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.
Condo in Aptos
4.81 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviewsSeascape Resort Ocean View Studio "The View for Yo
A small town, good beach, amazing sunset and a very homely stay. What else do you need for ringing in the first new years with your family.? Everything was amazing. I really wish I could stay there for the whole week.
Bungalow in Upper Seabright
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 301 reviews2 bdrm Bungalow 3 blocks from the Beach
The beach house is perfect. The attention to detail and amenities are well above average. We have visited for several years and nothing changes, which is perfect. The location is amazing. You can never run out of amazing places to walk to!
Home in Santa Cruz
4.76 out of 5 average rating, 593 reviewsCharming cottage in westside SC 2 blks from beach
The cottage is in a beautiful neighborhood and so close to Cliff Drive. A perfect getaway for 1 or 2 people. We enjoyed our morning coffees in the sweet kitchen and evening walks to the ocean for sunsets. Thanks Gail!
Home in La Selva Beach
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 128 reviewsBig and Bright, Steps to Sand, Ocean Views
beautiful home and location to spend the holidays with my sister and our families. kid friendly, short walk to the beach. house is comfortable and spacious. 10/10 ! hope to return someday
Cottage in Santa Cruz
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 100 reviewsHawaiian Beach House-1 block beach-Family Friendly
We have stayed at Lori’s beautiful beach house several times, and it never disappoints! Lori is an incredibly friendly and responsive host, making the entire process seamless. The house is perfect for our family and meets all our needs every time. The home is cozy, well-maintained, and thoughtfully equipped with everything you could need for a relaxing stay—plenty of toys and videos for the kids, games and books for all ages, a fully stocked kitchen, and even great amenities for cleaning up after beach days. The bedrooms are comfortable, and the layout is spacious yet inviting. The location is unbeatable—a quick 3-minute walk to the beach, with stunning ocean views from the decks and the kitchen/great room. We loved spending time on the patio, enjoying the fire pit and listening to the waves crash in the background. The proximity to all that Santa Cruz has to offer makes it even better. This house has become our go-to spot for family getaways, and we can’t wait to return. Thank you!
Home in Upper Seabright
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 113 reviewsVacation home Seabright Santa Cruz with Sauna
The backyard is understated - it’s a garden - oasis to itself that provides your own unique private area to relax and enjoy when not out and about. Terrific location walking distance from food, drink, and beach. A+ : thank you.
Home in Aptos
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 212 reviewsAptos Beachfront House Winter Discount
The place is charming and well set up, and you cannot beat the location! It's right on the beach, and the sunsets are spectacular. We really enjoyed our stay! The kitchen and bathroom with the shower are older and reflect that (shower door didn't completely close, stovetop heating was slow and then really hot), but there was good hot water and had everything we needed. Because of the recent rain, we had an ant problem but they offered to help with that which we declined. We live in the Bay Area, too, and get ants when it rains, too. Overall, it was a lovely getaway that we'd consider booking again!
Bungalow in Upper Seabright
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 264 reviewsTheory of Color: A Sensory Retreat
We loved our stay here! It was cozy and perfect, would definitely stay again. The bed was very comfortable, off street parking was convenient, excellent location, full kitchen to cook anything you need, and a bonus outdoor tub which was unique. Phillip was an excellent host and we left with very happy memories. Thank you again!
Cottage in Aptos
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 218 reviewsSpruce Beach Cottage - Walk to beach
My family and I absolutely loved Janiece's place. The house was clean and set up very nicely. It was very nice to be at the end of a culdesac and on a very quiet street. We felt very safe having little kids. The location of the house was great too. I was close enough to everything.
Cottage in Felton
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 121 reviewsPrivate Cottage with a View
As others have said, this is a very small unit, but fine for two people and our two small dogs. One person has to be able to climb into bed from the bottom of the bed as it is pushed against two walls with about 6" space at the foot of the bed. The shower is fantastic and washer, drier and dishwasher are all great to have. Yes, the driveway is very steep with a sharp turn halfway up. We had no problem getting up and plenty of room to park and turn around with our large automatic SUV in the large flat space by the house. I wouldn't want to arrive at night for the first time. We loved walking our dogs along the road to the creek and discovering many loop trails with bridges and stairs along the creek and canyon.
Condo in Watsonville
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 287 reviews2B/2B Pajaro Dunes with Dunes and Ocean View
We had a wonderful stay in this lovely home. A few steps from the beach with a beautiful view of the dunes and the ocean. The home was clean and smelled fresh. Furnishings were exactly as described. Bed in the master was very comfortable and the kitchen was well stocked. A perfect place to soak up the sun and sea for a few days.
Condo in Aptos
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 157 reviewsSeascape Oceanv hot tub, pool, EV, Aptos, Cruz
Beautiful little place, with picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean and natural landscaping. Clean, comfortable and easy access. Lots of security that patrolled day and night, which is nice. Fine dining restaurant is within walking distance.
Vacation rentals for every style
Get the amount of space that is right for you
Popular amenities for Capitola vacation rentals
Capitola oceanfront vacation rentals
Condo in Aptos
5 out of 5 average rating, 9 reviewsSeascape Oceanview Luxury 2B w/theater walk2beach
My family had a wonderful time staying at Joanne's place in Seascape! This was a Christmas gift for my parents, and they absolutely loved it. The location is fantastic—just a short walk to the beach, and you can see the ocean from the condo. The space was very comfortable for our group of five adults, with room to relax in the living room and eat together at the dining table. The kitchen was relatively well-stocked, which made it easy to prepare meals. One standout feature was the projector, which was a great addition for movie nights. The only downside was that the WiFi connection for the projector was a bit spotty. Joanne was super helpful and accommodating throughout our stay, making sure we had everything we needed. We look forward to staying here again in the future!
Vacation home in Watsonville
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 391 reviewsMagical & Romantic Beachfront Home at Pajaro Dunes
This place is so beautiful and peaceful! The views are fantastic! Jo is very prompt is responding. The apartment is very clean and pristine. We had a wonderful time!
Home in Aptos
4.8 out of 5 average rating, 25 reviewsSeascape Ocean Front Villa
We had an incredible stay at Bjorn's Airbnb! The place was not only clean and beautifully decorated, but it also had everything we needed for a comfortable visit. What truly made this experience exceptional was Bjorn, we were in Aptos to attend a wedding and needed an iron :), Bjorn quickly brought us the iron and ironing board (although we didn't need it anymore)! A++ for us! He went above and beyond to ensure we had a great stay. I can’t recommend this place enough—thank you for an amazing place!
Condo in Watsonville
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 443 reviewsBeachfront Tranquility
My wife and I stayed at Jason and Leigh Ann's place for three nights in October 2024. The unit is part of a nine building condo complex (Pajaro Dunes Resort) which is separated from the wonderful Seacliff beach by low dunes, and the passageway to the beach is right next door. The kitchen was well-equipped (no yard sale rejects) and organized. The amount of space was perfect for a couple and everything was spotless and tastefully decorated. Renters who plan to do cooking may want to bring all the spices, oils and other accessory components they need since only spray oil, salt and pepper was provided. When we visited, the ocean view from this ground floor unit was largely obscured by dune grass, which was higher that that shown in the photos. I noted that the rental price for comparable units on the second or third floors was much higher and, for the price difference, we'll look at dune grass. Maybe when we book again it will be lower.
Apartment in Capitola
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 348 reviews180°OceanviewCondo-Surfboards-Bikes
It was an awesome weekend get away. The house has a story behind which is very moving. Nice views very private easy to check in. Overall we thoroughly enjoyed the stay at Evan's place
Home in Santa Cruz
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 447 reviews180°OceanView+HotTub+EBikes+Surfboards+SUPS+Kayak
We had a wonderful stay at this amazing house on the Bay. There's a hot tub with a view and incredible views from the 2 upstairs bedrooms. The kitchen was stocked with coffee, and the host was very responsive. Highly recommend.
Condo in Aptos
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 31 reviewsOceanfront 1BR Condo and Seascape Beach Resort
Jane’s place at Seascape exceeded our expectations! The unit is really lovely with comfy furniture and a spectacular view.
Home in Aptos
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 40 reviewsSeascape condo with beach-view
Awesome location with views of the ocean from several rooms! Listen to the surf lull you to sleep after a lovely day visiting local beaches and beautiful spots in Aptos. Host was super responsive and very kind — condo was perfect with comfy beds for all 7 of us (2 younger kids sharing a full bed). Pool & hot tub steps away, beach a few more steps down the hillside to incredible sunsets & soft sand. Shops & restaurants very nearby, we liked The Hideout the best (at host recommendation). Very easy check in / check out, we would 10/10 recommend this condo, host, and location!
Other great vacation rentals in Capitola
Condo in Aptos
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 26 reviewsSpectacular Ocean View - 2 Decks - Heated Pools
Thank you, David, for sharing your beautiful home with us. The photos truly don’t do justice to how stunning your property is. Having traveled around the world and stayed in numerous Airbnb homes, I can confidently say this was one of the most beautiful and impeccably clean properties we’ve ever stayed in. Our experience with Airbnb has often been that, while guests are granted access to the property, hosts rarely go above and beyond to make their guests feel genuinely comfortable, as hotels typically strive to do. On top of that, with additional California fees, it’s easy to leave feeling shortchanged. Unfortunately, this seems to have become a common culture on Airbnb. However, that was absolutely not the case here. David anticipated every little amenity a guest might need, and the attention to detail was remarkable. The towels and bedding were luxurious, and the property was immaculate. It was the perfect start to 2025 for us. Thank you again for such a wonderful experience!
Cottage in Santa Cruz
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 429 reviewsSea Otter Cottage in Santa Cruz!
Shari was so helpful and accommodating. We felt taken care of and right at home. The cottage is so cute and comfortable. It has a great side deck with a large outdoor sofa and wall fountain that hummingbirds really love. The back yard is beautifully landscaped and the hot tub is a huge plus! It's also nice to have TVs in every room. We didn't have a chance to use the bikes or fireplace, but hope to next time! So much is offered in this small but well-laid-out cottage. The neighborhood is lovely. Close walk to the beach! Several places to eat nearby. We can't wait to come back!
Condo in Watsonville
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 67 reviewsBeachfront Paradise Pajaro Dunes Pelican Point
Thank you for sharing your beautiful place, we had most relaxing and joyful Christmas!! Although it was raining and could not use outdoor sitting at all, it didn't stop us from enjoying beach and spectacular sunsets through clouds !! Just Amazing! Can only imagine how lovely it will be on warmer and clearer days. Your place was perfect to unwind and enjoy nature and ocean. Wishing you best always!
Condo in Aptos
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 178 reviewsBeach Front Villa at Seascape Resort
Staying at Seascape was the perfect kid-friendly vacation. The pool was easy to access from our condo and the views were beautiful. The condo's set-up with two bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs and a half bath downstairs was great for our family of 5. The private beach was beautiful - we saw otters, whales, and my son found two perfect sand dollars walking down the beach. It was a little bit of a trek to get down to the beach with three little kids and all the beach gear, but once we were there no one wanted to leave. Several near-by restaurants were delicious, especially the newly opened Dos Pescados. It was fairly easy to get into Santa Cruz too, but we did have to time traffic or it would double the drive time (to almost 45 minutes).
Guest suite in Aptos
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 419 reviewsEl Nido; a Peaceful, Relaxing, Restorative Retreat
Chris’ place in Aptos was truly exceptional and hands-down one of the best Airbnbs we’ve ever stayed at! From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the beauty and warmth of the space. It was spacious yet cozy, impeccably clean, and filled with thoughtful, artistic touches that made it feel so special. Every corner of the home reflected care and intention, creating an environment that was both peaceful and welcoming. Chris herself was a magnificent host — so kind and attentive. She truly went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed for a comfortable and relaxing New Year’s Eve stay :) We left feeling rejuvenated and so grateful for the experience. We’d love to come back and stay here again!🌲🌿
Home in Santa Cruz
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 53 reviewsFamily Beach Retreat with Hot Tub and Beach Access
Great house! Our family felt right at home here. Clean, well supplied, and comfortable. Also very close to the water and many restaurants. Beautiful sunsets, and the hot tub was wonderful to have!
Home in Santa Cruz
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 338 reviewsModern Designer: Amazing Location
Lilian’s home was perfect for us! We had a group of 5 and we all enjoyed our own space, and also our space together. The art and plants and architecture all were fun to live with. The location worked really well for us - near the beach, and easy drives to different parts of Santa Cruz and Capitola. All beautiful. Easy party at the house. Lilian was very responsive to messages. A wonderful stay.
Villa in Santa Cruz
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 68 reviewsLuxury 5 Star Beach Villa: New Hot Tub
The home was exactly as advertised, very comfortable for two families of four, lots of seating area and places to hang out. Kitchen was spacious and well equipped. Santa Cruz beach and downtown all a very short drive away and loved their instructions and helpful hints on how to experience the town.
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Capitola
Total rentals
210 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 cottage rentals in Capitola?
Experience the best of Capitola with our cottage rentals, starting at about $70 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 hotel rentals in Capitola have air conditioning?
Absolutely! We offer over 10 hotel rentals with air conditioning 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.
Are there family-friendly house rentals in Capitola?
Capitola has more than 80 family-friendly house rentals. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.
Do condo rentals in Capitola have wifi?
Absolutely! We offer over 10 condo rentals with wifi in Capitola. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
What are the most popular amenities for House Rentals in Capitola?
Enhance your stay in our House Rentals with the most popular amenities: over 40 homes with a bbq area, over 10 homes with a gym, over 10 homes with air conditioning, over 90 homes with wifi, and more. Indulge in the ultimate retreat, tailored to your preferences.
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