Whether you are doing a weekend getaway from San Francisco or driving the coast as part of a larger trip, these Santa Cruz tree houses will deliver an amazing forest experience. This article spotlights six of Santa Cruz tree house rentals that feature privacy, access to trails, redwoods and a whole lotta fresh air.
4 Tips for Your Santa Cruz Tree House Rental
- Pay careful attention to the listings, particularly the number of guests vs. the number of actual beds. Many Airbnb listings, including some on this list, count sofa beds and air mattresses as sleepable furniture. This may be fine for your seven year old but maybe not for your adult friends and family.
- Some of the listings mention that they are “420 friendly”. This is Santa Cruz code for weed. The listings that mention 420, may allow the use of it on property, but never indoors.
- Some of these tree house listings are in the middle of nowhere, which is of course, the point. But it also means that many have very dodgy cell signals. Ask the host if that’s important to you, otherwise plan to use wifi.
- Give yourself plenty of time to explore the surrounding area. Check out these cool things to do in Santa Cruz for beachcombing, hiking, shopping and eating suggestions. Some of the listings are quite close to the old growth redwoods in Nisene Marks State Park, Big Basin State park or Henry Cowell State Park.
Let’s dig into some Santa Cruz tree house glamping and find you someplace cool to chill. If you are also considering staying at the beach, then also peruse this curated list of Santa Cruz beach house rentals.
(This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase, I’ll make a small commission.)
1. Lovely Retreat Nestled in the Woods
Sleeps: 2 guests, 1 queen bed
This whimsical cabin sits right in the middle of redwoods in Scotts Valley. It has a comfortable queen bed with warm blankets. The host has provided a heater and firewood to keep you toasty on rainy days. That said, this space is designed for outdoor living and its star attraction is its bathtub in the forest. The outdoor bathhouse is tastefully designed and offers lots of privacy. The cabin has a small kitchen, a fire pit, and a gas grill for your barbecue.
“You could enjoy hours peacefully in the bathtub while enjoying the quiet outdoors.”
2. Mountain Top Yurt in the Redwoods
Sleeps: 2 guests, 1 queen bed, 1 couch
Costs: $92/ni
This yurt isn’t a tree house per se, but it’s a really cool place to go glamping in Santa Cruz. Its beautiful, cozy, and offers a lot of privacy. The yurt sits right in the middle of the forest, by a private hill. It has an outdoor feel, thanks to its eight windows and a French door. It’s furnished with a kitchenette and a sizable dining room table. You will love the invigorating outdoor hot water bathhouse. There are lots of hiking trails near the yurt, including Mount Madonna County Park.
“A very relaxing and cozy space. We enjoyed breakfast on the sunny deck, the outdoor shower, and all of the birds chirping away.”
3. Riverfront Tree House~Old Redwoods~Fantastic Views!
Sleeps: 4 guests, 1 queen bed, 1 double bed, 1 single bed
This magical tree house in Santa Cruz will recharge and rejuvenate you. The 2-acre property rises amid ancient spruce and redwood trees right next to the San Lorenzo river. There is a tree growing right through the multi-level deck, which sports stunning views. Amenities include a bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. In the outdoors, there is a sink and shower, a BBQ, and a fireplace spot.
“Green-friendly place with splendid views of trees and the sound of the creek below, just like the pictures.”
4. Tree House in Vineyard Overlooking Monterey Bay
Sleeps: 2 guests, 1 queen bed
While some Santa Cruz Airbnbs on this list are like houses-in-trees, this listing is literally a tree house and is one of the most unique ways to go glamping in the Santa Cruz. This listing is way off the beaten path and is located deep in the Santa Cruz mountains on a vineyard. Lounge in your lux queen size bed and get views Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean– perfect for sunsets. The set-up is a 400 square foot platform with a yurt-like tent and a queen bed. The host has a full bath in the adjacent main house, a short walk away from the tree house.
“We enjoyed some local wine, ocean views, sunsets, and exploring the vineyards ALL to ourselves.”
5. Cedar Tree House in Aptos Mountain Retreat & Spa
Sleeps: 3 guests, 1 king bed, 1 sofa bed
This octagonal tree house offers one of the best Santa Cruz cabin experiences. Connect with nature in a retreat-like setting and hike in the nearby Nisene Marks State Park. The cool tiny home has an exquisite geometric woodwork ceiling and a dome skylight. There is a kitchenette with a mini-fridge and a bathroom. Outdoor attractions include a pool, hot tub, meditation pond, and a garden. This host also has is another nearby glamping yurt for rent.
“The grounds are exceptionally beautiful, with surprises at every turn”
6. Redwood Tree House Santa Cruz Mountains
Sleeps: 2 guests, 1 queen bed
Relive your childhood in this actual tree located house deep in the Santa Cruz mountains. It has a pirate vibe with the gang plank but rather than the ocean, you get a forested paradise. It was built by an artist and the craftsmanship really shows. As one of the few genuine Santa Cruz tree houses, it has an actual live tree rising through the living space! Spend your time in the hot tub gazing at the trees, or in the Adirondack chairs gazing at the trees. The listing also comes with a small but fully functional kitchen and a full bathroom.
“Perfect place to disconnect. Quiet, clean, and super quaint.”
Check rates and availability. .
Enjoy your tree house stay. As John Muir once said, “Come to the forest, for here is rest.
True that John.
More Fun Things to do on the Coastside:
- Check out the Half Moon Bay State Beach Park.
- Plan an additional weekend getaway with these Half Moon Bay Airbnbs.
- Discover more of the coast on the Pacific Coast Highway drive.