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, 240 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
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 453 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
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, 171 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
A vibrant landscape features blooming flowers in shades of pink and white in the foreground, while the serene ocean stretches into the distance. The scene is framed by tall trees, creating a harmonious blend of nature with the beach visible under a clear blue sky.
Condo in Aptos
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 187 reviews

Beach Front Villa at Seascape Resort

The newly remodeled unit offers a beautiful fireplace, hardwood flooring, a new kitchen with stainless steel appliances, bathrooms, stairs, a laundry system, and more. Beautiful villa just a 10-15 min walk to the beach. Bring your family and friends to enjoy this quaint place with an expensive ocean view and the best view of the resort. Live spaciously in 2 luxurious master suites upstairs and an open concept living room and kitchen downstairs. It will surely be an unforgettable experience!

Top Guest favourite
Condo in Aptos
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 160 reviews

Beach View Condo @ Seascape Beach Resort, Aptos CA

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, 236 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
4.8 out of 5 average rating, 804 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 serene view of the ocean at sunset, showcasing vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple in the sky. Lush green lawn stretches in the foreground, with silhouettes of trees and coastal vegetation framing the peaceful landscape.
Condo in Aptos
5 out of 5 average rating, 103 reviews

Fully Equipped OceanView Ground Villa &Heated Pool

Breathtaking ocean & beach views facing Monterey Bay, Capitola Beach & Santa Cruz. This luxurious, ground level, 2-BR villa has the convenience of amazing sunsets, a direct 5-min path to the soft sandy beach, & a furnished patio facing open lawn space. Enjoy the views of the white water surf right from the living room, patio or bedroom; take a dip in the heated pools/hot tub just steps from your front door; or dine at Sanderlings Restaurant. Why choose one when you can do it all?

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
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 320 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
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, 337 reviews

January sale- 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!

Guest favourite
A cozy living space features comfortable seating with a striped chair and woven armchairs, arranged around a round wooden coffee table. Large sliding glass doors open to a deck, providing views of the ocean. Soft natural light fills the room, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Home in Aptos
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 609 reviews

Relax Watch Waves Crash Chic + Modern 3BD

Sea breezes and beautiful ocean views greet you from your 40-foot deck at RdM Lookout. A modern open beach design with hardwood floors, quartz counters and a cozy fireplace. A comfortable, chic space, our guests tell us they love the amazing beds, soft linens, fluffy towels, our gourmet kitchen-stocked coffee bar with to-go cups for beach walks. Our goal is to be your home oasis away from home. Our space offers a relaxing, beach vacation in a charming beach town.

Top Guest favourite
Home in Aptos
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 244 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

Popular amenities for Santa Cruz beachfront rentals

When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz?

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg. price$775 NZD$754 NZD$660 NZD$712 NZD$871 NZD$923 NZD$871 NZD$872 NZD$771 NZD$850 NZD$730 NZD$857 NZD
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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 $87 NZD 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, Wi-Fi 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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