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Waterfront holiday rentals in Santa Cruz

Find and book unique waterfront accommodation 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 $56 AUD 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 and kid-friendly amenities

  • Pet-friendly accommodation

    Find 20 rentals that welcome pets

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    50 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, Wi-Fi 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 accommodation in Santa Cruz

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

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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, 188 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 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, 506 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 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.

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, 183 reviews

Relax + Unwind in Brand New 2BD Modern Bch Retreat

Sea breezes and unobstructed 180-degree ocean front views greet you from the large 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 beautiful, chic space, guests tell us they love the amazing beds, 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 Pajaro Dunes
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 206 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, 114 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, 412 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
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, 400 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 pool and hot tub 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!

Guest favourite
A spacious deck features a wooden railing overlooking lush coastal dunes and the expansive Pacific Ocean in the distance. Two white Adirondack chairs sit invitingly on the deck, with grass and shrubs framing the view, creating a serene outdoor space.
Townhouse in Castroville
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 362 reviews

Monterey Dunes Oceanfront Beach House

The Monterey Dunes Colony is a picturesque gated community on the beach sitting between Monterey and Santa Cruz. This house features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a beautiful ocean view and private beach access. The Master, main living area, and kitchen have beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. You can watch dolphins and whales from the comfort of the kitchen table. Beautiful sunsets are a daily occurrence. This house is great for a large family or 2 smaller families.

Top Guest favourite
Home in Aptos
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 269 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
An open living area features a comfortable grey sofa facing large windows that showcase ocean views. A round dining table with four chairs is positioned near the kitchen, enhancing the spacious layout. Soft lighting is provided by a ceiling fixture.
Condo in Aptos
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 138 reviews

OCEAN Views and Steps from the BEACH, New & Modern

Enjoy spending time with family and friends in this large 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo with a beautiful ocean/ beach view from Monterey to Capitola. . This single level unit offers a spacious floor plan with large picture windows and a full deck with patio furniture. BBQ on the deck while you listen to the soothing waves, watch the dolphins and view a gorgeous sunset. Walk to restaurants, delis, coffee shops and the beach in just a few seconds.

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.
Apartment in Aptos
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 141 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.

Popular amenities for Santa Cruz waterfront rentals

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