
Waterfront holiday rentals in Santa Cruz
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Top-rated waterfront rentals in Santa Cruz
Guests agree: these waterfront rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness and more.

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.

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

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.

Beach Airstream (Bliss) - New Listing
On 9 private acres overlooking the stunning Beach and Ocean from a breathtaking cliff top view. Stunning sunsets. Famous surf views with large windows. Fully loaded with all the amenities to make your glamping experience perfect. Fire pit, outside BBQ, outside griddle, Heat, A/C and fully stocked kitchen. Full bathroom with shower. Within 10 mins of Half Moon Bay shopping. Beach access short walk or drive. If this one is booked, there are three other equally similar Airstreams on the property.

Royal Villa - Ocean View - Heated Pools - Seascape
If you're looking for the best, you've found it. There's not a larger or better 1 bedroom condo in the main building at Seascape. It is the only 864 sq ft end unit with ocean view balcony and lots of windows to let the light in! Oh, and has a actual kitchen with a full size fridge and dishwasher. No matter what special occasion brings you to town, this is the condo you will want stay in! Seascape Beach Resort has amazing sunsets, a soft sandy beach, top notch restaurants, and so many amenities.

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

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.

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.

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!

Custom Cabin Retreat in the Redwoods
This retreat offers guests a unique experience of living in a well designed, minimalist space while having all one really needs. From the nautically-inspired curved ceiling w/ skylights to the custom redwood trim, this cozy retreat will inspire. Relax on the private deck with the fire pit, walk to the river or enjoy the local trails thru the towering redwoods. Santa Cruz beaches are just 35 min away, 25 min to Big Basin and Henry Cowell, and 35 min to fine dining in Saratoga.

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

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!
Popular amenities for waterfront rentals in Santa Cruz
Waterfront apartment rentals

Pink Venetian (Upper Unit)

Oceanview Condo - StepstoBeach Surfboards\Bikes

180° Oceanview Condo-Surfboards-Bikes

Shared Room Stunning Bay View

Luxury Villa - Flora View - Ground Level -Seascape

OceanViewCondoStepsFromTheBeach

Beachfront Condo with Ocean Deck

Top Oceanfront 1BR Stunning View
Waterfront house rentals

Oceanfront beach house with private hot tub

Cozy Capitola, Santa Cruz Home-Beach, Pleasure Pt.

Oceanview Oasis Duplex -Capitola UPPER UNIT B

Beachfront Oceanfront Steps to Sand & Sunset Views

Oceanfront Views - Steps to the Beach

Seaside Sanctuary

Monterey Bay Oasis on the Ocean!

Oceanfront Retreat w/Private HotTub
Waterfront apartment rentals

Seascape Oceanview Luxury 2B w/theater walk2beach

Beautiful Ocean View 2 BR-Seascape-Miles of Beach

Seascape Ocean View Condo

One of a kind full River and Ocean view!

Beachfront Condo in Watsonville, California

Seascape Resort Villa Beautiful Ocean View Sleep 6

2B/2B Pajaro Dunes with Dunes and Ocean View

Coastal Luxury • Ocean Views condo
Quick stats about waterfront rentals in Santa Cruz
Total rentals
100 properties
Nightly prices starting at
€ 43 before taxes and fees
Total number of reviews
7.3K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
70 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
20 properties allow pets
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
60 properties have a dedicated workspace
Destinations to explore
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- Santa Cruz Beach
- Capitola Beach
- Stanford University
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Rio Del Mar Beach
- Carmel Beach
- Carmel Beach
- Seacliff State Beach
- SAP Center
- Montara State Beach
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
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- Twin Lakes State Beach
- California’S Great America
- Manresa Main State Beach
- New Brighton State Beach
- Winchester Mystery House
- Bonny Doon Beach
- Asilomar State Beach
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Sunset State Beach - California State Parks
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- Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
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