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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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

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

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 184 reviews

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

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.

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 501 reviews

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

Relax + Unwind in Brand New 2BD Modern Bch Retreat

Sea breezes and unobstructed 180-degree ocean views greet you from the 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 comfortable, chic space, guests tell us they love the amazing beds, soft linens, 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.

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 180 reviews

Superhost

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 Pajaro Dunes

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

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 256 reviews

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

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.

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 121 reviews

Top Guest favourite

A serene river flows gently through a lush forest, surrounded by vibrant green foliage. Smooth rocks emerge from the water, which reflects the surrounding greenery. The scene conveys a peaceful natural environment, ideal for relaxation and exploration.

Guest suite in Boulder Creek

Redwood Riverfront Getaway

We are nestled in the beautiful California Redwood forest next to the San Lorenzo River. Guests can enjoy our private guest suite with its own entrance and full bathroom. Our property features tall trees, seasonal river swimming on our private beach, fishing, kayaking, and exploring. We are close to downtown Boulder Creek, minutes away from Santa Cruz, wine tasting, hiking, fine dining, and the coastline. We have no hidden fees and even offer a full return of our cleaning fee. Permit #181307

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 1151 reviews

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

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.

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 204 reviews

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

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!

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 213 reviews

Guest favourite

Cabin in Boulder Creek

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

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 112 reviews

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

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!

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 398 reviews

Top Guest favourite

Home in Aptos

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

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 267 reviews

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

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.

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 253 reviews