"Perfect, comfortable, amazing location on the coastline. Excellent continental breakfast delivered to your door each morning!"
"Perfect, comfortable, amazing location on the coastline. Excellent continental breakfast delivered to your door each morning!"
Sue
"Amazing friendly staff who went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Family-friendly. Property is beautiful and historic. We were able to learn about the monarchs, too!"
"Amazing friendly staff who went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Family-friendly. Property is beautiful and historic. We were able to learn about the monarchs, too!"
"Quaint little place, 10 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz. Clean room, comfortable bed, modern appearance. Good continental breakfast. exactly what I needed for my mountain biking trip to Santa Cruz."
"Quaint little place, 10 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz. Clean room, comfortable bed, modern appearance. Good continental breakfast. exactly what I needed for my mountain biking trip to Santa Cruz."
"We love staying here due to the proximity to the beach. The different room set-ups are great for families. Easy check-in, good breakfast, cute pool…we’ll be back!"
"We love staying here due to the proximity to the beach. The different room set-ups are great for families. Easy check-in, good breakfast, cute pool…we’ll be back!"
"Check in was easy. We stood in a very spacious cabin. Nice and big to hold a good size family. The only downer is that it's connected to the sites laundry room so you can hear everything. Overall great, quiet and relaxing time. Right next to the river which was beautiful. Shopping is close by so if you need anything it's close. Definity will be staying here again."
"Check in was easy. We stood in a very spacious cabin. Nice and big to hold a good size family. The only downer is that it's connected to the sites laundry room so you can hear everything. Overall great, quiet and relaxing time. Right next to the river which was beautiful. Shopping is close by so if you need anything it's close. Definity will be staying here again."
Rosemarie
"The place was nice and cozy. It had everything we needed to have a perfect stay. We will be coming back often!"
"The place was nice and cozy. It had everything we needed to have a perfect stay. We will be coming back often!"
"Older remodeled hotel, excellent staff, really close to Boardwalk. Allowed to park for free morning of check in day, plus was able to check into rooms by noon not 3."
"Older remodeled hotel, excellent staff, really close to Boardwalk. Allowed to park for free morning of check in day, plus was able to check into rooms by noon not 3."
"Keyran was a great help in finding a place to eat. The room was large, very clean and the bathroom was spotless. Peaceful and quite at night and two blocks walking to the boardwalk. "
"Keyran was a great help in finding a place to eat. The room was large, very clean and the bathroom was spotless. Peaceful and quite at night and two blocks walking to the boardwalk. "
"As always, aqua pacific was a perfect place to stay during my business trip. Clean, accessible, and safe."
"As always, aqua pacific was a perfect place to stay during my business trip. Clean, accessible, and safe."
daniel
"The front desk person was extremely sweet and helpful, and for the price the location is amazing! Just a short walk to the Boardwalk. The room was nice enough to sleep in, just the bathroom is dated/you can see the paint chipping off the walls. Overall it was a good stay, did not use the pool but saw other guests enjoying it!"
"The front desk person was extremely sweet and helpful, and for the price the location is amazing! Just a short walk to the Boardwalk. The room was nice enough to sleep in, just the bathroom is dated/you can see the paint chipping off the walls. Overall it was a good stay, did not use the pool but saw other guests enjoying it!"
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Downtown Santa Cruz pulses with artistic energy and laid-back surf vibes along the pedestrian-friendly Pacific Avenue. Street musicians serenade shoppers while colorful murals brighten historic Victorian buildings. Bookworms browse indie shops before catching films at the vintage Del Mar Theatre, all within walking distance of the famous Beach Boardwalk.
Farm-to-table restaurants and quirky cafes dot the tree-lined streets where locals and visitors mingle freely. Most accommodations feature boutique hotels and charming B&Bs in historic buildings, perfectly positioned for car-free exploration of both downtown and nearby beaches.
Seabright's sun-kissed shoreline beckons with golden sands stretching between Santa Cruz Harbor and the iconic Beach Boardwalk. Families splash in the calm waters of Harbor Beach while adventurous types catch waves at Seabright Beach. The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History offers a fascinating glimpse into coastal ecology when you need a break from the sun.
Local cafes serve fresh seafood with ocean views just steps from charming beach cottages and vacation rentals. The neighborhood's flat streets make exploring on foot or bike a breeze, with most attractions within easy walking distance. At sunset, join locals for peaceful beach strolls as the perfect end to your day.
Westside Santa Cruz blends laid-back beach vibes with artsy energy along Mission Street's corridor of craft breweries, vintage surf shops, and indie bookstores. Catch legendary waves at Steamer Lane or watch seals from the iconic Lighthouse Point. Natural Bridges State Beach offers stunning tide pools and a seasonal monarch butterfly sanctuary that feels worlds away from the boardwalk crowds.
Beach bungalows and Victorian cottages house charming B&Bs and vacation rentals throughout the neighborhood. Getting around is best done on foot or bike via dedicated lanes, with limited bus service connecting to downtown every half hour. Grab breakfast burritos at local cafes before hitting the surf or exploring the coastal trails.
Eastside Santa Cruz delivers a laid-back beach town vibe with a college twist. Twin Lakes State Beach and Seabright Beach invite you to dig your toes in the sand. Arana Gulch's coastal trails and DeLaveaga Park's disc golf course offer perfect outdoor escapes. The nearby UC Santa Cruz campus adds youthful energy with cultural events open to visitors.
The neighborhood boasts casual cafés where you can fuel up before hitting the trails. Most visitors find vacation rentals in quiet residential areas rather than hotels. Getting around requires a car or bike since public transit is limited, but the peaceful streets and gorgeous Monterey Bay views make it worth the effort.
Surfers, sun-seekers, and wave-watchers find their happy place at Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz's quintessential beach neighborhood. Watch pro surfers tackle legendary breaks from the East Cliff Drive scenic overlook, or join the action yourself at The Hook. The clifftop Pleasure Point Park offers perfect picnic spots with sweeping ocean panoramas, while sandy coves below invite barefoot wandering through fascinating tide pools.
The neighborhood serves up casual beach town vibes with locally-owned cafes specializing in fish tacos and acai bowls. Vacation rentals and boutique inns provide the perfect home base for early-morning surf sessions. Getting around is easiest on foot along coastal paths or by bike on dedicated lanes.
Kids and adults alike can have a thrilling day at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, one of the top theme parks located 1.1 mi (1.7 km) from central Santa Cruz. If you have fun at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, you'll love Sky Glider and Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, both a short walk away.
You might want to get your camera out and head to Mystery Spot— just one of the landmarks located 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from central Santa Cruz. Hotels.com travelers also say the area is full of friendly people and has lots of nice beaches.
You can stroll along Santa Cruz Wharf for relaxing water views when you're in Westside Santa Cruz. Hotels.com travelers also say the area is walkable and has lots of nice beaches. If you carry on walking you'll get to Cowell's Beach, Main Beach, and Santa Cruz Main Beach for some more water views.
You can take time to visit Natural Bridges State Park during your travels to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
During your visit to Santa Cruz, you can enjoy retail therapy at Ocean Street. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Santa Cruz Main Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
Surf world-class waves at Steamer Lane or watch pros catch air at the Santa Cruz Skate Park. Ride the Giant Dipper roller coaster on the Beach Boardwalk, then explore tide pools at Natural Bridges State Beach.
We had a very short day stay in Santa Cruz, but I loved everything about the little city. The boardwalk was so fun. We traveled there at the end of November and it was perfect because there was hardly any tourism. The weather was still in the 60s
Robyn
10.0/10
Excellent
I love Santa Cruz. It is a bit costly, but well worth it. Celebrate with a loved one, family, and or heal yourself. The ocean is beautiful and every person should experience these views. Truly humbled by my experience. Staff and others all kind.
Anonymous traveler
8.0/10
Good
The Boardwalk and the Wharf are timeless icons - always brings back a lifetime of memories, especially growing up in the Bay Area. Or visiting for the first time - can't get much better than an amusement park at the beach!
Marla
10.0/10
Excellent
Santa Cruz is a little paradise. Aside from the famous boardwalk beach there anre other beautiful beaches. Sweet downtown with lots of outdoor cafés. Great hiking just a short drive away. It has everything.
Amy
10.0/10
Excellent
I'm a road warrior and have extensive traveled the U.S. Santa Cruz is one of my favorites. Beautiful pier and beaches. Lots of great places to eat with some of the best seafood on the whole west coast.
Lee
10.0/10
Excellent
Rent bikes and check out the town! Rainbow the bartender is cool and provides helpful tips for nearby places to experience that are both beautiful and historically significant. Watch the sunset!
William
10.0/10
Excellent
We walked toward the lighthouse and happened across a surfing competition! Volleyball tournaments on the beach, the Monterey Bay Museum, and the chili cookoff at the Boardwalk in October.
Anonymous traveler
10.0/10
Excellent
I loved Santa Cruz. It's a short stop on a longer trip. I would come back specifically to spend a week here. The beaches, shopping, locals, and Boardwalk were lovely.
Kelly
10.0/10
Excellent
Lots of dinner options on the pier. Fun to watch the birds and sea lions. Tons of volleyball courts right on the huge beach. Cute place.
Meagan
8.0/10
Good
Boardwalk-go early to get decent parking Beaches-Natural Bridges was beautiful and less packed than by boardwalk
"We had a great stay! The staff was amazing and friendly 😁 we loved how clean the carpets are kept and loved cleaning staff coming to tidy up every day. The pool was a great temperature and the hot tub was nice! We loved it here and definitely recommend! "
"Partial ocean view was great. Could see ocean from bed. Volleyball courts from balcony. The only problem was the poor internet connection. But, Gave 5 stars because of value and location."
You can find top hotels in Santa Cruz from $96 with options to suit your budget and needs. Ocean Pacific Lodge and Beachview Inn are a couple of low-cost options that are popular with our travelers. If you're looking for an affordable hotel in Santa Cruz that meets all of your requirements, just sort hotels by "Price: low to high" after applying your filters when searching on Hotels.com. If you're a member, don't forget to sign in to your account to unlock more savings.
How can I find deals and earn rewards at Santa Cruz hotels?
Members can save up to 20% on select hotels in Santa Cruz. Plus, Silver, Gold and Platinum members earn extra rewards on VIP Access bookings, making each stay even more rewarding.
Can I book Santa Cruz hotels with free cancellation?
It's easy to book a refundable Santa Cruz hotel on Hotels.com. Simply filter hotels by "Property cancellation options" and select "Fully refundable property". Most hotels offer free cancellation, so you can receive a refund if you need to cancel. Some hotels do require cancelling more than 24 hours before check-in, so double-check your booking beforehand.
What are some of the best Santa Cruz beach hotels?
For a beachy vacation in Santa Cruz, Natural Bridges State Park, Santa Cruz Main Beach, and Cowell's Beach are some of the best places to visit. Stay at a well-reviewed Santa Cruz beach hotel and enjoy your vacation. Check out Dream Inn Santa Cruz in Westside Santa Cruz if you're after a resort that's near the water. With a beachfront setting plus an outdoor pool and a full-service spa, our travelers rate it highly at 9.2 out of 10. Casablanca On The Beach is another great choice for a relaxing beach vacation in Westside Santa Cruz. This hotel has a terrace, wedding services and a variety of other amenities to enjoy, and our travelers rate it 8.6. If you're venturing to Eastside Santa Cruz, Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages is another ideal choice. Travelers love the free continental breakfast and proposal/romance packages, and it has a guest rating of 8.8.
What are some top pet-friendly hotels in Santa Cruz?
Consider one of our travelers' favorite pet-friendly hotels in Santa Cruz:
You can also use the "Amenities" filter in your search on Hotels.com and check "Pet friendly" to discover more pet-friendly hotels in Santa Cruz.
What are some of the best hotels in Santa Cruz for couples?
Stay at a top-rated Santa Cruz romantic hotel and make the most of your couple's vacation. Our travelers love Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection, a hotel in Westside Santa Cruz with a restaurant and an outdoor pool. Another romantic hotel with top reviews is Chaminade Resort & Spa. This resort offers a restaurant as well as in-room champagne service for a perfect stay. Use the "Traveler experience" filter in your search and select "Adults only" or "Romantic" to find even more hotels in Santa Cruz for couples on Hotels.com.
What are some of the best kid-friendly hotels in Santa Cruz?
Some of the best Santa Cruz hotels for kids include Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz, Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection, and Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz is a kid-friendly hotel in Westside Santa Cruz with a guest score of 8.4 out of 10, offering family-friendly amenities like a beach (direct access) and an outdoor pool, plus free cribs in guestrooms. Check out Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection in Westside Santa Cruz with a guest score of 8.6. This popular hotel has an outdoor pool and a hot tub, as well as free cribs in the guestrooms. Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley is another good option with an outdoor pool, children's meals, and a hot tub. Explore more kid-friendly hotels in Santa Cruz by using our "Family friendly" filter in your search on Hotels.com.
What are the top Santa Cruz hotels with a pool?
Discover some of the best Santa Cruz hotels with a pool for a little extra luxury on your trip. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection is a great hotel in Westside Santa Cruz with an outdoor pool and a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10. Plus, you can make the most of its hot tub and restaurant. Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley is a popular hotel that features an outdoor pool along with a hot tub and a restaurant. To find more stays in Santa Cruz with a pool, use the "Amenities" filter on Hotels.com in your search and select "Pool".
What are some of the best Santa Cruz hotels with free parking?
If you're driving, a great Santa Cruz hotel with free parking is a bonus. Our travelers' favorites include:
What are some popular hotels in central Santa Cruz?
If you're looking for hotels in central Santa Cruz, check out Capitola Hotel and Dream Inn Santa Cruz. Travelers love Capitola Hotel for its location, as well as the free continental breakfast, snack bar/deli and concierge services this hotel offers. Dream Inn Santa Cruz is another popular central resort with a beach, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Stay at one of these hotels for easy access to top sights like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Capitola Beach, and Mystery Spot. Westside Santa Cruz and Eastside Santa Cruz are some of the most central neighborhoods for your Santa Cruz vacation.
Are all taxes and fees included in the Santa Cruz hotel prices shown on Hotels.com?
Hotels.com provides upfront pricing so you can relax knowing you won't be met with surprise additional fees or taxes when you're ready to confirm your booking. From the time you start your search on Hotels.com, the price you see is what you pay. This makes it much easier to compare properties and secure our best deal for your next getaway.
What accommodations do travelers like in Santa Cruz?
Visitors really like Santa Cruz, especially its entertainment and beaches. Enjoy outdoor activities like camping and biking. Top attractions include Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. While you're here, make time to enjoy other sights such as Monterey Bay.
