Santa Cruz is a beautiful city on the California coast, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With a vibrant ambience, this city screams Boho. It has turquoise beaches, a unique culture, top-notch surf spots, and exciting nightlife. The city, which is the gateway to Monterey Bay, is packed with delights that lure tourists all year. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Lighthouse Field State Beach, the redwood forests, and the beaches are just a few of the vacation spots. While art enthusiasts will love the city museums and art galleries, most visitors will enjoy shopping at Pacific Avenue. Offering views of beautiful sunrises and sunsets, this place is a must-visit, especially if you want to stay by the sea. Keep reading for our list of the best beachfront rentals in Santa Cruz, California.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and location with easy access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 11, 2024.
1. Luxury townhome with swimming pool (from USD 450)
Everyone deserves a break, and this townhome is the perfect place to indulge in your favourite pastimes. Within a close distance, you will find the Santa Cruz Surf Museum and Santa Cruz Wharf.
In addition to offering incredible views of the blue sky and sea, this home offers free access to the shared swimming pool and the hot tub. The three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home is spacious enough to accommodate eight guests comfortably. All the rooms, including the kitchen, are painted in white and exude luxury. Natural light fills the open living/dining area through the clear windows.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsLocation:
good location quiet compoundvery comfortable and great locationbeautiful place great location and very easy to deal with would absolutely stay againgreat location responsive managementawesome - can’t beat the location garage parking available and anything you can think of was provided
2. Luxurious house with Monterey Bay views (from USD 900)
If you, along with a large group of friends or family, are searching for an excellent vacation spot, this spacious house overlooking Monterey Bay is a perfect place to be. Suitable to occupy 10 residents in 6 large beds, this 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom stay has elegant touches and is very cosy. The contemporary kitchen is fully stocked with new appliances, and its wooden floor extends to the snug lounge. Airy and bright, most rooms offer spectacular views of the crashing blue waves through their glass windows.
If you are in Westside for water activities or the nightlife and dining scenes, this property is ideal, as it is within easy reach to Cowell Beach, Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz Surf Museum, The Santa Cruz Harbor, Santa Cruz Wharf, and historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
bedrooms were clean linens were freshstocked with everything one would need to cook clean and entertain family and friends just bring the groceriesHost:
property manager is also very nice and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
very nice property with a great location across from the oceanprime location walking distance to boardwalk beautiful view from the living roomthe location like all homes on west cliff is perfect to watch the world go byincredible location celebrated a birthday with 6-8 lifelong friends and we loved the house
3. Lovely oceanfront house on West Cliff Drive (from USD 700)
Visit this vibrant beachfront house on West Cliff Drive, near the finest West End spots. Ideal for a family holiday, this lovely house offers lots of room and amenities that will elevate your stay. The two-story house contains four rooms - a master suite with a panoramic view of the sapphire ocean, two queen bedrooms, and a guestroom near the garage. The master bathroom includes dual sinks, while the hallway bathroom covers all the needs of your guests. The open-plan living area extends from the lounge room to the kitchen and dining area smoothly.
Cherish the quiet and calming atmosphere and relax on any of the two decks, where you can simply enjoy the scenery or dine beneath the stars as waves lap along the beach below.
Top guest reviews
Host:
liz was very responsive to questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and comfortable housefantastic location everything you need or wantthe location is perfect for strolling the scenic path for 3 miles
4. Beautiful mansion with marvelous views (from USD 525)
This is a gorgeous villa in Westside that provides spectacular ocean vistas from the patio. This is a safe, secluded home, and you can easily access Lighthouse Field State Beach, Steamer Lane, and the surfing museum from here.
The home’s interior exudes opulence, with wooden flooring throughout. The two-story home has four bedrooms, two of which are masters, four full bathrooms, and a rustic gourmet kitchen. The lounge room can seat a large group and is a warm place to stay, as it is beside a fireplace. If the invigorating view of the sea is not enough, the accommodation provides great features that include internet access and barbecue equipment.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
was very comfortable for 8 adults but would also work well with childrenCleanliness:
very clean organized and comfortable propertythe kitchen is weel stocked and the property was very clean upon check-inclean well appointed great location responsive serviceHost:
rating details:the property manager was very helpfulrating details:the property manager was very helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
the best location in santa cruz8 miles to the wharf and boardwalk although far enough away to enjoy peace and quiet we’ll be backthe house and garden were absolutely beautiful and the location can't be beati was very happy with the locationi was very happy with the location
5. The Corner (from USD 267)
The Corner is an ideal place for a fantastic vacation, steps away from Cowell Beach. A spectacular sight of the waves can be admired from the front patio. In two bedrooms, six guests can sleep on four comfortable beds. The bathroom lies mid-way between both rooms, installed with a shower. While the living room is not huge, its leather sofa feels perfect for a movie marathon. The area seamlessly flows to the spacious kitchen with a dining area, where you can have a hearty family meal. If you’re planning on staying long, make use of the laundry area .
By staying at The Corner, you can enjoy surfing, taking a stroll on Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, shopping, hitting the theatre at Pacific Avenue, and trying the local dining.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
good wi-fi and tv in living room and both bedroomsCleanliness:
the beach house was very cleanit was clean and had a nice kitchen and pantryvery clean & we loved being able to cook our own meals etcthe cottage itself if clean and checking in with the manager was so easyHost:
the owner was very responsive and we will definitely stay here againRead more reviewsLocation:
close to pier restaurants boardwalk entertainment and shopsclose to everything the house was super cute and cleangreat location very cozy check in was easythis little bungalow was the perfect location and size for our family plus kids friends visit to santa cruzlocation to beach & boardwalk is amazing we will definitely be back
6. Beautiful Vistamar on Seabright Beach (from USD 1700)
Built around the 1900s, Vistamar is a typical historical craftsman’s mansion on Seabright Beach. This beautiful two-story house near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Boardwalk Bow has recently been remodelled, with luxury furnishings.
It is an ideal choice for 14 guests, with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. There is a modern kitchen with white Carrera marble tabletops. The spacious lounge room flows smoothly to a dining area, which extends into a lovely patio. Both the patio and the dining area have incredible views of the sea, so you can relish your meals and coffee while watching the birds strolling on the sealine. A hot tub is available, and a variety of leisure facilities await you in the game room, including a pool table and a foosball table.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The kitchen was stocked with everything you could want or needThe outdoor shower was greatI expected the view to be a bit exaggerated in the picturesThe kitchen was amply stockedThe kitchen has everything you needHost:
The owner was very accommodating as wellI met Karen who gave me a tourGabriella was fantastic in helping to book the last minute rental and was very accommodatingOur grandchildren loved the dress up attire and the attic areaswing hot tub pool tableRead more reviewsLocation:
but I did not expect "out of this worldsome stayed at another house nearthe Boardwalk Amusement Park a mile away kept beckoningI looked at Vistamar many times in my searchLocation on the beach is perfect Walking distance to restaurants and stores
7. Luxurious, pet-friendly villa (from USD 750)
This site is a lovely sight. With three bedrooms that have magnificent sea views and with three bathrooms, it is a luxury stay, offering a great experience for the family. The fully equipped kitchen and dining space overlooking the ocean will amaze visitors.
Relax on the seashore and have a barbecue using the equipment in the backyard. If you are into sports, this property is the perfect fit, with a variety of activities available, ranging from tennis in the backyard to skateboarding nearby.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen amenities were greatvery comfortable beds furniture and a private outside courtyard for relaxingthe beds are all unbelievably comfortable as is the leather living room furniturewifi was fast better than at our homevery clean and plenty of room with special amenities to make for family fun and relaxationCleanliness:
beautiful ocean front property clean comfortable homenice clean the hostess that met us at the house was awesomeHost:
he was kind and considerate of my questionsfirst of all the owners are very responsiveowners are responsive and check in and out was easywho are very kindwe will be coming back here it is a fantastic spot and the owners are wonderful and accomodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
and the location wowit was close to everything and the walk along the ocean either way you chose was beautifulhad a great stay at this home which is situated in an ideal location near the beachlocation is perfect walk to the oceangreat location and lots of space it felt like home
8. Castle Beach Retreat (from USD 1050)
In Castle Beach Retreat, you can unwind and create special memories. Castle Beach Retreat is a four-bedroom home on Monterey Bay, with fantastic vistas of the ocean and Santa Cruz Wharf. It accommodates families or groups of 12 in a cosy setting. The large lounge room is adjacent to a bar, a contemporary kitchen, and a dinner table. To keep everyone entertained, there is a Sonos Entertainment System as well as an HD television. Guests can release their fatigue and refresh in one of the four full bathrooms.
Enjoy the music of the splashing waves, or have a barbecue party on the deck as you take in views of the sunset.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it was nice to have the a/v tv all updated and working wellthe large dinner table is great for multi-family dinners and game nightssome of the sliders don’t open easily and the sofa bed downstairs is very lumpyCleanliness:
house was clean and lots of room for all 10 of usthe house was clean comfortable and perfect for our groupHost:
the owner is very responsivethe owner was very nice and quick at respondingreach out to lou the owner was nice to take care of the trashowners we very helpful and responsivethe owner suggested a bakery i order two cakes celebrating mom niece and two sisters birthdayRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was perfect for usgreat location and gorgeous property for a large family gatheringeasy walk to the beach light house and walk to the broadwalk was 10-15minsit was a perfect location for our eight adults and four children to staywe’ve been to santa cruz many times but this was by far the best place we’ve ever stayed
9. West Cliff Azure
Situated in a tranquil neighbourhood and blessed with extraordinary sea views, West Cliff Azure is a lovely place to stay. Eight people will be able to enjoy this four-bed, four-bathroom stay, where you will find breathtaking sea vistas in every corner. Equipped with classic yet contemporary furniture and appliances, it has convenient amenities ready for your use. Have a great morning and savour your coffee with panoramic ocean views on the wraparound patio.
This home is on West Cliff Drive, while Natural Bridges State Beach and surfers’ paradise Steamer Lane are a few minutes away. Make sure to check out the Lighthouse Field State Beach, where colourful monarch butterflies fly around. After a busy day, you can relax and recharge by resting on the premium hotel mattresses.
7.77 km (4.9 mi) from The Mystery SpotAccommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 4
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the views from the deck and upstairs rooms are fantasticthe views from the upstairs living room and kitchen are gorgeousCleanliness:
garage is advertised as clean and organizedvery welcoming and comfortable clean and upgradedHost:
the owners really seem to care about their guestswe tried to resolve the issue w/ the owner quietly without negative posting or litigationthe owners have provided a wonderful place to spend a carefree week of family timeamanda was very helpful and responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is fantastic with bars and restaurants within walking distancegreat house great location and great communicationits an awesome location with more than enough amenitiesit’s a fantastic place
Step into heavenly Santa Cruz
Visit Santa Cruz’s lovely beaches, indulge yourself in the vibrant nightlife, and go surfing. Check out our list of the best beachfront vacation rentals in Santa Cruz, California, mentioned above, and book the one that catches your eye.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to