Vacation rentals in Santa Cruz Mountains
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Santa Cruz Mountains
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Popular amenities for Santa Cruz Mountains vacation rentals
Other great vacation rentals in Santa Cruz Mountains
Camper/RV in Felton
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 323 reviewsVintage Creekside Hideaway – Walk to Henry Cowell
Jul 19 – 26
Cottage in Soquel
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 543 reviewsCottage Nestled in the Redwoods
May 30 – Jun 4
Guesthouse in Soquel
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 257 reviewsSecret Garden Retreat
Jul 8 – 15
Home in Felton
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 157 reviewsHayloft on Organic Farm
Sep 26 – Oct 3
Guesthouse in La Selva Beach
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 560 reviewscute cottage walking distance to beach
Oct 4 – 11
Guesthouse in Santa Cruz
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 202 reviewsStudio in the redwoods - 4.5 mi from the beach
Jun 10 – 17
Cabin in Soquel
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 155 reviewsRedwood Ridge Retreat by the Sea
Jan 12 – 19
Home in Felton
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 152 reviewsArtsy Cabin in Half-acre Serene Redwoods
Aug 31 – Sep 7
Other great vacation rentals in Santa Cruz Mountains
Guesthouse in Boulder Creek
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 145 reviewsDigital Nomad Retreat
Oct 6 – 13
Guesthouse in Felton
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviewsPeaceful Creekside Retreat Under the Redwoods
Sep 8 – 15
Guest suite in San Jose
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 173 reviewsEntire Guest Suite Private Entrance Kitchen & Bath
Jun 11 – 18
Guesthouse in Los Gatos
4.82 out of 5 average rating, 549 reviewsRustic Cottage, Redwoods, Beaches.
Sep 9 – 16
Guesthouse in Felton
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 158 reviewsFelton Forest Cottage Near Henry Cowell State Park
Jun 23 – 28
Guesthouse in Boulder Creek
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 516 reviewsRedwood Getaway #2
Aug 7 – 14
Cabin in Scotts Valley
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 51 reviewsCreekside Green Cabin
Oct 5 – 12
Treehouse in Watsonville
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 23 reviewsPacific View Treehouse
Nov 7 – 14
Your guide to Santa Cruz Mountains
All About Santa Cruz Mountains
From the San Francisco Bay to the coastal community of Santa Cruz itself, the Santa Cruz Mountains are a collection of more than 125 peaks and adjoining ranges that rise from the coastal waters and head inland toward San Jose and the California interior. Due to its proximity to the humid coastal climate of the Pacific Ocean, many of the low-lying valleys contain temperate rainforest ecologies, with stands of old-growth forest in nearby state parks. These forests are also home to deer, mountain lions, bobcats, black bears, cougars, and the only marsupial native to North America, the Virginia opossum.
With hundreds of miles of trail systems that cross several state parks and preserves, there are opportunities to hike, bike, and play along the coastlines, among the forested valleys, and on top of Loma Prieta, the tallest mountain in the range. When deciding where to stay, there are numerous options. San Francisco to the north provides a more metropolitan feel, while San Jose in the east is a more sprawling suburban landscape. If you’re itching for a small-town experience, consider the beach community of Santa Cruz, where surfers and outdoor enthusiasts congregate.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Santa Cruz Mountains
The Santa Cruz Mountains encompass several microclimates with unique seasonal characteristics and variations. May through October provides the warmest temperatures and the lowest levels of rain. If you’re looking to take full advantage of outdoor opportunities, looking for cabins in Santa Cruz during these summer months may prove to be a good option. Seasonal variations in weather are minor, with only slight drops in temperature and moderate upticks in overall precipitation during the winter. Despite being only a few miles apart, the oceanside parks may have different climatic conditions from the higher peaks or inland valleys. Be sure to research the areas you intend to visit and plan accordingly.
Top things to do in Santa Cruz Mountains
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is home to some of California’s most majestic old-growth redwoods. Hiking trails and picnic areas amid the tall trees make for a great day of exploring the forests. Some of the park’s trees are more than two millennia old, and among the tallest living trees on earth. The Redwood Grove Loop Trail is one of the more popular trails in the park, with a wheelchair-accessible hike that is less than a mile long and takes visitors through some of the oldest redwoods in the area.
Felton Bridge
At more than thirty-five feet tall, this 1892 covered bridge is located on San Lorenzo River in the southern bounds of the Santa Cruz Mountains, just 15 minutes from Santa Cruz, and is said to be the tallest of its kind in the United States. After visiting the bridge and surrounding county park, the lumber town of Felton is worth exploring before heading back into the mountains. Check out some of the town’s mills, logging sites, and the mysterious Bigfoot Discovery Museum before crossing back over the bridge.
Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve
The Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve encompasses more than 19,000 acres of rugged wilderness in the eastern interior edges of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Miles of trails allow for the exploration of an ecological community that is quite distinct from the areas closer to the Pacific. The drier climate here provides conditions ideal for chaparral stands, sprawling grasslands, and oak forests that stand in contrast to the humid rainforest conditions found in the western reserves.
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