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Waterfront holiday rentals in Santa Cruz

Find and book unique waterfront rentals on Airbnb

Quick stats about waterfront rentals in Santa Cruz

  • Total holiday rentals

    Explore 100 holiday rentals in Santa Cruz

  • Nightly prices starting at

    Santa Cruz holiday rentals start at £30 per night before taxes and fees

  • Verified guest reviews

    Over 7,360 verified reviews to help you choose

  • Family-friendly holiday rentals

    70 properties offer extra space & child-friendly amenities

  • Pet-friendly holiday rentals

    Find 20 rentals that welcome pets

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    50 properties have a dedicated workspace

  • Wifi availability

    100 of Santa Cruz holiday rentals include wifi 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!

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 favourite
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, 183 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

Guest favourite
A spacious deck is showcased with comfortable seating arrangements, complemented by a dining table. Lush greenery in planters is visible, along with panoramic ocean views under a clear blue sky. A cozy rug anchors the seating area, inviting relaxation.
Home in Aptos
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 178 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.

Guest favourite
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.
Holiday home in Watsonville
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 499 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 favourite
A sunny balcony is seen with two chairs and a small table, surrounded by decorative plants. The ocean can be viewed in the background, with clear skies and sunlight reflecting on the water. A vibrant rug covers the balcony floor.
Apartment in Aptos
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 131 reviews

Oceanview Villa w/ 2 Decks, ONE Pool & Fireplace

Spectacular ocean view condo with views towards Monterey AND Santa Cruz. Yes, you have the sunrise and sunset from both decks. Two story Seascape Villa, South Bluff. Very well designed space with living room, kitchen, deck & powder room on first floor, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a second deck upstairs. WiFi, free parking, ONE heated pool on the NORTH BLUFF, short walk down to the beach on a special path. L’Occitane Shampoo/Conditioner/Lotion, Nespresso for coffee. Bartesian Cocktail Maker.

Guest favourite
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, 121 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 favourite
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, 204 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.

Guest favourite
Cabin in Boulder Creek
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 112 reviews

Either Way Hideaway

Relax and enjoy riverside views in our tranquil Santa Cruz Mountains guesthouse. Cozy by our fire pits, take a dip in a private hot tub and enjoy the sounds of the river flow by. Hike Big Basin, Castle Rock and Henry Cowell State Parks. Close to historic downtown Boulder Creek and the Santa Cruz boardwalk, it’s the perfect base for exploring Santa Cruz county. Immerse yourself in of nature while staying connected and comfortable. Either way, you’ll enjoy your stay! SCC Permit #251382

Guest favourite
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 .

Top guest favourite
Home in Aptos
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 267 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 favourite
The coastline extends along the horizon, where the ocean meets a colorful sunset. Tall trees frame the scene, while layered greenery sets a natural border, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The Seascape logo is prominently displayed, indicating the luxury rental identity.
Apartment in Aptos
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 160 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!

Top guest favourite
A bright living area features large windows offering views of the ocean and beach. Comfortable seating includes a spacious sofa and two armchairs. A small coffee table sits on a light-colored rug, accompanied by a decorative fireplace. Natural light fills the room, enhancing the coastal ambiance.
Flat in Aptos
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 137 reviews

Seascape Beach Resort condo with ocean view

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Monterey Bay from our newly remodeled, Seascape Beach Resort Condo located in Aptos. It is a single level unit with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, a new fireplace, a balcony with white water, ocean views, a fully stocked coffee bar, new mattresses and updated furniture. You will have access to the North Bluff pool and North Bluff jacuzzi, the on-site restaurant / bar and easy beach access.

Guest favourite
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, 537 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 waterfront rentals in Santa Cruz

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