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Cozy Private Beach Bungalow, New Hot Tub, 1 Dog ok, 3 short Blocks To Beach.

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Outdoor spa tub
Beach nearby, sun-loungers
Dining
Interior
Outdoor dining

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 450 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer

Explore the area

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

Room options

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About this property

Entire place

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

Cozy Private Beach Bungalow, New Hot Tub, 1 Dog ok, 3 short Blocks To Beach.

Named after local Marine Biologist, Edward F. Ricketts, the Ricketts' Retreat House has a classy Monterey Bay feel . Last house at the end of the street with an enclosed private yard, and naturally, you can see the ocean from the driveway. In 3 blocks, you could be at the fire-pits of Twin Lakes Beach, sailing a boat at the Harbor, or grabbing a bite to eat at the Crow's Nest or Johnny's Harbor side. In one mile, you could be riding the Giant Dipper at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Additionally, the famed Steamer Lane surf spot, West Cliff, Capitola, and UC Santa Cruz's Seymour Marine Discovery Center are within a four-mile radius of the house.

The House is furnished in good taste with all essential amenities including linens, towels, and paper products. The bedroom has a new comfortable queen bed, dresser, closet, adjoining the bright bathroom (with windows) and walk-in shower. Kitchen has a new gas stove/oven, a microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, and garbage disposal. Adjoining to the kitchen is a dining area, and the living room with pull out double sofa bed. Gas fireplace with temperature control, 36" Smart TV and WiFi are also present for your enjoyment. House comes ready with a washer and dryer and is essential for beach-goers. The backyard has an amazing hot tub, shower, gas barbecue, outdoor furniture, and the front yard has bistro seating. Parking on street with no permit required, and driveway parking. Enjoy the retreat any time of year.

Bookings for this home are supported by the following platforms: VRBO and AirBnB.

The Ricketts' Retreat House is peaceful, beautiful, and awaiting your arrival :)
During your stay at this vacation home, you're just a quick walk from Twin Lakes State Beach. You'll find features like a hot tub and laundry facilities. The vacation home offers free WiFi and a kitchen.
  • The vacation home offers a kitchen, a washing machine, and a fireplace
  • Free WiFi
  • Amenities include laundry facilities
  • Just a 3-minute drive from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 6 minutes from Monterey Bay
This vacation home offers its guests a hot tub, barbecue grills, and laundry facilities. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach loungers

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • Up to 23 kg per pet

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 2 steps to reach entrance
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • No lift
  • Single level property
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Please smoke of property.

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping on request
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the marina
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Winery tours 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
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Recycling
  • Unit size: 540 square feet
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 28

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

Smoking is not allowed on the property. You must leave the fence to smoke

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 1 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Note from host: 2 under 10 lb. Fee 125 1st dog 75 2nd dog

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Nice quiet neighborhood.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please smoke of property.

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
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, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking. An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Cozy Private Beach Bungalow Hot Tub Dog ok 3 Short Blocks Beach
Cozy Private Beach Bungalow Hot Tub Dog ok 3 Short Blocks Beach

Cozy Private Beach Bungalow, New Hot Tub, 1 Dog ok, 3 short Blocks To Beach. Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 99 out of 126 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 24 out of 126 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 126 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 126 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 126 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

adam l.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The rental cottage was a great experience and will definitely recommend this property and we will return. The cottage neighborhood was quiet, the cottage is beautiful and it was like home. We enjoyed the jacuzzi, the grill, and all the amenities the cottage provided. Clean, organized and full of supplies was the best part. Thank you for the great experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Courtney F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is our third time staying at this amazing bungalow. It is in the perfect spot to be close to the beach but off the beaten path and close to downtown and other amenities. The upgrades to the yard and hot tub are excellent. We absolutely love this spot.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay. The accommodations were just right for my husband and me. The location was excellent being just a short walk from the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patricia F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Good location. Very clean and quiet (especially while main road has practically no traffic due to nearby bridge work.) Short walk to beach. Safe for a small dog to hang out in the yard. Hot tub is new and clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful location, home is on a dead end street literally 3 minutes from Harbor beach. Great for little one, fully gated property with two parking spots. Very clean home and has everything you need. We had a great time here and highly recommend this home.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James J.

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

Great Stay

Clean and comfortable house and property in a great location. My dog and I enjoyed our stay very much.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Sweet Beach Cottage

Loved staying in this cottage. Great location & everything I needed!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mimi H.

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

Great getaway

We loved the place!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicole A.

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

Comfortable Stay in a Sweet Location

Overall, we had a wonderful stay- the home was clean and comfortable, and blocks away from beautiful beaches.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ben C.

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

Love this Area!

Great place to stay. Walking distance to beach and the best brunch restaurant. Quick Ubers to boardwalk and downtown! Will stay here again!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ben C.

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

Return Guests

We love love love this place & will return yet again
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nelson P.

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

Great home!

Perfect for the two of us. Very clean and good location.
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah W.

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

Lovely

Very peaceful vacation. Great location.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie D.

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

Wonderful little house close to everything in Santa Cruz

We had a wonderful few days staying at this property. It was clean and well stocked upon our arrival. Loved all of the great places nearby. We will definitely consider staying again when visiting Santa Cruz.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sandi

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Was cozy and close to the beach.Had everything we needed to cook and our dog loved it! All fenced in and was very clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine V.

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

Great little cottage!

It is small but very comfortable and perfect for a couple. The location is wonderful, quiet and a short walk to the beach. The hot tub was in pristine condition and a nice bonus. We have nothing negative to say about this place and are looking forward to returning.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Courtney F.

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

Cottage by the sea

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this adorable house. It was extremely clean, great location, easy to communicate with owners and overall just fantastic. We have stayed before and definitely will again.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brendan F.

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

Santa Cruz trip

We had a great time at this cottage. It's an easy walk down to the beach. The place is cozy with nice outdoor space. The hot tub was wonderful, seems brand new. The parking is a bit tight being on a narrow dead-end street, but also quiet. Overall, very nice place.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S.

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

Lazy summer dayz

Quick trip before school starts and couldn’t of asked for a more perfect place
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandi R.

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

Wonderful week!

This was our second time staying at this cozy cottage and we loved it more this time! Has everything you need to cook for yourselves when you don’t want to eat out..Very quiet end of the street, well, except for the falling acorns from this big beautiful tree…lol..will definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brenda M.

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

Great location!

This cute, cozy bungalow is perfect! A well-stocked kitchen made it nice to eat in. We enjoyed being off the busy streets but yet were able to get where we wanted by walking. The hot tub was also a pleasure. Glad we were able to stay here for a week.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Toni K.

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

Cozy home

My son and I had a great time. The location was perfect. The home was cozy and fully equipped with what we needed. The hot-tub was amazing.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marion S.

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

Cozy and welcoming home

This little cottage was perfectly located for a long weekend in Santa Cruz. We were within walking distance of the Boardwalk, which is where we took the train to the Mountain Sol music festival. We forgot sugar for our coffee and were delighted to find some in the cupboard. Great stay and highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emily B.

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

Great!

Just what we needed!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patrick B.

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

Delightful cottage!

A super-cute cottage in a great location. Stayed there a month to work, explore, and relax, and this property was perfect. Clean, comfortable, simple. Owners/managers were very responsive. Note that the wifi was fast (300MB) and very reliable, great for remote working.
Stayed 30 nights in Jan 2023