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Capitola vacation rentals
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Capitola
Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.
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Popular amenities for Capitola vacation rentals
Capitola beach vacation rentals
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Santa Cruz Beach Cottage Getaway
This was our second stay at Yvonne's Seabright home and we can't wait to return! It's such a cute and comfortable beach cottage! Seabright is the best neighborhood for a Santa Cruz visit - just a few blocks to the beach, walking distance to restaurants, coffee, fun bars, and a short drive to downtown SC. The house is cozy and has everything you need for a relaxing visit. The bed was super comfortable, the kitchen is well equipped, and that massive tub is luxurious! Yvonne is a great host - super communicative and helpful. We had a wonderful time and will definitely rent again!
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Monterey Bay Oasis on the Ocean!
What a great find in an out of the way place. Would love to come in summer but honestly, it was great cool weather to enjoy the house and view of the ocean. Saw seals and dolphins and birds, barely any humans! Best find was Pezzini Farms right outside the colony. Go there for good food!
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Boardwalk Beach Retreat | .5 mi to Beach | 3bd/3bt
Lovely condo, back from the street, so relatively quiet. Clear instructions, roomy. The place was much better decorated than other AirBnBs, with vintage Santa Cruz photos and lovely Santa Cruz art posters. We’ll definitely come back.
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Oceanfront Beach House
Lovely spot right on the beach. Perfect location to explore Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur. The place has a nice layout and was great for our group (4 adults one child). The community is great, very quiet and private. The reclining chairs and couch were super comfy, as well as the memory foam mattresses. Erin was very proactive and helpful with our questions. Great find and enjoyable stay.
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Beach Suite
Perfectly appointed, beautifully renovated, and incredibly quiet, this sweet cottage is just two blocks from the beach. You’ll easily catch every sunset. This place is such a gem, and Andrew is a gracious and helpful host. I hope to be back again soon.
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Best Beach House Santa Cruz-Opal Cliff Beach House
Best beach vibe! The location is amazing, great walkable neighborhood, lots to do. The house was fantastic, with so many thoughtful details. Joyce is a pro. She was super responsive and gave us great recommendations that made the stay perfect. My young kids (Age 9 and 6) loved the place - especially the downstairs living room and hot tub. Will stay here again!
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Ocean View, 5min flat walk to Beach, Pet Friendly
We were 2 adults with 2 teens and a dog. Loved that this home was pet friendly. The house had everything we needed, really loved all the space and light upstairs and view of ocean and sitting on the balcony having our morning coffee and lunch and just chilling and taking in all the beach and nature vibes. House is just as pictured. Really appreciated having 3 full bathrooms for all our family too.
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500 feet from the ocean/Rio del Mar
Myriam was responsive and helpful from the start including giving us a link to current evacuation areas when the storm of the year was pounding the coast (we were fine). we did find all spaces but the deck slightly smaller than expected and I would check about the mattress in the HP closet as it was only a 1" camp pad, which wasn't great for our 11 yo. Loved the locations and binders with local suggestions. Communication couldn't have been better and would stay here again although would check on HP closet mattress. easy walk to the beach and went daily.
Capitola house rentals
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Gorgeous 3-bedroom home, quiet, close to shopping!
Really nice place to stay , good location !
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Beautiful, spacious, peaceful, family friendly
We stayed for a month with my family and we had a great stay. The house is very spacious and baby friendly, with lots of space in each bedroom and a huge living room to hang out with friends and family. I also like the layout of the home as each bedroom has its own separate hallway, which gives more privacy to each guest. Antoni is a great host, very responsive and friendly. We will stay again next time when we visit the area. thank you.
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Updated Westside home. 4 blocks from the beach!
Ian was communicative and super accommodating during a hard time for my family. Very much appreciated.
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High end home in Silicon Valley, Non-Smokers only
I can’t count how many times I’ve stayed at Murthy’s place. It is always a pleasure to return to a well taken care of place.
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Blue Whale Bungalow
This was our third stay at the Blue Whale Bungalow, and it remains our favorite place to stay in Rio del Mar! Mariam is a wonderful and generous host who immediately remembered our family and welcomed our two dogs. The Blue Whale Bungalow is clean and cozy, with everything you need to enjoy the beach or relax indoors. It is located just two blocks from the beach, where you can enjoy the ocean breeze, search for sea glass, and admire the beautiful sunsets. We look forward to visiting the Blue Whale Bungalow very soon!
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The Coop
Clean, comfy, and conveniently located for our road trip to Santa Cruz and the coast. We walked to shops, the marina, and the beach during our stay. The large dining table was great for playing Yahtzee while Alexa served up our favorite tunes on demand. Al, the maintenance guy who lives next door, introduced himself the first day of our stay, gave us his card, and offered to support whatever we needed—but we didn’t need much. A previous guest left a broken corkscrew, and I could've called Al. Instead, I walked to Day’s Market Liquors & Deli and bought a $5 replacement, along with freshly made chicken tamales that were absolutely delicious.
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Modern 2BR Cul-de-sac Charm!
William was responsive host, the home was cozy coupled with many amenities. The back yard was a nice space, good experience overall.
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Molivu Homes 3BR | NewlyRemodel | King Beds | Yard
Came to the Bay Area for my sister surgery down at good Samaritan . Which was only five minutes away. This house was perfect for 3 adults. all bed are comfortable and the fact that they were king size beds all three was a plus. House was super clean and looked like the pictures. It's a corner house next to a main Street so I appreciate the fact that they had earplugs if you're a light sleeper. We will be back.
Dog friendly vacation rentals in Capitola
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Safe, Steps To Beach, Spa, Near Harbor, Pets Okay!
Celebrated my daughter’s birthday. Girls loved the loft and roof deck space for themselves. Perfect location with many walkable beach options. I especially loved the sunny plant filled window for reading and relaxing. Great location for teen kids to practice a little independence on the beach. While the house is a little older, the beach cottage vibe made it perfectly fun and relaxing. The host was great and flexible. I recommend this rental for a Santa Cruz beach holiday.
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cute cottage walking distance to beach
A beautiful stay in La Selva! I love this area, it's peaceful & quiet. The guesthouse was clean, lovely & spacious. Everything was great & true to description. 10 min walking distance from the beach was amazing! It was my first time booking a guesthouse and it did not disappoint. Angela was a really thoughtful and friendly host! Would love to stay here again next time I visit the bay!
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The Lodge at Tangled Oaks
We had an amazing time at Tangled Oaks – this was just what we were looking for. Peaceful, quiet and surrounded by nature. The property was clean and spacious. had everything we needed, and Nancy and Alex were always quick to respond when we had a question for them. Thank you Nancy & Alex, we can't wait to come again!
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Surf cottage Pleasure Point walk to surf/ coffee
Annie was a great host and the place was exactly as described and just what we needed for a relaxing beach getaway. We loved the hot tub in the backyard and the beach cottage feel of the place. Thank you for hosting us!
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Cozy Home*Dog Friendly* State Parks Pass Include
The only word that sums up Mike and Jen’s house is “WOW”! In the 10 years that I’ve been renting on Airbnb theirs is the first house that looks exactly how they show it in the pictures! This is truly a gem! The house was sparkling clean and the backyard was very well maintained. What was really impressive is they decorated the house with a Christmas tree and stocking over the fireplace. They truly make you feel like you’re at home. This shows that they truly care about the rental and its potential renters. Jen was very proactive in reaching out to make sure that we were ok and if we needed anything. This place was a great launching point for either Monterey or Santa Cruz. I definitely plan on staying here again.
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Gorgeous Bungalow 3 blocks to beach
Jeremy’s place was great for a weekend getaway with a few friends! The location was great, plenty of parking and space to spread out inside the house and in the backyard. The koi pond was lovely and relaxing, I felt like I was at a spa! Jeremy was very responsive and answered our questions ahead of time. The kitchen had everything you need to cook, with oil and spices available. We walked to Verve coffee multiple times and it was easy to get to Capitola and Santa Cruz. It was a comfortable spot and a lovely stay!
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Cozy cabin the Redwoods - Dogs Welcome!
What can I say...we didn't want to leave. Such a peaceful place and great location to slip away but close enough to enjoy the Bay Area attractions. We drove up to San Francisco one day and then down to Monterey another. Great location. The only downside is you won't want to leave. Kristy was EXTREMELY communicative and kind. I felt like I was staying at a friend's house. highly recommend!
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Ryder Rancheria Log Cabin, Hiking, Disc Golf, Fido
We absolutely loved our stay. Woke up in the middle of the redwoods, surrounded by fog, and peace and quiet. Enjoyed our evenings around the gas stove playing games. Very easy to get into Santa Cruz for a beer and bite to eat, as well as nice hiking. I’d love to stay here again and very much plan to. I also appreciated that I could bring my dog along. He was also very happy! Beautiful location! Thank you for the nice weekend.
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Capitola
Total rentals
220 properties
Total number of reviews
12K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
130 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
50 properties allow pets
Rentals with a pool
10 properties have a pool
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
80 properties have a dedicated workspace
Your guide to Capitola
Welcome to Capitola
Established as a summer cottage escape, the small town of Capitola has stayed true to its roots as one of California’s first marquee resort destinations. Here you can wander a winding esplanade through the cozy village hugged by ocean bluffs, exploring clusters of Craftsman-style homes, galleries, breweries, and boutiques. Waterfront bistros serve food and cocktails alongside tranquil views, and wine tasting rooms offer wares from nearby vineyards. You can easily spend the day relaxing in the sun or learning to surf at Capitola's big sandy beach, which is dotted with bright, candy-colored storefronts. Begin your evening by taking in the sunset from the tip of a 855-foot wooden pier. Located just south of Santa Cruz, Capitola provides a low-key alternative to its neighbor’s buzzy boardwalk amusement park, making it an ideal base for exploring Northern California’s coastal charms.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Capitola
If you’re hoping for a classic beach vacation, summer and the early months of fall are the best time to enjoy Capitola. Warm weather entices people to the beach, where sun worshippers lounge on the sand or try their luck at boogie boarding and surfing in the gentle waves. Sidewalk dining buzzes, and the town hosts outdoor concerts, movies, and art fairs, including the Capitola Art and Wine Festival in September, featuring more than 160 artists and 20 wineries. As fall fades into winter, you’ll still encounter sunny days, but also cooler temps, fog, and rain showers. These seasons also mean fewer crowds, though — and a walk along the beach under foggy skies can be just as picturesque as on a summer day. (Note that even in the summer, mornings and evenings can be fogged in, so bring extra layers.)
Top things to do in Capitola
New Brighton State Beach
While Capitola Beach is the main waterfront draw, nearby New Brighton State Beach is an under-the-radar gem. This undeveloped swatch of coastline boasts dramatic tree-topped bluffs and uninterrupted vistas of Monterey Bay. Explore the beach via hiking trails, and stop by the nature center — open in spring and summer — to learn more about its history and environs.
Soquel
This 150-year-old community a mere five-minute drive from Capitola is an appealing collection of mom-and-pop antique shops perfect for a day of leisurely browsing. After you’ve located a unique treasure to take home, unwind with a tipple at a local winery.
Bigfoot Discovery Museum
Southern California can keep its movie stars. In Northern California, the most famous resident is a hairy humanoid who roams the redwoods named Bigfoot. Journey about 20 minutes inland from Capitola to the forested town of Felton to visit the diminutive and quirky Bigfoot Discovery Museum, which offers proof (if you choose to see it that way) of the creature's existence, alongside pop culture memorabilia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Capitola?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 80 vacation rentals in Capitola featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Capitola?
Four-legged friends are welcome in Capitola. Choose from more than 50 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.
Are there Capitola vacation rentals on Airbnb with pools?
Yes! Dive into the perfect getaway at one of over 10 vacation homes with pools in Capitola, available on Airbnb. Make a splash and soak up the sun in style!
How much does it cost to stay in house rentals in Capitola?
Experience the best of Capitola with our house rentals, starting at about $50 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.
Do house rentals in Capitola have a gym?
Absolutely! We offer over 10 house rentals with a gym in Capitola. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Do house rentals in Capitola have a bbq area?
Absolutely! We offer over 40 house rentals with a bbq area in Capitola. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Do house rentals in Capitola have self check-in?
Absolutely! We offer over 30 house rentals with self check-in in Capitola. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Are there family-friendly house rentals in Capitola?
Capitola has more than 70 family-friendly house rentals. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.
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