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Waterfront holiday rentals in Santa Cruz

Find and book unique waterfront accommodation on Airbnb

Top-rated waterfront accommodation in Santa Cruz

Guests agree: These waterfront accommodation options are highly rated for location, cleanliness and more.

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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, 484 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.

ViewBeachHospitality

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
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 165 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

BeachViewSleep quality

Guest favourite
A spacious balcony overlooks the ocean, featuring a seating area with grey couches adorned with blue and white cushions. A glass-topped table is positioned in the center, beside a gas grill, creating an inviting outdoor space to enjoy coastal views.
Home in Aptos
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 436 reviews

🍀Escape - Brand New Modern Chic Coastal Retreat🍀

Start the day snuggled up with an incredible, 180-degree unobstructed ocean view from the deck with coffee from the in-home coffee station. Take a dip in the pool overlooking the shoreline or grab some boogie boards for a day on the beach. Featured on the design website Houzz, this clean, breezy, modern seaside sanctuary features homey hardwood floors, smooth quartz counters and open floor plan living. Come relax with amazing beds + soft linens, a gourmet kitchen, and the charm of beach living.

BeachViewAir conditioning

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, 191 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.

BeachViewCondition

Top Guest favourite
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, 197 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!

RiverViewAmenities

Guest favourite
Cabin in Boulder Creek
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 99 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

BeachRiverBathroom

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, 378 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!

BeachViewAccuracy

Top Guest favourite
Home in Aptos
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 259 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

ViewBeachTV

Superhost
The image showcases a modern Airstream parked on a sandy area overlooking the ocean. A large retractable awning extends over an outdoor seating arrangement that includes a fire pit surrounded by chairs. Lush green grass and a wooden fence frame the scene, highlighting the coastal setting.
Campervan/RV in Half Moon Bay
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 231 reviews

Beachfront California Coast Airstream_Luxury (NEW)

This spectacular location comes fully equipped with the 'top of the line' 28 foot' Airstream, (Big Sur & Tommy Bahama class limited edition) with horizontal flip rear tail door for seamless indoor/outdoor living. Overlooking a stunning beach, perched high on a cliff this one of a kind experience boasts breathtaking views of the California coastline and Pacific Ocean to create an unforgettable magical experience of a lifetime.

ViewBeachKitchen

Top Guest favourite
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.

ViewBeachLayout

Guest favourite
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, 249 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.

BeachViewFamily

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, 356 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.

BeachViewBathroom

Popular amenities for Santa Cruz waterfront rentals

When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz?

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDec
Avg. price$693 AUD$657 AUD$682 AUD$649 AUD$692 AUD$784 AUD$841 AUD$804 AUD$666 AUD$713 AUD$752 AUD$747 AUD
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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 $57 AUD per night before taxes and fees

  • Verified guest reviews

    Over 7,610 verified reviews to help you choose

  • Family-friendly holiday rentals

    70 properties offer extra space and kid-friendly amenities

  • Pet-friendly accommodation

    Find 20 rentals that welcome pets

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    60 properties have a dedicated workspace

  • Wi-Fi availability

    100 of Santa Cruz holiday 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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