While working near San Jose we did an impromptu weekend trip to a Santa Cruz Airbnb rental. We nicknamed it the Santa Cruz Treehouse getaway.

We have been to Santa Cruz several times but always with friends staying as close to city action as possible. There's something about the mix of a laid-back vibe while being so close to nature.

So when the opportunity popped up during a free weekend we were excited to go back and this time, stay even closer to nature and further from the busy city.

Our rental wasn't the typical treehouse in the sense that the home was built up in a tree but it is built among the trees. Even though it's a spin on the typical treehouse we loved our time there and think others looking for a nature getaway may love it too.

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About the "Treehouse"

Location

As we mentioned, the Santa Cruz "treehouse" is more of a house situated in the trees instead of a house built into a tree. Located north of downtown Santa Cruz we were able to go into town for adventures but then enjoyed the seclusion of being nestled away from the city.

You are located right by a creek and plenty of wildlife. The home is in the woods and there is a decent amount of stairs to ensure you are even more removed from the nearby street.

Set-Up

We like to think of the home as having two main sections. An upper deck and a lower deck both of which have great use of space.

Upper Deck

The main house is located on the upper deck beginning with the kitchen, going into the bedroom then ending with the living room.

The first entrance of the deck has a beautiful fire pit so of course, we had to make s'mores. The far end of the deck has a perfect spot for watching the sunrise while relaxing and drinking morning coffee.

Lower Deck

Probably some of the cooler and more unique aspects of the home are in the lower deck. There is another secluded bedroom with nothing but windows looking out into the trees and creek below.

Another cool part is an outdoor shower. We felt fine stripping down as there is a lot of tree coverage. You can also wear a bathing suit if that feels more comfortable.

If you've never tried it before, it's time to experience showering outdoors in nature. The hot water mixed with the cool air and birds chirping all around is an experience like no other.

Our Time in the Santa Cruz "Treehouse"

We always tell people our travel vibe blends discovery and leisure and this trip was definitely more on the leisure side. It was a quick weekend getaway to decompress while surrounded by nature.

Our cats joined for the trip so it was nice being able to hang out with them. They loved bird watching out the window and taking plenty of cat naps.

There was space inside to work on the blog, play video games, and binge-watch TV all while looking at the trees just right outside our window. Then, when we wanted more fresh air, the deck space was perfect.

It may seem silly that we did things we could do at home but something about being this close to trees and secluded from everyone else made it 100% better. Sometimes the best part about a vacation is just getting to relax with a view.

Why We Loved it

This place was one of the best AirBnBs we have stayed in. We already love Santa Cruz and this place exemplified everything about the vibe there.

It was a perfect relaxing getaway and due to the layout of the house, the views from every room are amazing. We loved it so much we didn't even want to leave to visit the city, but we did for brunch of course.

Our Favorite Part

Since we travel with our cats, finding places that allow pets can be tricky. At this rental, our cats were allowed to join AND the renters set out cat treats/cat toys!

This small gesture meant the world to us and our cats loved it. It was the perfect family vacation.

Plus with all of the windows, our cats seemed to think they were wild and sized up every bird that came by. Since you are surrounded by trees the bird watching was plentiful and our boys seemed young again.

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