Beachfront holiday rental in Santa Cruz

Find and book unique beachfront homes on Airbnb

Top-rated beachfront accommodation in Santa Cruz

Guests agree: These beachfront homes are highly rated for location, cleanliness and more.

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Guest favourite
A deck area features a round table surrounded by four black wicker chairs, with a candle placed at the center. In the background, expansive ocean views and sandy beach are visible, along with nearby buildings that complement the coastal landscape.
Condo in Watsonville
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 244 reviews

One of a kind full River and Ocean view!

This one of a kind unit is situated at the very end of the beautiful Pajaro Dunes gated community. This unit offers the best views in the entire community with a full river and 180 degree full ocean view. Just steps from the sand, watch your children play in the sand while enjoying the view from the deck of beautiful sunrises and listen to the waves from the King size Master bedroom. Unit is fully updated with beautiful granite, new appliances, queen sofabed, and a 2nd bedroom with two twin beds

Top 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
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 462 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 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
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 143 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 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 Watsonville
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 176 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
A white mug is positioned on a smooth stone ledge, overlooking a sandy beach meeting the ocean. Soft waves are visible in the distance, while a pathway winds through green grass in the foreground, leading towards the coastline.
Condo in Aptos
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 162 reviews

Beach View Condo - Heated Pool - Seascape Resort

ONE OF THE BEST BEACH AND OCEAN VIEWS AT SEASCAPE. 2 story, 2 bedroom, 2-1/2 bath deluxe condo. Two, private balconies with whitewater and beach views and beautiful sunsets. A well equipped kitchen, a BBQ, access to the North Bluff swimming pool and spa, a resort bar and restaurant, and easy beach l-access. Golf, fitness center and tennis are available at a reasonable cost. The Village includes a coffee shop, pizza parlor, Chinese restaurant, a grocery store, Mexican restaurant and more.

Superhost
A modern living area features a gray sofa with decorative pillows, complemented by a sleek coffee table. Large windows allow natural light to fill the space, providing views of coastal grass and trees outside. A tall potted plant adds a touch of greenery.
Condo in Watsonville
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 238 reviews

Rest Ashore OCEAN FRONT Condo Pajaro Dunes

Rest Ashore is the perfect place for your beach dream getaway. Our custom high end remodeled condo has it all: beamed ceilings, fireplace, gorgeous kitchen and bathrooms, brand new furnishings and a fully stocked kitchen. On the first floor (no stairs) and south facing for extra warm days making it perfect for BBQing on the open patio. Take a few steps out the front door to enjoy miles and miles of unobstructed views of the ocean and beach. Fall asleep to the gentle noise of the crash waves.

Top Guest favourite
The cottage is set against a backdrop of the ocean, featuring a terracotta roof and white walls. Palm trees frame the entrance, while vibrant flowers adorn the pathway leading to the door. The expansive view of the water is visible beyond the landscaped garden.
Guesthouse in Aptos
4.81 out of 5 average rating, 817 reviews

The Cottage Getaway by the Sea

The Cottage Getaway by the Sea is a single level one bedroom stand alone cottage on a cliff over Rio Del Mar Beach w/ 180 degree WOW views of the Monterey Bay. Seasonally enjoy dolphins, whales, & great sunsets! Located in a peaceful neighborhood, this is a perfect place for a quiet romantic getaway or just to read, relax, & enjoy. We are one of the few airbnbs with a California King Bed! Pricing is per night for one; 2nd person +$25 per nite PERMITTED vacation rental #181420

Top Guest favourite
A balcony features two chairs and a small table, overlooking a bright blue pool and the ocean beyond. Sunlight illuminates the space, enhancing the view of the nearby beach and the landscape of the surrounding resort.
Townhouse in Aptos
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 350 reviews

2bed OceanFront condo w/Pools+HotTub

Enjoy the comforts of a beach condo with the features of a luxury resort style retreat. This 2 bedroom 2.5 bathroom Villa has two balconies with incredible Ocean Views. Modern kitchen, and beach themed decor make this condo a vacation retreat you cannot miss. Plus 3 pools, heated year round! Located on 17-miles of secluded beachfront in Aptos California, south of Santa Cruz. Treat yourself to exquisite fine dining at the Sanderlings Restaurant, beach pathways and more!

Top Guest favourite
Home in Aptos
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 247 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 favourite
A private balcony features a table and two chairs, overlooking the ocean and beach. The setting sun casts warm colors across the horizon, enhancing the view of the serene landscape and distant shoreline.
Condo in Aptos
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 172 reviews

Seascape Oceanf 1 bdr suite hottub Aptos SantaCruz

Treat yourself to this rare ocean front resort with ocean front as well as the beach views from the balcony and from your dining area inside of the unit. One bedroom suite 620 sf. Heated pool, jacuzzi, parking, on site Restaurant, fire places, etc. Unwind and relax to the sound of the ocean waves. Indulge and pamper yourself in luxury and serenity. Parking lot has complimentary EV charging. Front desk at lobby.

Guest favourite
A wide stretch of sandy beach is observed under a clear blue sky. Gentle waves lap at the shore, creating a serene atmosphere. In the distance, silhouettes of people can be seen walking along the water's edge, enhancing the peaceful coastal scene.
Condo in Watsonville
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 343 reviews

2B/2B Pajaro Dunes with Dunes and Ocean View

Steps away from miles of beautiful, unspoiled beaches, this 2 bedroom beach front condo is located in the highly desirable, gated Shorebirds community at Pajaro Dunes. Either enjoying the picture-perfect sunset, taking long walks on the beach, surfing, fishing, or building sand castles, you are sure to capture memorable, relaxing vacations in our comfortable, charming fully furnished condo.

Top Guest favourite
Stairs lead down from a deck to a wooden boardwalk that stretches towards the beach. The ocean glimmers in the distance under a clear blue sky, while the sandy shoreline is framed by coastal vegetation.
Townhouse in Castroville
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 363 reviews

28 Sec Walk to Beach: Power Outage-Free Living

This beachfront oasis, nestled in a gated community between Monterey and Santa Cruz, offers stunning ocean views, private beach access, and a recently remodeled interior. Ideal for 1 big family or 2 small families, the 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom house features a steam shower, a split-level design, and sleeps 7. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets, whale watching, and easy access to nearby attractions.

Popular amenities for Santa Cruz beachfront rentals

When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz?

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg. price$630 AUD$613 AUD$536 AUD$579 AUD$707 AUD$750 AUD$707 AUD$709 AUD$627 AUD$678 AUD$707 AUD$707 AUD
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Quick stats about beachfront rentals in Santa Cruz

  • Total holiday rentals

    Explore 80 holiday rentals in Santa Cruz

  • Nightly prices starting at

    Santa Cruz holiday rentals start at $71 AUD per night before taxes and fees

  • Verified guest reviews

    Over 6,760 verified reviews to help you choose

  • Family-friendly holiday rentals

    60 properties offer extra space and kid-friendly amenities

  • Pet-friendly accommodation

    Find 20 rentals that welcome pets

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    30 properties have a dedicated workspace

  • Wi-Fi availability

    80 of Santa Cruz holiday rentals include Wi-Fi access

  • Popular amenities for guests

    Guests love Kitchen, Wifi and Pool across Santa Cruz rentals

  • 4.8 Average rating

    Santa Cruz stays are highly rated by guests—averaging 4.8 out of 5!

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