Waterfront holiday rentals in Santa Cruz County

Find and book unique waterfront accommodation on Airbnb

Top-rated waterfront accommodation in Santa Cruz County

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

4.97 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

Superhost

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, 445 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.

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.

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.

Superhost

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

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 211 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!

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

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, 397 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, 266 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

Condo 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!

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, 536 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

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, 370 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.