Santa Cruz’s 10 Best Airbnb Rentals On The Water

An ideal getaway for couples looking to explore California’s surf capital, this cozy apartment in Capitola Village is ready for reservations. Capitola is a bustling center of restaurants and bars on the eastern banks of Soquel Creek, where the creek meets the ocean.

This third floor apartment is part of an oceanfront complex. It has a full kitchen, a balcony, a bedroom with two queen beds and sea views on both sides. But no one comes to Santa Cruz just to stay in an apartment. This home is ideal for those who are ready to explore. To assist guests in this endeavour, two cruiser bikes are provided.

A surfer’s dream beach bungalow, Heron House offers guests the kind of coastal experience that Santa Cruz is famous for. Nothing more than a few palm trees and a short stretch of sand between this three-bedroom home and the Pacific Ocean.

When not on the beach, guests will appreciate the luxury offered by hardwood floors, granite countertops, and beautiful wood furnishings. The house has comfortable outdoor spaces on both sides. These include an ocean-facing hot tub and a fabulous veranda for alfresco dining.

If access to water is your number one priority, the Villa Vista by the sea might just be your best option. Open any window or open the sliding doors to the downstairs living room and let the ocean mist wash over you. The sea is a few meters away.

But the house has more than incredible views. It has spacious living areas and a kitchen perfectly suited to preparing meals. There are three bedrooms with king beds and three full bathrooms. In addition to the ocean, Lake Moran is steps from the house.

There is something for everyone at this exquisite home above Pleasure Point, one of the most popular surf spots in Santa Cruz. It is located on a triangular terrain, separated from the cliffs by a road. It offers spacious rooms and a plethora of fun activities and gadgets for families. These include a ping-pong robot, sauna, hot tub, darts and four e-bikes to help you get around easily.

For fun on the water, there’s a kayak, stand-up paddle boards, and surfboards. As if that weren’t enough, the house itself is gorgeous, with beautiful woodwork and beachy decor. The master bedroom has a fireplace and the other two bedrooms (both queens) are not missing. Even the fold-out sofa in the living room is made from comfortable memory foam.

A single-family home with endless memory possibilities, this beachfront property is yet another great way to enjoy the California coast. A two-lane road is all that separates you from the beach (and it’s traversed fairly easily thanks to a pedestrian walkway a few steps from the patio lounge chairs).

Let your dog romp in the enclosed yard while enjoying drinks, bites, and the warmth of a fire. The interior features hardwood floors, quality cabinetry, and the immaculately clean feel that comes with a remodeled home. Perfect for a small group or family, the home features three king bedrooms.

There’s more to do than just watch the waves, of course. Take a short walk and you will find tennis courts, a skate park, a dog park and much more.

With three stories, four bedrooms and 180 degree ocean views, this building in Aptos is, by any standard, a great place to unpack your worries and enjoy the California lifestyle. The two king bedrooms — with their balconies and hammocks — are special treats, but the other two bedrooms are nothing to scoff at. Choose between alfresco dining at home or one of the local restaurants within walking distance.

At first glance, this beautiful house looks like a typical suburban abode. The only difference is that the manicured lawn does not stop at the street but extends to the famous opal cliffs of Santa Cruz. It’s a short walk to surf shops, restaurants, and the beach, so getting around town isn’t a problem.

Given the location, it’s no surprise that the house has plenty of windows to ensure the ocean is always in view. With one king bedroom, one queen bedroom and one bedroom with four single beds, there really is room for the whole family.

Every waterfront rental in Santa Cruz offers stunning ocean views, but few can promise interiors with the same level of wonder. This four bedroom gem at Aptos does just that. Aptos is a few miles east of Santa Cruz Proper, providing guests with easy access to all of Monterey Bay’s attractions.

Featured in Architectural Summary, the “beach house” is distinguished by its ingenious use of space and its unique staircase. Those who need to work in between trips to the private beach will appreciate the home’s workspaces. The games room is another highlight. It has table tennis and pool tables and a large TV. Other perks include a tiled deck, fireplace, and hot tub.

The gaze of this five bedroom home on West Cliff Drive has recently changed thanks to a brilliant renovation, but the view from its magnificent location has been the same for thousands of years. That’s because it directly overlooks the timeless and seemingly endless Pacific Ocean.

But there are more than just waterfront views. The home is a beauty in itself, outfitted with excellent furnishings and brand new appliances. Each bedroom has a large bed and all but one have a stylish en-suite bathroom. The West Cliff walking path crosses the edge of the property and there are many bars, shops and restaurants in the immediate area.

The ideal base for a large family heading to the beach, this historic house in front of the water can accommodate up to 16 beach-loving guests. Each of the eight bedrooms is fitted with a single bed, ranging in size from double to king.

Getting around with such a large group can be difficult. Luckily, this building is within walking distance of many Santa Cruz highlights, including the famous boardwalk and Natural Bridges State Park. Whether you plan to cook big meals or hang out at one of the many restaurants in the area, this home has it all.