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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.

Superhost

Condo in Aptos

4.81 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviews

Seascape Resort Ocean View Studio "The View for Yo

UmeshRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
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.
Guest favorite

Bungalow in Upper Seabright

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 301 reviews

2 bdrm Bungalow 3 blocks from the Beach

EllenRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
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!
Guest favorite

Home in Santa Cruz

4.76 out of 5 average rating, 593 reviews

Charming cottage in westside SC 2 blks from beach

EstherRating, 5 stars1 week ago
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!
Guest favorite

Home in La Selva Beach

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 128 reviews

Big and Bright, Steps to Sand, Ocean Views

TaylorRating, 5 stars1 month ago
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
Guest favorite

Cottage in Santa Cruz

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 100 reviews

Hawaiian Beach House-1 block beach-Family Friendly

AdamRating, 5 stars2 months ago
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!
Guest favorite

Home in Upper Seabright

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 113 reviews

Vacation home Seabright Santa Cruz with Sauna

NolanRating, 5 stars1 month ago
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.
Guest favorite

Home in Aptos

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 212 reviews

Aptos Beachfront House Winter Discount

JoannRating, 5 stars1 month ago
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!
Guest favorite

Bungalow in Upper Seabright

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 264 reviews

Theory of Color: A Sensory Retreat

MicaelaRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
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!
Guest favorite

Cottage in Aptos

4.86 out of 5 average rating, 218 reviews

Spruce Beach Cottage - Walk to beach

CoryRating, 5 stars2 months ago
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.
Superhost

Cottage in Felton

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 121 reviews

Private Cottage with a View

KrisRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
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.
Guest favorite

Condo in Watsonville

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 287 reviews

2B/2B Pajaro Dunes with Dunes and Ocean View

SaraRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
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.
Guest favorite

Condo in Aptos

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 157 reviews

Seascape Oceanv hot tub, pool, EV, Aptos, Cruz

SandyRating, 5 stars2 months ago
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.

Popular amenities for Capitola vacation rentals

Stay near Capitola's top sights

Capitola Beach159 locals recommend
Verve Coffee Roasters220 locals recommend
Shadowbrook Restaurant205 locals recommend
Capitola Beach Company167 locals recommend
Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria155 locals recommend
Pizza My Heart140 locals recommend

Capitola oceanfront vacation rentals

Guest favorite

Condo in Aptos

5 out of 5 average rating, 9 reviews

Seascape Oceanview Luxury 2B w/theater walk2beach

DanielaRating, 5 stars4 weeks ago
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!
Guest favorite

Vacation home in Watsonville

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 391 reviews

Magical & Romantic Beachfront Home at Pajaro Dunes

AkshataRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
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!
Superhost

Home in Aptos

4.8 out of 5 average rating, 25 reviews

Seascape Ocean Front Villa

NellRating, 5 stars3 months ago
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!
Guest favorite

Condo in Watsonville

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 443 reviews

Beachfront Tranquility

BrianRating, 5 stars3 months ago
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.
Guest favorite

Apartment in Capitola

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 348 reviews

180°OceanviewCondo-Surfboards-Bikes

SriramRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
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
Guest favorite

Home in Santa Cruz

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 447 reviews

180°OceanView+HotTub+EBikes+Surfboards+SUPS+Kayak

RogerRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
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.
Guest favorite

Condo in Aptos

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 31 reviews

Oceanfront 1BR Condo and Seascape Beach Resort

JocelynRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
Jane’s place at Seascape exceeded our expectations! The unit is really lovely with comfy furniture and a spectacular view.
Superhost

Home in Aptos

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 40 reviews

Seascape condo with beach-view

EmilyRating, 5 stars3 months ago
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

Guest favorite

Condo in Aptos

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 26 reviews

Spectacular Ocean View - 2 Decks - Heated Pools

SonuRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
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!
Guest favorite

Cottage in Santa Cruz

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 429 reviews

Sea Otter Cottage in Santa Cruz!

HayleyRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
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!
Guest favorite

Condo in Watsonville

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 67 reviews

Beachfront Paradise Pajaro Dunes Pelican Point

IndrayaniRating, 5 stars1 month ago
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!
Guest favorite

Condo in Aptos

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 178 reviews

Beach Front Villa at Seascape Resort

KateRating, 5 stars6 months ago
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 favorite

Guest suite in Aptos

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 419 reviews

El Nido; a Peaceful, Relaxing, Restorative Retreat

CiaraRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
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!🌲🌿
Guest favorite

Home in Santa Cruz

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 53 reviews

Family Beach Retreat with Hot Tub and Beach Access

AimeeRating, 5 stars1 week ago
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!
Superhost

Home in Santa Cruz

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 338 reviews

Modern Designer: Amazing Location

RochelleRating, 5 stars1 month ago
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.
Guest favorite

Villa in Santa Cruz

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 68 reviews

Luxury 5 Star Beach Villa: New Hot Tub

TrishaRating, 5 stars1 week ago
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.

Destinations to explore

  1. Airbnb
  2. United States
  3. California
  4. Santa Cruz County
  5. Capitola