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Beachfront vacation rentals in Santa Cruz

Find and book unique beachfront homes on Airbnb

Quick stats about beachfront rentals in Santa Cruz

  • Total vacation rentals

    Explore 80 vacation rentals in Santa Cruz

  • Nightly prices starting at

    Santa Cruz vacation rentals start at $40 per night before taxes and fees

  • Verified guest reviews

    Over 7,260 verified reviews to help you choose

  • Family-friendly vacation rentals

    60 properties offer extra space & kid-friendly amenities

  • Pet-friendly vacation rentals

    Find 20 rentals that welcome pets

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    30 properties have a dedicated workspace

  • Wi-Fi availability

    80 of Santa Cruz vacation rentals include wi-fi access

  • Popular amenities for guests

    Guests love Kitchen, Wifi, and Pool across Santa Cruz rentals

  • 4.8 Average rating

    Santa Cruz stays are highly rated by guests—averaging 4.8 out of 5!

Top-rated beachfront rentals in Santa Cruz

Guests agree: these beachfront homes are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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Top guest favorite
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.
Vacation home in Watsonville
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 494 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.

BeachViewValue

Top guest favorite
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.
Condo in Aptos
5 out of 5 average rating, 128 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.

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Guest favorite
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, 442 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.

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Top guest favorite
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, 199 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.

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Top guest favorite
A white mug is positioned on a smooth stone ledge, overlooking a sandy beach meeting the ocean. Soft waves are visible in the distance, while a pathway winds through green grass in the foreground, leading towards the coastline.
Condo in Aptos
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 182 reviews

Beach View Condo - Heated Pool - Seascape Resort

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.

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Top guest favorite
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 out of 5 average rating, 208 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!

WalkabilityBeachQuiet

Guest favorite
Cabin in Boulder Creek
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 108 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

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Top guest favorite
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
4.81 out of 5 average rating, 852 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

ViewBeachDecor

Top guest favorite
Home in Aptos
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 265 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

WalkabilityViewCleanliness

Top guest favorite
A spacious deck features comfortable adirondack chairs arranged around a fire pit, with the ocean and lagoon visible in the background. Eucalyptus trees provide shade and a natural ambiance, enhancing the serene atmosphere of this outdoor space.
Home in Santa Cruz
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 130 reviews

Beach View Cottage - Hot Tub

Gorgeous, newly remodeled, home with amazing views of the ocean, beach, and lagoon. Hot tub, bikes, surfboards, kayak. Everything you could possibly want for a Santa Cruz trip in a spectacular setting VR PERMIT # 191354 Just 200 yards from the beach, this tranquil beach view cottage is your perfect beachside escape. Located on a quiet, private street in Pleasure Point, this charming and newly updated two-story home offers stunning ocean views.

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Guest favorite
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, 531 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

BeachWalkabilityOutdoor spaces

Guest favorite
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, 367 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.

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Popular amenities for Santa Cruz beachfront rentals

When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz?

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Avg. price$500$445$450$510$519$579$500$501$443$479$500$500
Avg. temp51°F53°F56°F58°F62°F66°F68°F68°F68°F64°F56°F51°F

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