Waterfront vacation rentals in Santa Cruz

Find and book unique waterfront rentals on Airbnb

Top-rated waterfront rentals in Santa Cruz

Guests agree: these waterfront rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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Top guest favorite
A wide sandy beach stretches toward the horizon, illuminated by soft sunlight reflecting off the ocean. Gentle waves lap at the shore, where visitors can be seen enjoying the tranquil environment. Dune grasses frame the beach, adding to the natural scenery.
Vacation home in Watsonville
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 476 reviews

Magical & Romantic Beachfront Home at Pajaro Dunes

Beautiful oceanfront condominium with an unobstructed view to Monterey Bay & the Pacific Ocean; just 20 minutes south of Santa Cruz & 30 minutes north of Monterey/Carmel. Newly remodeled with granite counters, new kitchen appliances, paint, furniture, tile and carpeted floors. Electric fireplace adds to the magical ambience this home embraces. High ceilings, just steps to the beach. Convenient parking. 2 bedrooms & 2 full bathrooms, 1200 sf. A great place to kick off your shoes and relax.

Top guest favorite
An A-Frame cabin is surrounded by lush greenery, positioned on elevated ground. A stone pathway leads to the entrance, flanked by wooden railings. The cabin features large glass panels on its façade, allowing natural light to flood the interior. A deck with seating overlooks the nature surroundings.
Cabin in Felton
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 160 reviews

Santa Cruz A-Frame

This unique A-Frame cabin, in a quiet mountain neighborhood with private creek access, was handbuilt in 1965 and remodeled in the summer of 2024. Now a little slice of heaven on the creek in the redwoods. *5-10 min to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Roaring Camp Railroad, Loch Lomond Recreation Area, the Trout Farm Inn, Quail Hollow Ranch + Felton stores. *20 min to Santa Cruz, beach + Boardwalk. *1 min to Zayante Creek Market (EV charger) Find us on social: Insta @SantaCruzAFrame

Top guest favorite
A serene river flows gently through a lush forest, surrounded by vibrant green foliage. Smooth rocks emerge from the water, which reflects the surrounding greenery. The scene conveys a peaceful natural environment, ideal for relaxation and exploration.
Guest suite in Boulder Creek
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 1,124 reviews

Redwood Riverfront Getaway

We are nestled in the beautiful California Redwood forest next to the San Lorenzo River. Guests can enjoy our private guest suite with its own entrance and full bathroom. Our property features tall trees, seasonal river swimming on our private beach, fishing, kayaking, and exploring. We are close to downtown Boulder Creek, minutes away from Santa Cruz, wine tasting, hiking, fine dining, and the coastline. We have no hidden fees and even offer a full return of our cleaning fee. Permit #181307

Guest favorite
A contemporary two-story luxury home is displayed with a clean exterior and bright white siding. Large windows provide natural light, while a spacious balcony is visible above the attached three-car garage. The surroundings feature well-maintained landscaping and a smooth driveway.
Home in Capitola
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 136 reviews

Brand New Luxury Home - Steps from Capitola Beach!

Brand new luxury home in the heart of Capitola Village, just a 2 minute walk to Capitola beach and downtown, home to some of the most charming restaurants, bars and shops! This features high-end appliances and designer touches throughout. Best of all, this house comes with a 3 car garage!! All rooms comes with a desk and chair, and strong Wifi! Come relax with your friends and family in this stunning modern beach house just steps away from the beach! Ask me about longer term rentals rate

Superhost
A wooden deck offers seating at bar-height chairs, with views of the lagoon and beach visible in the background. Tall trees frame the scene, creating a natural setting that invites relaxation and enjoyment of the coastal landscape.
Cottage in Santa Cruz
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviews

Ocean View 1 block from the beach Family Friendly

Beach & Lagoon Front! Views of the ocean from all decks and the kitchen/great room. 3 min walk to the beach. This house is centrally located to everything Santa Cruz has to offer. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious layout with a large eat-in kitchen, great room, formal dining room, living room with fireplace, along with an outside deck with a fire pit This house is ideal for family get-togethers. There is nothing like sitting around the fire and listening to the waves crash on the beach.

Top guest favorite
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
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 188 reviews

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.

Top guest favorite
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.
Home in Santa Cruz
5 out of 5 average rating, 194 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!

Top guest favorite
A colorful tiny home is seen surrounded by tall redwood trees. The exterior showcases vibrant blue and yellow walls, contrasted by natural wood planters filled with greenery. Sunlight filters through the trees, enhancing the inviting outdoor space.
Tiny home in Boulder Creek
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 227 reviews

Custom Cabin Retreat in the Redwoods

This retreat offers guests a unique experience of living in a well designed, minimalist space while having all one really needs. From the nautically-inspired curved ceiling w/ skylights to the custom redwood trim, this cozy retreat will inspire. Relax on the private deck with the fire pit, walk to the river or enjoy the local trails thru the towering redwoods. Santa Cruz beaches are just 35 min away, 25 min to Big Basin and Henry Cowell, and 35 min to fine dining in Saratoga.

Top guest favorite
Home in Aptos
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 256 reviews

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

Guest favorite
A spacious living area features a blue sofa and patterned armchair, complemented by a wooden coffee table. Large sliding glass doors provide unobstructed views of the ocean and access to the balcony. Green plants add a touch of nature, enhancing the inviting space.
Condo in Aptos
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 140 reviews

Oceanfront Family Condo

Escape to your oceanfront condo and unwind at the beautiful Seascape Resort. Your retreat features two bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms, plus a convenient half bath. Unobstructed sea views from both the balcony and patio. With two king beds, a queen sofa bed, a rollaway single, and amenities like a pack n play and highchair, it's perfect for families. Walk to the beach or cozy up by the fireplace. Your fun-filled seaside getaway awaits!

Top guest favorite
A spacious bedroom features vaulted wooden ceilings and large glass sliding doors leading to an outdoor deck. A comfortable bed is flanked by two bedside tables with lamps. A decorative painting hangs above the bed, and a wooden dresser adds functional storage.
Guesthouse in Woodside
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 585 reviews

Guest House in the Woods

Our guest house is located close to La Honda and Woodside in the North Santa Cruz Mountains. Located in the Redwood forest and looks down onto a beautiful creek from a lovely deck. There are many open space hiking and biking trails within a short drive, and the beach. 5 miles from Alice's Resturant. San Francisco and Santa Cruz are easily accessible. The house has vaulted ceilings and a full kitchen, and laundry.

Guest favorite
An aerial view captures the shoreline where waves meet the sandy beach. The coastline curves gently while a road runs parallel, with houses visible along the street. The vibrant colors of the ocean and sand contrast against the greenery nearby.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 522 reviews

180°OceanView+HotTub+EBikes+Surfboards+SUPS+Kayak

Incredible beach home with sweeping views of the ocean. Watch the waves crash from your bed. Directly in front of Pleasure Point, a world class surf spot. 180° upstairs decks to lounge & enjoy the ocean and views of the ocean from every room in the home. Hot tub, cedar sauna, 4 electric bikes, surfboards, stand-up paddle boards, sea kayak, ping pong table, basketball arcade game, and dart board. permit#191362

Popular amenities for Santa Cruz waterfront rentals

When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz?

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg. priceG$101,671 GYDG$96,441 GYDG$99,997 GYDG$95,186 GYDG$101,462 GYDG$115,060 GYDG$123,427 GYDG$117,988 GYDG$97,696 GYDG$104,600 GYDG$110,248 GYDG$109,620 GYD
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Quick stats about waterfront rentals in Santa Cruz

  • Total vacation rentals

    Explore 100 vacation rentals in Santa Cruz

  • Nightly prices starting at

    Santa Cruz vacation rentals start at G$8,368 GYD per night before taxes and fees

  • Verified guest reviews

    Over 7,610 verified reviews to help you choose

  • Family-friendly vacation rentals

    70 properties offer extra space & kid-friendly amenities

  • Pet-friendly vacation rentals

    Find 20 rentals that welcome pets

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    60 properties have a dedicated workspace

  • Wi-Fi availability

    100 of Santa Cruz vacation rentals include wi-fi access

  • Popular amenities for guests

    Guests love Kitchen, Wifi, and Pool across Santa Cruz rentals

  • 4.9 Average rating

    Santa Cruz stays are highly rated by guests—averaging 4.9 out of 5!

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