to-operate small appliances and good laundry set-up. Ample kitchenware and condiments. Quiet city surroundings, easy parking. Overall, staying at the unit (and interacting with owner) was a pleasure.

Apartment in Upper Seabright

What guests are saying

Charming Seabright Beach Bungalow

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 202 reviews7 months ago

Perfect house in every way!!!! The house is adorable, comfortable, accessible to every part of Santa Cruz and included every single item needed or wanted!! We will be back and are hoping that Colleen's house is available! one word on our host.... we stay in a number of Airbnb's and Colleen was PERFECT and I mean a PERFECT host.... Perfect stay!

Home in Upper Seabright

What guests are saying

Victorian Experience Downtown Campbell King Bed

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 253 reviews3 weeks ago

We loved our stay at Cynthia and Glen’s Victorian home! The back yard is the ultimate gem for me. Just so beautiful out there. The charm inside the house was magical. And the host was so responsive! We had an internet issue and she reached out to comcast right away and stayed in touch with us until it was fixed. The binder of helpful hints and local restaurants was great too. We tried and loved a couple of the recommendations and went to the local farmers market too!

Apartment in Campbell

What guests are saying

The "Sea Pearl" at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 193 reviews1 week ago

This was a bit of a splurge for our 50th anniversary, but it may become our go-to in Santa Cruz. A lovely, cozy and comfortable place, just a short walk from the beach. Every detail has been thought of. It was quiet, and we could walk to several restaurants in a few minutes. Just walking through the beautiful surrounding neighborhoods was a fabulous treat. Highly recommend.

Home in Upper Seabright

What guests are saying

Best Willow Glen Location*Walk to Restaurants/Bars

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 168 reviews2 weeks ago

This house suited our group of seven very well. The kitchen was well-stocked with equipment. The neighborhood is pleasant and peaceful. We loved the proximity to Willow Glen businesses and parks (all within walking distance). The rooms were clean and attractive. John promptly responded to our messages. We'll definitely stay here again when we return to San Jose.

Home in Willow Glen

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