Just steps away from the entrance to Seacliff State Beach Park, Happy House offers a charming 2-bedroom retreat. Enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, gas log fireplace, and fenced backyard with charcoal barbecue. Explore nearby natural beauty along the coastline to redwood forests and beyond with your Golden Poppy Annual Day Use Pass.
Reviews
9.69.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 679 sq m
Popular amenities
Ocean view
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Add dates for prices
About this property
Happy House by the Sea
Happy House is a charming 2 bedroom 1 bath Cottage just steps away to the entrance to Seacliff State Beach Park. At this time we are offering reservations that are 30+ days long. This is convenient for traveling nurses, working remote, extended vacations, families, retired guests or even locals remodeling their home that need safe temporary housing.
You have parking for up to 3 vehicles in our driveway. We have a fully equipped kitchen with coffee maker, stove/oven, refrigerator, cook ware and dishwasher. There is a washer & dryer for laundry and we provide linens and towels for the house, please bring your own beach towels.
We have wireless internet access, smart TV, DVD and VCR with movies for kids. Happy House is less than a block to groceries, restaurants and shops. Amenities include gas log fireplace, a fenced back yard and charcoal barbecue.
Explore the natural beauty in our area along the coastline to the redwood forests and beyond. As our guest you have use of our Golden Poppy Annual Day Use Pass which gets you into many Northern California State Parks, State Beaches, State Reservoirs and premiere Redwoods for free. (Regularly $10 a day).
Seacliff State Beach Park is the home of the cement ship. It has picnic areas, fishing, visitor/learning center with information on the local fossils and history. There is also a paved pathway for walking or biking that leads to Rio Del Mar Beach. The beach and walking areas welcomes dogs on leash.
We are near the redwoods in Nisene Marks State park with great hiking and biking trails. We are 10 minute drive to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Monterey Bay Aquarium is about a 45 minute drive and Roaring Camp is about a 20 minute drive.
We have a relaxed, casual atmosphere. For small kids there are 2 booster seats for the kitchen table and beach toys. We have an assortment of children's books, mega-blocks, family board games, beach chairs, umbrellas and boogie boards you are welcome to use.
Happy House is a cozy home limited to 6 guests. The default rate includes 2 guests, additional guests are $5 a person per night. Friendly, well behaved pets who are a good fit with our pet rules are welcome at a $150 fee per pet which must be arranged in advance.
Some of our House Rules: No Smoking Check in any time after 4 PM. Check out time is strict at 11 AM. Quiet time is 10pm - 8am. No large parties, maximum of 12 people on the property at all times. Maximum of 6 people overnight with additional person fee. Turn off the heat and lights when you go out. Fireworks are illegal in Santa Cruz County. Trash and recyclables must be sorted and put in the provided covered containers. Return keys to lock box when you check out. No pets allowed on the property unless arranged in advance and pet fees have been paid.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach nearby
Beach loungers
Internet
Available in the cottage: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car not required
Limited on-site parking (max 3 spaces)
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Separate dining area
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
TV with cable/satellite channels
Video library
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Fenced yard
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Picnic area
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washer/dryer
Work spaces
Desk
Desk chair
Comfort
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
3 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In the city centre
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near the bay
Near the marina
Near the sea
Things to do
Water sports equipment
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Parasailing 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
Garden
Unit size: 850 square feet
Similar properties
1Bdrm Oceanfront Seascape Beach Resort, hot tub, EV charging, Aptos, Santa Cruz
Rio del Mar
1Bdrm Oceanfront Seascape Beach Resort, hot tub, EV charging, Aptos, Santa Cruz
An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Guests will receive lockbox information
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
Access methods
Lockbox
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
3 total pets
Note from host: $150 per pet, pet rules in Rental Agreement
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: Kitchen booster seats, books, beach toys
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
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
We should mention
A car is not required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located in Seacliff, a neighbourhood in Aptos, this cottage is near theme parks and near the beach. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Capitola Beach and Monterey Bay. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History and Boardwalk Bowl are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and hiking. Visit our Aptos travel guide
Located in Seacliff, this cottage is within a 10-minute walk of Seacliff State Beach and Aptos History Museum. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and Rio Del Mar Beach are also within 15 minutes.
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Happy House by the Sea Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers 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.
The Happy House was perfect. We had a great time walking with ours dogs on the beach. Enjoyed the nearby restaurants and ice cream shop. Hope to return again soon.
Great location - a real diamond in the rough! Nice neighbors. Could use some TLC... toaster elements only working on one side, frying pans did not sit flat/connect to burner surface. Living room couch a little uncomfortable - but i am nit-picking.
had a great time!!
While the description of the property and environs is mostly accurate, the house was not well maintained or cleaned and had a musty smell.
Elliot B.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Gary and Sara F.
12 Jun 2018
This is our 4th year @ Happy House and every year I love it more.
Everything you need is at your fingertips! Cute and cozy with comfy linens and a well stocked kitchen with all you need for cooking or BBQing ( even a patio for al fresco dining!) Booking was a breeze and owner Emelia is a joy to work with and quickly will take care of any concern.
For travelers with 4 legged family members Happy House is a dream come true! The backyard is safe and secure and you can explore the beauty around you. The beach is a short stroll down a scenic path. There are several great dining options all within walking distance. Aptos is a ‘hidden treasure’ along the California Coast and Happy House is a perfect place to spend your vacation.
Gary and Sara F.
Stayed 22 nights in Apr 2018
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Gary and Sara F.
7 Jun 2017
This is our 5th stay @ 'Happy House'each year it gets better! Sun, restaurants, it's all here.
A Perfect home away from home. Cozy & convenient cute local restaurants, sun, and sand and shops are steps away and the fun of Santa Cruz and Capitola a short drive. Emelia, the owner, is a joy to work with. Quick to respond to anything you might need. Comfy beds plenty of linens, towels and supplies . The kitchen is stocked.Pots pans,appliances and has all you need.
The washer/dryer is a life saver. wonderful Patio is safe & secure for pets. anenjoy alfresco BBQ .meals Books, DVD's for kids, ( but why stay inside when the ocean is steps away?) A real home-away-from-home. Forget hassles if pricey hotels and enjoy Happy House you will adore this hidden Aptos gem.
Once to come you'll be back for another visit.
Overall, it was a pretty good stay. For the value, I would suggest staying multiple nights (pet fee plus cleaning fee are high for one night). We just couldn't stay multiple nights. The check in process was simple, owner's communication was outstanding. The property itself is old and there is minimal investment in keeping property well maintained, newer looking and there was an "old stench" to the house the entire time. We had to open windows and light a candle for most of the time, which made it very cold at times. It got windy, therefore, so much brush landed on my car from the non-maintained trees and branches around the area. The furniture was uncomfortable and needed to sit on pillows. The King Size bed was very comfortable. The walk to the beach was short, so convenient. Overall, I would not spend this kind of money again and just get a hotel nearby to be honest. If I had a bigger group of four or more, I would have stayed in a larger house. The owner was very nice and pleasant.
Please invest more in the property to update it.
What a pleasant surprise this little beach house was…perfect sleeping configuration, cozy comfy beds, awesomely supplied kitchen, great backyard patio, and super convenient to walk on the beach or beach walk…we will return to this place for sure!
This is a great smaller home located above Sea Cliff State Beach. I would say perfect for four guests and quite acceptable for six. We had six. Very old school in a good way. Not a super modern property and not a party destination if that is what you are looking for. The host was very easy to connect with. We would definitely return.
Not easy finding house so close to the beach that will accept multiple Large dogs. Mexican restaurant, general store and ice cream. 1 block away. We did not do any cooking but it appears the house was well stocked with pans and utensils to do the basics if you wanted to cook. Hopefully we will be able to come back soon.
Happy House is in a great spot. Near the Highway and closer to the beach. Santa Cruz and all it had to offer is about 15 minutes away. It might take longer on heavy traffic days. The cottage is small but fit our family of six comfortably. The courtyard behind the cottage is inviting, but we didn’t have the time to enjoy it. We had a nice visit.
Myself and my family stayed here last year, and came back just for the fact that this property is in an excellent location with a caring owner that is responsive to your needs! I’ll probably stay here again next year!
Had a great time the house was furnished with all that you needed and what was stated in the description of amenities. Very clean , and fun looking at the books and games.
Great location just a few steps to restaurants, store, ice cream shop and about a 5-minute walk to beach (the beach is downhill, but you can also drive to a parking lot if walking up and down a hill is an issue for you). Short drive to the magical Forest of Nisene Marks.
This is a very cute and comfy house. Well equipped with everything we needed. Patio is fenced and great for our dogs. Small store close by, Snow-white restaurant and a few others. Seacliff state park is within walking distance, we also hiked State Park Nisene. Thank you, Happy House, for a wonderful and relaxing time.
Our family spent a week here, it's right next to a nice beach and not far from a lot of good day trips. The house is cute and has a nice patio in back for kids to play on.
I