Airport, Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal)
24 min drive
Room options
About the neighborhood
Soquel
Located 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, this cabin is within a 10-minute drive of Poetic Cellars Winery. The cabin includes a patio, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 18 min drive - 11.9 miles
Santa Cruz Wharf - 18 min drive - 12.3 miles
Getting around
Tamien Station (Caltrain) - 37 min drive
Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 29 min drive
Restaurants
Pretty Good Advice - 8 min drive
Bruno's Bar and Grill - 18 min drive
Starbucks - 16 min drive
Far East Kitchen - 16 min drive
Jack in the Box - 16 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Cozy Creekside Cabin in Santa Cruz Mountains
Our charming studio is nestled in a majestic redwood forest with a year-round creek flowing through the property. Leave the windows open at night and you will smell the sweet scent of the forest and hear the owls in the trees. Go outside and look up for most nights we have beautiful, starry skies. One of 3 one room cabins and 1 one bedroom cabins on the property, this cabin is small and yet has what you need after a day of exploring all Santa Cruz has to offer. To end the day, may I suggest a good novel by the creek or a nap in the sun.
This sacred land of coastal redwoods and an ancient creek is our family property and your nature vacation dream. When your neighbors are Christmas tree farms and retreat spaces you know you've landed someplace gorgeous.
Enjoy our complimentary cable TV with Netflix, Hulu and Prime in a comfortable queen bed. After s day of beach and mountain fun, enjoy the hot shower, a good nights sleep and hot coffee in the morning. Our spaces are small but have everything you need.
From the property, turn left to world renowned mountain biking trails at the Soquel Demonstration Forest. Stop by Summit Market for a delicious lunch where you can watch hawks soar from their patio eating the best tri-tip sandwich in town.
From the property, turn right and head down the hill towards Capitola beach. Capitola Village is home to diverse restaurants, coffee shops, and boutique shopping. This cabin is the perfect location to explore Santa Cruz beaches, mountains and culture or just to get away from it all and relax.
We hope you enjoy your private cabin with a full bathroom and shower, your patio right outside your front door and your shared deck with patio set. Walk on our paved walkway 1 minute down the hill to a sweet private creek beach on the bubbly Soquel Creek.
The Santa Cruz Mountains surround our quaint small cabin on our acre wooded property. This cabin is the perfect location to explore Santa Cruz beaches, mountains and culture or just to get away from it all and relax.
This quintessential California beach town is a mecca for surfers and sun-worshippers, but also has something for everyone. Families love visiting the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, while nature lovers appreciate the area's many unspoiled beaches.
Santa Cruz is a popular place for summertime recreation, from volleyball to boating and hiking. The breathtaking scenery and refreshing sea breezes make this stretch of California's Central Coast especially appealing.
HIKING
There’s a lot to love about Santa Cruz but perhaps one of the biggest draws to this coastal town is just how much nature there is to explore within the county.
The great thing about the hiking trails in Santa Cruz is how different they are from each other. You could be hiking along a windswept coastal trail one minute and then be in the midst of a redwood forest in just a 20-minute drive.
Since Santa Cruz County takes up a relatively small area, it's amazing how diverse it is and how many different types of hikes you can find within its county lines.
You can expect to find old-growth redwoods, enchanted forests, waterfalls, and some breathtaking scenic views on the California Coast.
Coast redwood trees are the tallest trees on the planet. They can grow to 300 feet high or more, as compared to the tallest pine tree at 268 feet or the tallest tanoak at 162 feet.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
While surfing may have first put Santa Cruz on the map, there’s a landlocked sport that’s been gaining traction and attracting international attention over the last couple decades. The epicenter of mountain biking sits right here in “Surf City” with year-round riding conditions and world-class trails just minutes from the property.
Our area has phenomenal Mountain biking. Head up Old San Jose and turn right on Summit. About a mile down on the right you with find the Demo.
The Soquel Demonstration Forest, also known as "Demo," is home to a series of mountain biking trails. Many of the singletrack trails course down ridges, largely on old logging road cuts created when the forest was first logged beginning in the 1930s. These routes were adopted as part of the recreational trail network when Cal Fire acquired the property in the early 1990s. Additional singletrack trails were established through Cal Fire's collaborations with local mountain biking clubs in 2000 (Braille Trail) and 2015 (Flow Trail). The trails have grown into some of the most popular in the California Bay Area and attract bikers from around the world.
Haven't had enough at the Demo then head down the hill from our place and hop on the 1 Highway south a few exits to Nisene Marks.
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is a state park of California protecting a secondary forest in the watershed of Aptos Creek and Soquel Creek within the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is located outside Aptos, California and contains over 40 miles of hiking trails and fire roads through 10,223 acres of variable terrain.
The park is a popular spot for running, hiking, and horseback riding. Additionally, it is a common location for mountain biking, which can be done on several trails including the Aptos Rancho Trail, Split Stuff Trail, Terrace Trail, and Vienna Woods Trail
SURFING
Santa Cruz is one of the top surfing destinations in California. Situated 85 minutes drive out of San Francisco, the city of Santa Cruz boasts some beautiful coastline that is well worthy of a visit, especially if you are a surfer.
The area is known for its moderate climate and beach going, alternative lifestyles. Nicknamed Surf City, Santa Cruz has 11 world-class surf breaks that are really worth checking out including point breaks over Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point, which it could be argued are some of the best surfing waves in the world.
With waves that are suited to all levels of surfer, Santa Cruz has something for everyone, from those that have never stepped foot on a surfboard to those who have devoted their entire lives to riding waves. Of course, with some of the biggest waves, visitors who are not familiar with some of the more fierce swells should take some time to familiarize themselves with the more dangerous spots before they start surfing Santa Cruz..
Other Santa Cruz Surf Spots If you take a short drive up on Highway 1, you’ll come across lots of hidden surfing gems that are often breaking such as Año Nuevo or Waddle Creek State Beach. These more secluded spots are a bit off the beaten path and as such you’ll find them to be less crowded than the major beaches closer to the city. If you want a more chilled out feel to your days surfing Santa Cruz, this route may be the way to go.
Surfboard Hire in Santa Cruz
Westside Surf & Skate is a great place in Santa Cruz to fulfil all your surf-related needs.
Cowells Surf Shop Santa Cruz also offers a good selection of board rentals. A full day hire will set you back about $30. They have a wide selection of beginner boards from 5 ft.-11 ft. foam logs to NSP epoxy’s to fiberglass boards. There are also some higher performance boards available to rent for an extra cost per day.
The Forest Cabins have a foam log (surfboard) and 4 boogie boards that our guests are invited to borrow. Also available to borrow are beach chairs, beach towels, sunscreen and beach umbrellas.
SEALIFE
As part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, sea life is abundant in and around Santa Cruz County. Throughout the year it is possible to see sightings of common porpoises, humpback whales, sea lions, seals, and the ever-present sea otters. Seen from the deck of a sailboat, in the seat of a kayak, on a sixty-foot catamaran, or by land, there are a multitude of ways to watch marine life play in this watery world. Welcome aboard.
Sealife Viewing December-April: Gray Whales. Peak viewing is from mid-January through mid-March.
Summer and Fall: Blue Whales, Humpbacks (although in the past few years, Humpbacks are proving to be year-round in the Monterey Bay)
Year-Round: Orcas. The best time to view is April as they follow the migration pattern of Gray Whales.
Other marine animals you may spot: Blue Shark, Great White Sharks, Sun Fish, Dolphins, and Sea Otters.
We acknowledge that this land, these trees and this creek that we steward, is the sacred land of native peoples to whom this land originally belonged. This is Ohlone land and the Ohlone people are still here in this community. We stand in solidarity with all indigenous people and their right to self-determination and justice.
The cabin is heated and features a patio and space to spread out with a separate bedroom. Guests can enjoy a TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a microwave, a refrigerator, and a coffee maker. Change of towels is available on request.
Similar properties
Sweet Spot in the Santa Cruz Redwoods 10 minutes from the Ocean
Sweet Spot in the Santa Cruz Redwoods 10 minutes from the Ocean
No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Bed sheets changed on request
Garden
Grey water recycling system
Towels (changed on request)
Unit size: 200 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 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
Rules
Dogs may not be left unattended in your room at any time. No excessive barking or aggression.
We will not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We are a family that welcomes you and celebrates the richness of our community.
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Dogs only
2 total (50 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
Service animals exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
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
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses a grey water recycling system
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances 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
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
This property uses a grey water recycling system.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
Long-term renters welcome.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do near this cabin?
This cabin is located in Soquel, close to Mystery Spot and Capitola Beach. You'll also find The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and Poetic Cellars Winery within a short drive.
Will I be able to park at this cabin?
No, there isn't parking at this cabin.
Is this cabin associated with a casino?
No, this cabin is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this cabin?
No, this cabin doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.
Are there hot tubs at Cozy Creekside Cabin in Santa Cruz Mountains?
Yes, this cabin has a spa tub.
Does this cabin include breakfast service?
No, this cabin doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this cabin allow pets to stay for free?
Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this cabin.
Does this cabin have connecting rooms?
No, this cabin doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
Where is the closest airport to this cabin?
The closest major airport to this cabin is Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal), which is 16.8 mi away (29 minutes by car). Another top airport is Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), which is located 29.6 mi away (40-minute drive).
Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Cozy Creekside Cabin in Santa Cruz Mountains?
Yes, every cabin at Cozy Creekside Cabin in Santa Cruz Mountains comes with a deck with some featuring water views.
Reviews
Cozy Creekside Cabin in Santa Cruz Mountains Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
9.8/10
Cleanliness
8.0/10
Amenities
8.8/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.8/10
Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 33 out of 36 reviews
10 - Excellent
33
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 36 reviews
8 - Good
2
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 36 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 36 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Maureen H.
Sep 24, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Cute little cabin on a beautiful property. Everyone was so friendly.
Maureen H.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Laurie S., Reno, Nevada
Aug 21, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Host was very nice and accommodating. . Helped with our needs.
Laurie S.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Donald M.
Aug 8, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We had a great time in spite of the power outage (offsite, Emkay did his best!)
Donald M.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Joel A.
Aug 3, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely loved this place. The “beach” area down at the river bed was amazing. Slept like a baby. Very peaceful. NO BUGS! Great host. A lot to do in the area and not that far away from San Francisco or Monterey.
Joel A.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Bob S.
Jul 11, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Creekside Cabin
Very scenic and quiet
Bob S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Robert T.
Jul 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Short getaway
A very cute little place among the redwoods with a beautiful creek immediately adjacent.
Robert T.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Lauren P.
Jun 29, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
awesome stay,
Lauren P.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jonathan W.
Jun 1, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great little place in nature!
Easy access. Beautiful forest setting and creek access. Cozy little cabins have all u really need. 2 person hot tub was ready to go and enjoyable. Could use open/close able blackout shades over skylights so can sleep in a little longer. Otherwise really nice and easy 10min drive into soquel/Capitola village. Would return in a minute if wanting forest vs beach setting. Bonus is it’s out of the coastal fog bank.
Jonathan W.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Mark K.
May 25, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy and quiet
We travel to Santa Cruz once a year to mountain bike. This year we brought our dog so we needed a place that excepted pets. The cabin was clean and nice. The area is close to the trails, the beaches and dining. I would recommend staying. My wife and I really enjoyed our stay.
Mark K.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Christina C.
May 5, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Top Notch First Vrbo Stay
Lovely property with a peaceful creekside, a hot tub to enjoy, many outdoor sitting areas to relax. Note that the cabins are a little close together and parking may be a bit cramped depending on how many cars each guest has if there's a full house, but overall no problems at all. There are even a few cats roaming around that may come and say hello!Emkay greeted us immediately and provided us all of our requested amenities, as well as gave us a farewell Chardonnay the night before we left. Everything is clean and well kept. The area is quiet and cozy. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking to stay in Soquel!
Christina C.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Christiana F., San Mateo, usa
Apr 13, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Christiana F.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Rachel K.
Mar 24, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Cute clean cabin on river side property
The property was mostly as described. The creek area was amazing and our cabin was cute and clean. You could tell there was effort put in here. The host even brought up a bottle of wine on our last night. The only unexpected thing was that there were quite a few cabins crammed in on the property and parking was really tight, but otherwise it was great.
Rachel K.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Haley M.
Mar 14, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Cozy Valentines Getaway
We had an absolutely amazing stay at this cozy and quirky gem in the Santa Cruz Mountains! The property was full of charm and character, making it feel like a true escape while still being conveniently close to everything. Just a short drive to the beach, hikes, and a cute town, the location couldn’t have been better. Emkay was incredibly welcoming and kind, which made us feel right at home. We did not end up bringing our cat, but it was lovely to visit with all the sweet animals on the property. The hot tub is wonderful, and we are dying to see the creekside beach in the summertime. The cabin itself was thoughtfully designed, with unique touches that made it feel warm and inviting. It was very clean and stocked with everything we needed. It would have been nice to have access to a water spigot (like at a campsite) to wash dishes, but Emkay thoughtfully provided us with large water jugs for drinking. Whether we were eating dinner on the deck, exploring nearby trails, or unwinding after a day at the beach, we felt completely at home. I have never slept so well away from my own bed before! Typically, we camp so this was a luxurious treat. The hosts have clearly put a lot of care into this space, and it shows. Given the high-quality experience we had, I am shocked at the modest price.If you're looking for a unique and peaceful retreat with plenty of adventure just minutes away, this is the perfect spot. I cannot recommend it enough. We can’t wait to come back!
Haley M.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Paul E.
Feb 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Just what I wanted!
Well, the unit was small. It had been indicated as being small, but had all the necessary. And we need cheese for what I was looking for which was basically a home base for 2 or 3 nights. In the santa cruz capitola region period their host was awesome and very helpful in the a location that is, all that is expected
Paul E.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
cody g.
Jan 7, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Best way to start 2025
We are definitely coming back! Absolutely perfect location with the creek lulling us to sleep in the evening. And if you’re lucky enough to have clear skies, the stars are absolutely dancing above you. The short walk down to the creek access and sandy shore can be best described as magical, while you get to gaze at the beauty of the Redwood trees on the property. For food: only a short 10 minute drive to many wonderful restaurants. Our favorite was the spicy boy Breakfast sandwich at “Good Advice” Emkay, the host, is super friendly, and accommodating. If you book this place when I want to travel back, I might be sad. It was PERFECT!
cody g.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
scott c.
Dec 17, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
A Weekend in the Woods
5 minutes from the beach, we find ourselves in the forest. The skylights allowed us to look straight up into the trees and catch the Full Moon cross the sky. In the morning we walked down to the creek and spent a couple hours admiring the trees, birds and the feeling of being in the forest. The beach was 5 minutes away, downtown Soquel and Capitola were 5 minutes away. Hiking trails were a short drive away. The cabin is cozy and the host was very nice, we plan on staying here again.
scott c.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveler
Oct 20, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect getaway spot!
The property is beautiful, right along the stream. At night, we could hear the stream from our bedroom window. At night there were two Stylites and I was able to see the big dipper constellation while lying in bed looking up. The host is wonderful and it is a true 5 Star Pl. to stay!
Verified traveler
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Roxanne S.
Sep 19, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy Cabin
Lovely small dog friendly cabin
Great grounds to walk dog and see creek
Roxanne S.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Dennis H.
Sep 13, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Recharge
This is a hidden gem, close enough to be reachable but far enough away to unplug. Emkay is an amazing host , went out of his way to ensure we were comfortable . The woods and creek made unwinding soo nice and the hot tub was such a great benefit after a day at the beach.
I would give this place a 12 out of 10 way way way above expectations! I wish you could do more than just 5 stars , I would give them 100!!
Dennis H.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Brandon G.
Aug 18, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
Very clean and well kept great central location made finding places easy
Brandon G.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Gregory F.
Aug 11, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Serene, peaceful and comfortable
This is a family that has some lovely cabins on their property and have graciously opened it up to guests. Our cabin had a creek running behind it and we were lulled to sleep with its pleasant gurgling. There are beautiful redwoods a few yards away by the creek, and we sat down in this area one evening to see the bats that appeared at dusk. We enjoyed breakfast outside in a patio area just adjacent to our door. We walked in the Henry Cowell state park to see all the redwoods on our first day, and enjoyed the beach at Rio Del Mar on a 2nd day. We enjoyed our stay immensely, and you won’t go wrong booking this lodging.
Gregory F.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
8/10 Good
Melisa M.
Jun 28, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Celebrating
We were celebrating my 66th birthday and our 47 Wedding Anniversary. The cabin rental was our home base so we could do all our sightseeing and activities. It worked out great and the host was very kind and accommodating. He even had flowers and wine waiting for us.
Melisa M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Christopher N.
Jun 18, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing dog-friendly small cabin in tranquil mountain setting
My dog and I immensely enjoyed our at Emkay's cabin in Soquel in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This location was perfectly tailored to all of our needs and desires as we spent a brief but wonderful trip exploring the redwoods, mountains, and beaches of the Santa Cruz area. The property is easy to get to and comfortable to stay at, with a small handful of other cabins on the property which offered a congenial, fun environment while still allowing for privacy and peaceful relaxation in our own space. Most importantly for us, this is an extremely dog-friendly location to stay, which dog owners know can be very hard to find in searching for vacation lodging options. My dog was welcomed with open arms by Emkay and every other guest, and there is plenty of room for her to run off-leash as she pleased without any worry on my part for her safety. The creekside setting was perfect for quietly relaxing and watching my dog have an absolute blast. She had the time of her life even in just the few days we were in the SC area and much of that is thanks to Emkay and the friendly, comfortable, and welcoming setting their family provides. Emkay was responsive, friendly, helpful, and always there for any need or question, yet remained respectful of privacy and completely focused on making sure our stay in the cabin was optimal in all ways. I hope to come back with both my dog and my wife in the future for further adventures in this beautiful setting in the woods.
Christopher N.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Christy C.
Jun 18, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
What a hidden gem!
My husband and I booked “The redwood cabin” for our stay over a weekend. First of all, the location is perfect. Fairly close to the freeway and conveniences like stores, but far enough away to really take in nature. Lara and Emkay (the hosts) are so nice and hospitable. They have several cabins on their property each one with its own unique flare. Our cabin was so comfortable and had all them entities you would need, including things like sunscreen and even drinking water. We had so much fun walking around, looking at the redwoods and going down to the creek. It was fun to explore, and absolutely beautiful. They recently added a hot tub for the property and so we took advantage of that while drinking a bottle of wine that We mkay graciously gifted us. Checking out on Sunday we both really wanted to stay another day but we had to get back to work. We will definitely be coming back. And if it’s not obvious yet, I would highly recommend staying here!! Thanks again Emkay!
Christy C.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Karen S.
Apr 26, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to stay for a getaway weekend
Great little cabin that was just enough to meet our needs. We spent most of the day exploring the surrounding area but looked forward to coming back to the cabin each evening. It was comfortable and welcoming. We loved how close we were to a variety of different locations. The mattress was a bit too soft for our liking but everything else was great.