Capitola vacation rentals

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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 beach vacation rentals

Guest favorite

Home in Upper Seabright

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 345 reviews

Santa Cruz Beach Cottage Getaway

ImagineRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
We had an amazing week staying at this cozy beachside home over Thanksgiving! The location was perfect—just steps from the beach, with gorgeous sunsets and easy access to everything in town. The space was clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully equipped, making it a great base for exploring my old college town and creating new memories 🌊
Superhost

Townhouse in Santa Cruz

4.84 out of 5 average rating, 281 reviews

Boardwalk Beach Retreat | .5 mi to Beach | 3bd/3bt

SharonRating, 5 stars3 months ago
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.
Guest favorite

Home in Aptos

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 250 reviews

Blue Whale Bungalow

SusanRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Cozy, comfortable and immaculately clean! Mariam was very responsive and there were some really nice touches like a welcome bag of snacks and guest book with recommendations. A couple of blocks from the ocean and peaceful, beautiful sunset walks. Would highly recommend this place!
Guest favorite

Home in Santa Cruz

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 125 reviews

Beach Suite

EktaRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
We enjoyed the Beach Suite so much after our first trip that we chose to stay here again during our most recent excursion to Santa Cruz. Lovely location, communicative host, and great amenities!
Superhost

Home in Aptos

4.82 out of 5 average rating, 109 reviews

Jaw-Dropping Beach-Front Retreat!

SarahRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
Location location location! This home was steps from the beach and was so lovely to listen to the waves crashing from the comfort of our bed! Walkable to local coffee shop, deli and restaurant for yummy happy hour. 3 stories was nice for 2 families, each family had their own floor. Jaleh was very responsive if we had questions!
Guest favorite

Home in Santa Cruz

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 211 reviews

Opal Cliff Beach House for the Holidays!

SaraRating, 5 stars1 month ago
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!
Superhost

Home in Aptos

4.74 out of 5 average rating, 182 reviews

Ocean View, 5min flat walk to Beach, Pet Friendly

RebeccaRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
The view was beautiful. Short walk to the beach and restaurants. Everything was so convenient. The property was so unique. We had everything we needed for a relaxing beach vaca!
Superhost

Home in Aptos

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 172 reviews

500 feet from the ocean/Rio del Mar

ToriRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Beautiful home! You walked in and instantly felt excited! It's the quintessential aptos beack house home complete with a second balcony! Short walk to the beach and so quiet! Instructions were effortless and Myriam was so responseive! uber kid and pet friendly so grateful and humbled to be able to stay at the costal queen!!!

Other great vacation rentals in Capitola

Guest favorite

Condo in Aptos

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 24 reviews

Beautiful Ocean View - 2 Decks - Warm and Cozy

MeganRating, 5 stars2 months ago
We rent places often for family trips and David’s property was one of nicest places we have rented. It is clean, quiet, very modern, but still beachy, and the beds are the most comfortable!! It has an elevated beachfront with easy access to the beach. We felt at home the moment we got there, and the views were stunning!! You don’t need to bring much as the property has anything and everything you need, David has thought of it all from beach toys and chairs to convenient charging stations, all the necessities, it is turn key. He is an extremely pleasant host, responds quickly and provides great recommendations of places and things to do. We would most definitely recommend this property to anyone, especially for a family getaway.
Guest favorite

Cottage in Santa Cruz

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 423 reviews

Sea Otter Cottage in Santa Cruz!

ElisabethRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
Sea Otter Cottage is clean, tastefully decorated, well appointed and very homey. The back yard is beautiful and very relaxing, offering more living space and a chance to enjoy being outside. We also enjoyed the side deck and the front porch! The cottage is located a short walk from the beach and a reasonable drive from many parks and attractions. The area seems safe and peaceful. Shari is very welcoming and easy to communicate with. She seems to want her guests to be very happy! She even has homemade cookies on arrival. We would highly recommend this rental and look forward to our next visit!
Guest favorite

Home in Campbell

5 out of 5 average rating, 24 reviews

3 bdrm 2bath bright renovated private deck

NathanRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
I always choose to stay at Emrehans when I need a place near San Jose. Very beautiful, clean home/yard, great location. Emrehan communicates well and has been very accommodating to me. Very good price for the stay. Would recommend.
Guest favorite

Condo in Watsonville

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 66 reviews

Beachfront Paradise Pajaro Dunes Pelican Point

JanineRating, 5 stars2 months ago
Beautiful space! Mary was great responding to my questions. Very peaceful and clean condo. Bed was soft and cozy. Close to the beach. Went to Monterey and Santa Cruz with easy drives to both. Was just me but plenty of room for more with the two bedrooms. Very much enjoyed the deck and the view. Definitely recommend.
Guest favorite

Home in Santa Cruz

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 15 reviews

Great, Modern 2bdr Cottage, 5min to beach

MathrRating, 5 stars4 months ago
Always a great time in Santa Cruz and Robin’s place was just right for this stay. Super charming, tidy, and under 10 minutes from everything. They were very accommodating hosts. Would definitely consider staying here again!
Guest favorite

Condo in Aptos

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 178 reviews

Beach Front Villa at Seascape Resort

KateRating, 5 stars4 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, 415 reviews

El Nido; a Peaceful, Relaxing, Restorative Retreat

DavidRating, 5 stars5 days ago
We had a wonderful time at Chris's place, it was perfect for our weekend getaway. The place was super clean, and she made sure we had everything we needed and then some. She was very communicative, especially with a power outage due to bad weather. She made sure we were safe, had access to lights and was super helpful with power updates. Would definitely come here again.
Guest favorite

Home in Upper Seabright

4.77 out of 5 average rating, 44 reviews

Fab Harbor/Ocean Views - Min to Beaches/Boardwalk

DawnRating, 5 stars4 months ago
Just as described. The place was perfect for the 10 of us. Plenty of space, great location, beautiful views.

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Capitola

  • Total rentals

    240 properties

  • Total number of reviews

    11K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    140 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.

  • How much does it cost to stay in condo rentals in Capitola?

    Experience the best of Capitola with our condo rentals, starting at about $140 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.

  • 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!

  • 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 family-friendly vacation rentals in Capitola?

    Capitola has more than 140 family-friendly stays. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.

  • 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 cottage rentals in Capitola have wifi?

    Absolutely! We offer over 10 cottage rentals with wifi in Capitola. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

Destinations to explore

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