Waterfront vacation rentals in Santa Clara County

Find and book unique waterfront rentals on Airbnb

Top-rated waterfront rentals in Santa Clara County

Guests agree: these waterfront rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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Top guest favorite

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, 168 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

Superhost

The elegant exterior of a historic Victorian cottage features yellow siding and decorative white trim. A wooden staircase leads to a welcoming entrance, flanked by large windows. Lush greenery and colorful plants surround the front yard, enhancing the inviting nature of the property.

Home in Boulder Creek

4.86 out of 5 average rating, 176 reviews

Victorian Cottage in the Redwoods

Historic Landmark 1899 Queen Anne Victorian Cottage near downtown Boulder Creek , Ca. Walking distance to bus, downtown restaurants, Wild Roots Market, hiking trails, San Lorenzo River. Recently remodeled Entire house, no shared indoor spaces. 1 Bdrm 1 Bath with shower and bathtub Full kitchen Vitamix Organic Coffee Nearby Restaurants Beaches Mountain Biking Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad Santa Cruz Boardwalk Wild Roots Market Permit#221202

Top guest favorite

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

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 167 reviews

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.

Top guest favorite

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

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 1,130 reviews

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

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, 201 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 favorite

Cabin in Boulder Creek

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 102 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

Superhost

A bright living area is highlighted by large windows offering stunning ocean views. A light blue couch is positioned around a circular wicker coffee table. A flat-screen TV is mounted on the wall, complemented by a piece of artwork depicting ocean waves.

Townhouse in La Selva Beach

4.81 out of 5 average rating, 140 reviews

Sand Dollar Beachfront Home, Direct Beach Access!

On the Beach is an ocean front townhome in the gated community of Sand Dollar Beach! (Permit 251385) This oceanfront home has the central coast views you dream of! Nestled in a quiet community, this unit is perfect for the relaxing beach vacation with the family. Private beach access leads straight down to open sand in an area that never has big crowds! Please note, the third bedroom is a loft, offering an open and airy space that is not fully enclosed from the rest of the guests.

Top guest favorite

A colorful tiny home is seen surrounded by tall redwood trees. The exterior showcases vibrant blue and yellow walls, contrasted by natural wood planters filled with greenery. Sunlight filters through the trees, enhancing the inviting outdoor space.

Tiny home in Boulder Creek

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 235 reviews

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.

Top guest favorite

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, 383 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 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!

Top guest favorite

Home in Aptos

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 261 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 favorite

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, 282 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.

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, 527 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