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Happy Harbor

Vacation home near Monterey Bay in Santa Cruz

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Photo gallery for Happy Harbor

Outdoor dining
Exterior
Marina
3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, WiFi, bed sheets
TV

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61300 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Santa Cruz, CA
  • Place, Santa Cruz Harbor
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Twin Lakes State Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Seabright Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪46 min drive‬

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About the neighborhood

Santa Cruz

Eastside Santa Cruz stay.At this Eastside Santa Cruz vacation home, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Santa Cruz Harbor and Twin Lakes State Beach. Also, Harbor Beach is within half a mile (1 km) and Seabright Beach is within 2 miles (3 km).
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What's nearby

  • Santa Cruz Harbor - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Twin Lakes State Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Seabright Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Sunny Cove Beach - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Crow's Nest Restaurant - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Senor Teds - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Verve Coffee Roasters - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Tramonti - ‬12 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Happy Harbor

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.

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.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

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

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 age 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

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
Happy Harbor Santa Cruz
Happy Harbor Private vacation home
Happy Harbor Private vacation home Santa Cruz
Happy Harbor Ocean Harbor Views Walk to Beach!
872032c4-997c-4022-b3d4-6d884a8a7b3d

Frequently asked questions

How close is Happy Harbor to the airport?

This vacation home is 14.8 mi (26-min drive) away from the Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Happy Harbor have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

How close is Happy Harbor to the beach?

This vacation home is a short 4-minute walk from Twin Lakes State Beach and 4-minute walk from Harbor Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Happy Harbor offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Happy Harbor?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

What time is check-in at Happy Harbor?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Happy Harbor?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does Happy Harbor have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does Happy Harbor have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Happy Harbor to downtown Santa Cruz?

This vacation home is 0.2 mi away from Twin Lakes.

Happy Harbor Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 14 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 14 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 14 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Marsail F.

Liked: Cleanliness
The property was well maintained and the host was easy to connect with.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elisa Y.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Jan N.

Liked: Cleanliness

View of Harbor

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

10/10 Excellent

Linda A.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

6/10 Okay

Teena N.

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

10/10 Excellent

Priya M.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

8/10 Good

Marianne H., Silicon Valley, CA

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Lanette G.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Tony R., West Fork, Arkansas

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Maureen L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beach House Happiness

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

10/10 Excellent

Richard B.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia L.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

8/10 Good

Debbie W.

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

10/10 Excellent

John O.

Liked: Cleanliness

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