Beach house vacation rentals in Santa Cruz

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 445 reviews

A spacious balcony overlooks the ocean, featuring a seating area with grey couches adorned with blue and white cushions. A glass-topped table is positioned in the center, beside a gas grill, creating an inviting outdoor space to enjoy coastal views.

Home in Aptos

🍀Escape - Brand New Modern Chic Coastal Retreat🍀

Start the day snuggled up with an incredible, 180-degree unobstructed ocean view from the deck with coffee from the in-home coffee station. Take a dip in the pool overlooking the shoreline or grab some boogie boards for a day on the beach. Featured on the design website Houzz, this clean, breezy, modern seaside sanctuary features homey hardwood floors, smooth quartz counters and open floor plan living. Come relax with amazing beds + soft linens, a gourmet kitchen, and the charm of beach living.

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4.96 out of 5 average rating, 54 reviews

Aerial view of a waterfront property surrounded by trees and landscaped areas. Outdoor seating arrangements are visible along the riverbank, with benches and chairs for relaxation. The setting offers a blend of natural and built elements, inviting guests to enjoy the tranquil riverside environment.

Home in Capitola

Rivervfront Duplex w/ Elevator & Firepit on the Pa

Your dream vacation for 2026 awaits at Oceanview Oasis Duplex- Upper Unit B. This second floor 3 bedroom 2 -1/2-bathroom duplex with a private elevator offers everything you and your guests will need to relax and unwind while listening to the seagulls and rippling river flowing by. From the moment you enter you will feel the warmth from the radiant heated floors in the winter or a cool river breeze in the summer. Ideal for families and friends, executive team building. Mid size vehicles only.

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5.0 out of 5 average rating, 4 reviews

Home in Pajaro Dunes

Beachfront House Your Oasis for 12 at Pajaro Dunes

Oceanfront home with amazing views from the living room, dining room, and kitchen. Relax in the ocean-side sunroom with recliners or by the 3-sided river rock fireplace in the living room. Sleeps 12 guests, King in master suite, Cal King + Queen in large guest bedroom, Queen + Twin bunk, and a Double futon in the loft. Full kitchen, deck & courtyard dining, large Propane BBQ, and many family-friendly extras! Garage parking, plus an extra fridge & kid amenities—perfect for families and groups.

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4.98 out of 5 average rating, 204 reviews

The spacious living area features large windows that allow for ample natural light, highlighting the modern design. A cozy blue sofa is positioned near a fireplace, with a festive garland adorning the mantel. Views of the outdoors can be seen through the doors leading to the balcony.

Home in Pajaro Dunes

Copper Nest beach retreat with stunning views

The Copper Nest is an ideal getaway located steps from the beach in the gated community of Pajaro Dunes where the Pajaro River meets the Pacific Ocean. This newly designed three bedroom home is customized to create a serene beach retreat for you and your guests. This newly designed three bedroom home has a well equipped kitchen and outdoor seating, game, and BBQ areas. There are stunning ocean and agricultural views from every room. Close to California's popular food and travel regions.

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The view captures the ocean and sandy beach from a spacious deck, framed by tall trees. Clear blue skies and calm waters are visible, while a dining area with wooden chairs is set up on the deck, inviting relaxation and enjoyment of the surroundings.

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 211 reviews

Beach Front Dream House! Hottub/E-Bikes/Surfboards

Permit# 231467 Incredible modern home just steps from the best beach in all of Santa Cruz! Ocean and sand views, listen to the waves as you sleep on designer beds, cook in the chefs kitchen, and soak in the hot tub. Perfect central location, less than 5 minutes to boardwalk and downtown. 5 minutes to colorful Capitola village. 9 minutes to UC Santa Cruz Campus. 4 Electric bikes, 4 surfboards, and a kayak to take out and play in the waves! Plus the beach is right out front to enjoy!

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Guest favorite

Home in Moss Landing

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 407 reviews

Oceanfront beach house with private hot tub

This home has a spacious layout with private beach access . Only a half minute walk to the natural beach with panoramic views of Monterey Bay. Relax in the private hot tub as waves crash in the background( WE JUST INSTALLED NEW Hot tub )There are beautiful ocean views from all rooms. Breathtaking sunsets are an evening routine. Whales and dolphins can be seen from the comforts of the bed or couch. The house is a perfect setup for one big family, or two families with small children .

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4.99 out of 5 average rating, 267 reviews

Home in Aptos

Charming Beachfront Cottage

Oceanfront Beach House with views from every room! Steps from the beach. Gorgeous sunsets on the spacious deck with views of Santa Cruz coastline. Close to wine tasting, vineyards and breweries. Prime location, Rio-del-Mar beach, walking distance to coffee shop, restaurants, store and State Park. Perfect for a Romantic get away or family vacation! No more than 6 guests. Includes Outdoor shower, Boogie boards (2), sand toys, Beach chairs Beach towels, Wetsuit

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A spacious deck features comfortable adirondack chairs arranged around a fire pit, with the ocean and lagoon visible in the background. Eucalyptus trees provide shade and a natural ambiance, enhancing the serene atmosphere of this outdoor space.

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 132 reviews

Beach View Cottage - Hot Tub

Gorgeous, newly remodeled, home with amazing views of the ocean, beach, and lagoon. Hot tub, bikes, surfboards, kayak. Everything you could possibly want for a Santa Cruz trip in a spectacular setting VR PERMIT # 191354 Just 200 yards from the beach, this tranquil beach view cottage is your perfect beachside escape. Located on a quiet, private street in Pleasure Point, this charming and newly updated two-story home offers stunning ocean views.

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Guest favorite

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 29 reviews

Escape to The Vibrant Nook!

Welcome to The Vibrant Nook! (Permit #251238). This bright and colorful home comfortably accommodates up to four people. It consists of two bedrooms, a stocked kitchen, a cozy living room, and a cute front porch. The interior is colorfully painted and decorated for a fun stay outside of the norm! Just a 6-minute walk to the beach, a 3-minute walk to Pleasure Point surfing, and a 5-minute walk to eateries and shops on 41st Ave.

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4.91 out of 5 average rating, 22 reviews

Home in Pajaro Dunes

Oceanview Luxury - 5BR - Hot Tub - Steps to Beach

Wake up to ocean views and the sound of waves in this luxury 5BR/4BA beach retreat—just steps from the sand. Enjoy a chef’s kitchen, espresso bar, hotel-grade bedding & spa towels, and a private hot tub. Sip your morning coffee on the panoramic deck, watch dolphins and pelicans, and unwind by sunset. Perfect for families and groups—spacious, peaceful, and beautifully styled with every comfort in mind.

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Guest favorite

A hot tub is positioned on a wooden deck, surrounded by lush eucalyptus trees. A potted plant with green leaves sits nearby, with ocean views visible through the wooden fencing. The serene landscape emphasizes the connection to nature.

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 128 reviews

Ocean View Cottage HotTub- Surfboards-Bikes-Kayak

Beautiful private beach home with fantastic views. Beach and lagoon views in a serene setting. Wander down the eucalyptus and cypress grove to the beach or up the the path along the lagoon into Monarch butterfly nesting grounds. Remodeled home with a gorgeous kitchen, two large decks, plenty of front and backyard space. All in the best location imaginable for Santa Cruz!

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Waves gently lap at the sandy shore, with a white lighthouse standing prominently at the breakwater. The calm blue ocean stretches toward a clear sky, creating a serene coastal view.