Waterfront holiday rentals in Santa Cruz County

Find and book unique waterfront rentals on Airbnb

Top-rated waterfront rentals in Santa Cruz County

Guests agree: these waterfront rentals 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, 505 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, 134 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.

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, 181 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, 205 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.

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

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 214 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, 113 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, 399 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!

Top guest favourite

A wine glass is positioned in the foreground, holding a dark beverage. The background features a sunset over the ocean, with hues of orange, pink, and purple reflected on the water's surface. Gentle waves create a serene atmosphere.

Townhouse in La Selva Beach

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 286 reviews

La Selva Beach Oceanfront - Steps to Beach & Ocean

The beach and ocean is your backyard at this 3 bedroom, 2 bath townhome (sleeps 8). Relax and enjoy the ocean, beach, and breathtaking sunset's. Watch the dolphins, whales, seals, swim by one of Santa Cruz's longest semi private beaches and pelicans diving for fish and migrating birds. An ideal location to enjoy surfing, walking, running and relaxing while at the beach. The comfort of our guests is our first priority. We want everyone to enjoy their stay. Enjoy. Michael

Top guest favourite

Home in Aptos

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 268 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 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.

Apartment in Watsonville

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 372 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.