Downtown Santa Cruz Hotels near Santa Cruz

Top reasons to visit Downtown Santa Cruz

• Stunning Beaches: Downtown Santa Cruz features gorgeous beaches, ideal for sunbathing and water activities, with the scenic Santa Cruz Beach offering a perfect retreat.
• Iconic Boardwalk: The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk provides thrilling amusement rides and games, making it a fantastic family-friendly attraction.
• Vibrant Local Culture: Experience the lively atmosphere with trendy cafés, shops, and cultural events that showcase the community spirit.
• Outdoor Adventures: Explore the picturesque Santa Cruz Mountains, perfect for hiking and nature excursions.
• Comfortable Accommodations: A variety of motels and inns cater to every traveller’s needs, ensuring a pleasant stay.

Find great hotels near Downtown Santa Cruz

Discover the charm of Downtown Santa Cruz with a selection of hotels and resorts tailored for every adventurer. Whether you seek pet-friendly options, family-friendly experiences, or stunning oceanfront inns, the area boasts some of the best accommodation choices. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere while enjoying convenient access to local attractions and the beautiful coastline.

• Los Gatos Lodge: Nestled 29.0km from Downtown Santa Cruz, the Los Gatos Lodge is a 3-star hotel perfect for business travellers and those seeking a pet-friendly getaway. This charming lodge features a blend of rustic elegance and modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay. Guests appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, with facilities designed to accommodate pets, including waived fees for service animals and a pet-friendly policy. Ideal for both work and leisure, it offers a serene environment for relaxation after a busy day.
• Ocean Pacific Lodge: Situated a mere 805m from Downtown Santa Cruz, the Ocean Pacific Lodge is a family-oriented motel that shines with its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. This property is particularly suitable for families and pet owners, featuring amenities tailored for children, including cribs available for a fee. The pet policy allows for certain restrictions, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone. With its proximity to the beach and local attractions, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to explore the area with their family and furry friends.
• Continental Inn: Located just 644m away from Downtown Santa Cruz, the Continental Inn is a family-friendly hotel that offers a warm and inviting environment. This establishment prides itself on being accommodating to pets, with amenities that include food and water bowls, alongside a pet-friendly policy with some restrictions. Families will appreciate the availability of cribs for a fee, ensuring comfort for younger guests. Its convenient location makes it an ideal base for exploring the vibrant culture and attractions of Santa Cruz.

Where to stay near Downtown Santa Cruz

Downtown Santa Cruz offers a vibrant mix of outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities, making it the perfect weekend getaway. Explore the lively city centre, indulge in trendy cafes, and unwind on the nearby beaches. The picturesque Santa Cruz Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for excursions, ensuring a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking friendly interactions or exciting attractions, Downtown Santa Cruz promises an unforgettable travel experience.

• Santa Cruz: Nestled between the stunning coastline and the lush redwood forests, Santa Cruz is a vibrant city that serves as the heart of the region. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, visitors flock here year-round, particularly from June to August, for an exceptional outdoor, family, and beach experience. The famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, along with the exhilarating amusement park, makes it a hotspot for fun. The local landmarks, including the picturesque beach and scenic bay, offer ample opportunities for relaxation and exploration, making it a must-visit destination for tourists.
• Westside Santa Cruz: A charming neighbourhood located a mere 644m from Downtown Santa Cruz, Westside Santa Cruz shares the same delightful climate and attractions. With a similar travel appeal, this area shines during the summer months, attracting families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the proximity to the beach and the iconic boardwalk, as well as partake in various educational activities. The inviting atmosphere and local parks enhance the outdoor experience, making Westside a lovely spot to unwind and soak in the beauty of coastal California.
• Capitola: Just 6.4km from Downtown Santa Cruz, Capitola is a picturesque coastal city known for its vibrant beach culture and charming village feel. While visitor numbers peak in the spring and summer, this area offers a delightful experience for families and beachgoers alike. With a host of recreational areas and an enticing boardwalk, Capitola invites exploration and relaxation. The stunning beach and local attractions, including a theme park, create a perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories in this enchanting seaside gem.

Things to do near Downtown Santa Cruz

Downtown Santa Cruz offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, and educational experiences. Visitors can enjoy the nearby amusement park and iconic boardwalk, making it perfect for a beach holiday. Additionally, the area caters to corporate events while showcasing major attractions that highlight the vibrant local culture and community spirit.

Shopping

In Downtown Santa Cruz, you can explore Pacific Garden Mall, a vibrant shopping centre only 161m away, offering an array of shops and entertainment. For a more family-friendly vibe, visit Ocean Street, located 1.3km away, or enjoy the Swift Street Courtyard, 3.2km away, rich in business and entertainment options.

Recreation

Eagle Ridge Golf Club offers a picturesque golfing experience set in stunning natural surroundings, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Treks and Tracks Rock Climbing Trips provides an exciting adventure with wellness vibes through climbing excursions. Luminescence Healing Haven invites relaxation with soothing body treatments in a tranquil environment.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Zip Line at the TreeTop Walk, where you can soar through the treetops surrounded by nature, located 11.3km from Downtown Santa Cruz. For a scenic adventure, hike the Ox Trailhead, situated 6.4km away, offering stunning views and outdoor exploration.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Downtown Santa Cruz. Enjoy bowling and arcade games at Boardwalk Bowl, just 1.1km away, or take a thrilling ride on the Sky Glider, located 1.3km from the heart of the city. For a cinematic escape, visit Cinemark Century Oakridge 20, 33.8km away.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Downtown Santa Cruz

To make the most of your visit to Downtown Santa Cruz on a budget, consider travelling between November and January, when accommodation prices drop. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly options and combine hotel, flight, and activity bookings for further savings. Enjoy free activities like exploring local parks or beaches, and take advantage of affordable public transport to navigate the area easily. Keep an eye out for special deals like free nights and business amenities to enhance your stay.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Downtown Santa Cruz are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Downtown Santa Cruz is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Downtown Santa Cruz is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you envision. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your hotel accommodation in Downtown Santa Cruz with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions near Downtown Santa Cruz

Downtown Santa Cruz is an ideal destination for outdoor and family beach vacations, offering a range of attractions such as the Santa Cruz Beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and the Santa Cruz Wharf. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful beaches, explore local culture, and partake in outdoor activities, with nearby options including national parks and piers. For a comfortable stay, consider the various motels available in the area.

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: This iconic amusement park, located 1.3km from Downtown Santa Cruz, radiates family-friendly excitement with thrilling rides, games, and seaside attractions. Experience the vibrant atmosphere while enjoying the stunning beach views.
• Capitola Beach: Situated 6.4km away, Capitola Beach is a picturesque spot perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Its charming village atmosphere and colourful beachfront make it an ideal place to relax and unwind.
• Capitola Wharf: Also 6.4km from Downtown, Capitola Wharf offers a delightful family-friendly experience. Stroll along the pier, watch the fishermen, and take in panoramic views of the coastline, making it a perfect outing for all ages.

Best time to go to Downtown Santa Cruz

The best time to visit Downtown Santa Cruz is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
March	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	54.7°F (12.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	56.7°F (13.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	60.1°F (15.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	63.3°F (17.4°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	63.9°F (17.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
October	61.5°F (16.4°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
November	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Downtown Santa Cruz

When travelling to Downtown Santa Cruz, you have several airport options. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is approximately 78.9km away, with nearby hotels such as the Fairmont San Francisco and Palace Hotel, both offering Transfers and Shuttles to the airport. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is 45.1km away, with luxurious choices like the Shashi Hotel Mountain View and Santa Clara Marriott, which also provide easy access to the airport. Oakland International Airport (OAK) is situated 83.7km from Downtown Santa Cruz, with hotels like Claremont Resort & Club and 1 Hotel San Francisco, both accessible via nearby transportation services.