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

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 437 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.

Guest favorite

A private deck features comfortable seating arranged on a sea-view balcony. A striped blanket is draped over a cushioned chair. A table with decorative items is positioned near a railing, offering unobstructed views of the beach and ocean waves.

Home in Aptos

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 99 reviews

Relax + Unwind in Brand New 2BD Modern Bch Retreat

Sea breezes and unobstructed 180-degree ocean views greet you from the private deck of RdM Lookout, a brand-new beach property with a bright open, mid-century modern beach design complete with a cozy fireplace hardwood floors, and quartz counters. A comfortable, chic space, guests tell us they love the amazing beds, soft linens, fluffy towels, and our gourmet kitchen with a stocked coffee bar with to-go cups for long beach walks. Come home to a relaxing, beach vacation in a charming beach town.

Top guest favorite

A scenic view captures the tranquil coastline, where soft waves meet the sandy beach. Lush greenery frames the foreground, enhancing the natural beauty leading to the ocean. The distant resort building is visible, complementing the serene landscape under a partly cloudy sky.

Condo in Aptos

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 119 reviews

Royal Villa - Ocean View - Heated Pools - Seascape

If you're looking for the best, you've found it. There's not a larger or better 1 bedroom condo in the main building at Seascape. It is the only 864 sq ft end unit with ocean view balcony and lots of windows to let the light in! Oh, and has a actual kitchen with a full size fridge and dishwasher. No matter what special occasion brings you to town, this is the condo you will want stay in! Seascape Beach Resort has amazing sunsets, a soft sandy beach, top notch restaurants, and so many amenities.

Top guest favorite

A scenic view showcases a lush garden with various plants and sculptures, extending towards rolling hills and distant water. The sky is bright blue with scattered clouds, providing a vibrant backdrop to the tranquil landscape.

Guest suite in Moss Landing

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 208 reviews

An oasis on a private retreat

A beautifully secluded area (40+ acres) surrounded by natural beauty with lovely views of Elkhorn Slough and the Pacific Ocean, away from the maddening crowd. Yet, accessible to Carmel / Pebble Beach / Santa Cruz. A variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, bicycling, kayaking, golfing and whale watching. A full breakfast is served daily. It should also be noted it is a gated property and the home is accessed through a dirt / gravel private country lane which is 0.75 mile from the gate.

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

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 1,055 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 charming exterior view of the cottage features a covered porch with classic Adirondack chairs. Soft green and yellow hues define the house, with large windows allowing natural light to fill the interior. Surrounding greenery adds a touch of nature to the welcoming entrance.

Cottage in Santa Cruz

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 109 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

Home in Watsonville

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 158 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

A spacious balcony offers views of the sandy beach and ocean, framed by leafy trees. Outdoor seating and a table are positioned for relaxation, while potted plants add a touch of greenery. The clear blue sky above complements the coastal scenery.

Home in Santa Cruz

5 out of 5 average rating, 137 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 welcoming entrance features a vibrant yellow door framed by two large windows, allowing natural light to brighten the space. Four comfortable gray chairs with blue cushions are positioned on a wooden deck, providing a serene spot for relaxation.

Cottage in Boulder Creek

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 101 reviews

Creekside Bliss #2- The Redwood

Santa Cruz County Vacation Rental Permit# 191283. Creek side cottage in a tranquil setting, newly remodeled, 1/2 mile from downtown Boulder Creek, with on site parking. Beautiful redwood forest setting on over two acres. Close to Santa Cruz Mountain wine tasting, hiking at Big Basin State Park, Henry Cowell State Park and Castle Rock, Roaring Camp Railroad, 30 minutes to Santa Cruz. Fully appointed kitchen. We are also close to most event venues in the Santa Cruz mountains.

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, 186 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.

Guest favorite

Home in Aptos

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 236 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

Top guest favorite

Condo in Aptos

5 out of 5 average rating, 112 reviews

Spectacular Ocean View- Heated Pool & Spa Seascape

Relax at this beautiful, peaceful place to stay with an amazing ocean view! This 1 bedroom condo at Seascape Resort is the perfect getaway if you're looking to go to the beach, check out amazing restaurants, enjoy the boardwalk, or hit up nearby beach towns shops. This condo has been updated and is prepared spotless each time. Seascape Resort is located nicely at the center of Monterey Bay making it easy to visit Santa Cruz, Capitola, Monterey, Carmel and more!