Beachfront vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County

Find and book unique beachfront homes on Airbnb

Top-rated beachfront rentals in Santa Cruz County

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

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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

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, 506 reviews

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

Relax + Unwind in Brand New 2BD Modern Bch Retreat

Sea breezes and unobstructed 180-degree ocean front views greet you from the large 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 beautiful, chic space, guests tell us they love the amazing beds, 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, 187 reviews

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

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, 208 reviews

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

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!

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 219 reviews

Guest favorite

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, 119 reviews

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

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

4.82 out of 5 average rating, 863 reviews

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

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, 401 reviews

Top guest favorite

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, 271 reviews

Superhost

A modern living area features soft grey furniture arranged around a gas fireplace. A dining table with plush chairs sits nearby, reflecting natural light from the sliding glass doors leading to a patio. Decorative elements include a round mirror and coastal artwork.

Apartment in Aptos

*Official Resort Listing* Partial View 2 BDR Villa

This listing offers an updated residential-style experience within a luxury resort—the best of both worlds! Featuring a primary bedroom with a king bed and en suite bathroom, a 2nd bedroom with a queen bed, and a separate guest bathroom. Enjoy the comfort of a living room with a gas fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, and sofa seating. Each villa includes a private patio or balcony with a partial ocean view. Units are individually owned—decor and layout may vary.

4.79 out of 5 average rating, 457 reviews

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

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.

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 138 reviews

Guest favorite

Two red rocking chairs are positioned on a wooden deck, facing a view of greenery and the ocean. The sky is partly cloudy, and the scenery provides a serene backdrop for relaxation.

Guest suite in Santa Cruz

The Pine Tree Studio - quiet & cozy

Take a break & retreat to the beach! The Pine Tree Studio is the perfect get-away space or business-trip retreat. (Santa Cruz County Short-term rental permit #21042.) Enjoy a private entrance & deck with off-street parking. Relax & sip your favorite beverage while listening to the ocean from your favorite deck chair or wander down to the beach. The beach is over one street and down the wooden steps to the sand - a 5-minute walk from the deck.

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 110 reviews

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

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

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 544 reviews