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Waterfront vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County

Find and book unique waterfront rentals on Airbnb

Top-rated waterfront rentals in Santa Cruz County

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, 477 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, 1,123 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

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 Watsonville
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, 257 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

Superhost
A modern living area features soft grey furniture arranged around a gas fireplace. A dining table with plush chairs sits nearby, reflecting natural light from the sliding glass doors leading to a patio. Decorative elements include a round mirror and coastal artwork.
Apartment in Aptos
4.8 out of 5 average rating, 392 reviews

*Official Resort Listing* Partial View 2 BDR Villa

This listing offers an updated residential-style experience within a luxury resort—the best of both worlds! Featuring a primary bedroom with a king bed and en suite bathroom, a 2nd bedroom with a queen bed, and a separate guest bathroom. Enjoy the comfort of a living room with a gas fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, and sofa seating. Each villa includes a private patio or balcony with a partial ocean view. Units are individually owned—decor and layout may vary.

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, 141 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!

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

Guest favorite
An open living area exhibits a high, wooden-beamed ceiling and large windows that invite natural light. A cozy fireplace is set against a stone facade. Modern kitchen appliances are visible, alongside wooden cabinetry and a spacious countertop. An inviting seating arrangement promotes comfort.
Cottage in Morgan Hill
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 246 reviews

Amazing Country Setting at Cottage Creek Vineyards

Lovely 1000 Sq. ft. Cottage in the heart of wine country. A 400 sq. ft. delightful back patio with fire pit, full kitchen and bathroom makes this the perfect home away from home. Amenities include queen bed, wifi, TV's, fire place, & parking. We are a live winery and have wine tasting two weekends and two Friday evenings a month. We usually have live music, wine tasting is in the same vicinity as the Cottage.

Popular amenities for Santa Cruz County waterfront rentals

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