Entire home

Happy Harbor

Photo gallery for Happy Harbor

A house with a yellow front door, a balcony with outdoor furniture, and an American flag. - Happy Harbor (Santa Cruz)
A spiral staircase with white balusters leading to a landing. - Happy Harbor (Santa Cruz)
A marina with boats docked, a beach, and a parking area. - Happy Harbor (Santa Cruz)
A living room with a TV, red armchair, and a view of the marina. - Happy Harbor (Santa Cruz)
A laundry area with a front-loading washer and dryer, a clock, and a window with a view of a coastal town. - Happy Harbor (Santa Cruz)
Close to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Happy Harbor provides amenities, such as a garden and laundry facilities. Guests can connect to in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61300 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Add dates for prices

About this property

Happy Harbor

  • Summary:

    Located in the heart of the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor is a sunny two-story home, fully furnished with views of the ocean, Walton Lighthouse and Yacht Harbor.



    The Space:

    VR PERMIT # 221358 expires 12/10/2027



    Welcome to Happy Harbor – Your Ideal Family Getaway in Santa Cruz!



    Nestled in the picturesque Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor, Happy Harbor is the perfect home for families seeking adventure and relaxation by the sea. This charming, fully furnished two-story home boasts stunning views of the ocean, the iconic Walton Lighthouse, and the lively harbor, providing a memorable backdrop for your family vacation.



    Accommodating up to 6 guests, this spacious home is ideal for families or small groups looking to explore all that Santa Cruz has to offer. Each room is thoughtfully decorated to capture the coastal charm, blending comfort and beachside elegance.



    The heart of the home is the kitchen, fully equipped with all the essentials for preparing family meals. With modern appliances, plenty of counter space, and a variety of cooking utensils, it's the perfect spot to whip up everything from quick breakfasts to family dinners. Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining area offers a cozy place to gather and share meals.



    One of the best features of Happy Harbor is the enclosed courtyard, a private outdoor retreat. Relax in the covered patio seating, perfect for sipping morning coffee or enjoying evening cocktails. The courtyard also includes a BBQ grill, ideal for family cookouts and outdoor dining under the stars.



    The spacious living area is designed for comfort, with plush seating and large windows that fill the room with natural light, offering beautiful views of the harbor. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a fun-filled day of beach activities, or to simply enjoy some quiet time with your favorite book.



    Please note that this property is "handicap friendly" - there are two steps to enter the house from the backyard, and one bedroom, bathroom and living space are all on one level



    Outdoor Fun for the Whole Family

    Step outside and you're just a short walk from Twin Lakes Beach, a fantastic spot for families to soak up the sun, swim, or play beach games. For added excitement, rent paddleboards or kayaks to explore the calm waters of the harbor or cruise along the coastline. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is also nearby, where you can enjoy thrilling rides, arcade games, and a classic seaside experience for all ages.



    For a delicious meal with a view, head to the nearby Crow's Nest, a family-friendly restaurant that offers fantastic food and vibrant summer BBQ parties that both locals and visitors love.



    More than Just a Place to Stay

    Happy Harbor is more than just a vacation home; it’s your gateway to everything Santa Cruz has to offer. From local attractions to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're here to relax by the beach, try out new activities, or enjoy the harbor’s dynamic atmosphere, this home is the perfect base for an unforgettable family vacation.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Office

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Optional golf privileges
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Theme park nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,300 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

🚨 Top 5 Non-Negotiables 🚨 (Please read before proceeding with your booking) 1. No Parties or Events — Ever Any party, gathering, or event will re...

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

About the area

Located in Eastside Santa Cruz, a neighbourhood in Santa Cruz, this holiday home is near theme parks and near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Monterey Bay and Capitola Beach, while Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Roaring Camp Railroads are popular area attractions. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History and Boardwalk Bowl are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby fishing, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling. Visit our Santa Cruz travel guide
View more Holiday homes in Santa Cruz
Map
Santa Cruz, CA

What's nearby

  • A lighthouse at sunset, rocky shoreline, calm water, and a clear sky.
    Santa Cruz Harbor
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • A tall white lighthouse with a green top, surrounded by large rocks and a clear blue sky.
    Seabright Beach
    16 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • A beachside amusement park with a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and a building with a red roof.
    Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    8 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Harbor Beach
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Twin Lakes State Beach
    5 min walk - 0.3 miles

Getting around

  • Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal)
    26 min drive

Restaurants

  • Crow's Nest Restaurant
    4 min walk
  • El Chipotle Taqueria
    3 min drive
  • People's Coffee
    4 min drive
  • Starbucks
    2 min drive
  • California Wraps
    4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Happy Harbor pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Happy Harbor?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Happy Harbor?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Happy Harbor?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Happy Harbor located?

Located in Eastside Santa Cruz, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Santa Cruz Harbor, Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Twin Lakes State Beach and Harbor Beach are also within 5 minutes.

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Reviews

Happy Harbor Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

10

Location
Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 23 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 23 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 23 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 23 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 23 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Great place!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful harborside house! Thank you
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house surrounded by colorful flowers, awesome view of the Harbor on both decks. Walking distance to the beach and shops (not for me and my friend of nearly 60 years, but for our kids in their 50's). Super comfy beds! We had minor issues with screen to lower deck. Great communication with hosts. The only really bad thing was that we had to leave .
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was well maintained and the host was easy to connect with.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house is a great location. We booked this for UCSC graduation weekend and it was perfect. A short drive/uber to campus, walkable to the harbor. House itself was clean and comfortable. Parking was tight, but it worked out.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquil Beach Retreat.

Adorable house, great for all ages! Had fabulous views from the 2 decks. Loved all the reading material and even enjoyed a visit from Blu the harbor cat. Hope to stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy, great views, beach themed home

Had a lovely stay at beach themed home. Loved the views and decor of home. Walking distance to the beach and close to Santa Cruz board walk. Nice out door patio with view of marina. Large deck off the master with beautiful views. Definitely would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

View of Harbor

Nice dwelling in a nice area overlooking harbor. Easy access. No problems.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

boardwalk beach week

The house was as pictured. The location was centered to both downtown Santa Cruz and Capitola. The furnishings were complete and there was no problem with anything. We were three adult females with three female children.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

Great location but..... maintenance, cleanliness and management not so great.

We loved the location. The fees were outrageous for a two day stay. The house was lacking general maintenance and cleaning. The toilet downstairs was sketchy, the water kept running and it didn't want to flush. The managers said turn off the water to the toilet, after they told us to jiggle the handle. It would eventually turn off. About a $30 part would fix that issue. The front slider screen fell off the frame the first time we opened it, we texted and crickets. The lights in the bedrooms were odd. In the room I stayed in only one lamp in the entire room worked and the walk in closet light didn't work. There was an extension cord stapled to the wall that led behind a dresser and under the carpet. There was an overloaded power strip that the light was on but I'm not sure what the deal was with the lights. I'm sure that doesn't meet California electrical code. Fire hazard for sure. There was bird poop on the screens, wall, and the patio surround that was quite unsightly, obviously had been there awhile and not cleaned up. The tracks for both of the sliders were dirty and full of debris. Obviously the $#%) cleaning fee for two nights was not being utilized correctly. Wouldn't stay there again but I liked the neighborhood.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely harbor location!

The house is as advertised. Location is fabulous! Lower deck is THE place to spend time! Quick walk to the Crow's Nest, market and beach. Parking was not too bad. Furnishings are dated and hodge podge. A little too much clutter-decor for my taste. Owners clothes in downstairs bedroom closet stuck me as odd.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location. Great house.

Even though it rained most of the days we were there we had a great time. The location was great for visiting different places around the area and for just hanging out near the harbor. Beach was near by for when it was not raining. House was a great hang out space for when it was raining. We would definitely stay again.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beach House Happiness

The house was darling, location was fabulous and we will be back again!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place

The location is ideal. Close to the Beach and Harbor. Lots to see and do. The house was clean and comfortable, with all the desired appliances. We stayed here in August 2021 with three generations - grandmother, father, daughter and spouses. Something for everyone.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous property in a great location!

Such a cute, clean, comfortable and lovely place with a fantastic view! Easy walk to the beach and restaurants. Fantastic.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Location, listing accuracy

Overall experience

When we arrived at 3:00PM our check in time, the Housecleaner was there & had not mopped the floors yet. She was surprised to learn that 3:00 was our check in time. She hurriedly mopped but they were filthy. We cleaned them ourselves as our infant granddaughter was getting dirt stains on her hands, knees & feet. After that, we loved our stay. The house was charming, great location, & wonderful view. Thank you very much! We hope to stay there again!!!💓
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Twin Lakes location in SC!

We recently stayed at this property that is overlooking the harbor in Santa Cruz. This place is super cute and the views were amazing! Easy walk down to the beach and kayak rental right nearby as well. There are even a couple of places to eat within walking distance. We brought bikes and biked down to Pleasure Point which was great. All in all this place is perfect for a family of 4+.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020