Budget Hotels in Santa Cruz, California

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Check availability on Santa Cruz Budget Hotels

Top Santa Cruz Budget Hotels

Front of property
Mission Inn

Mission Inn

2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1007)
"The kids enjoyed the overall environment, the hot tub, and the various options at breakfast, especially the waffles! "
United States
Lisa
The price is P4,741
P5,979 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Mission Inn
Individually furnished, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Beachview Inn

Beachview Inn

2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (1000)
"Great location and nice staff "
United States
Ibby
The price is P4,069
P5,338 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Beachview Inn
Indoor pool, seasonal outdoor pool
The Aqua Pacific Hotel

The Aqua Pacific Hotel

2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.8 out of 10, Good, (751)
"All in all an ok stay"
United States
Greg
The price is P4,458
P6,260 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 23 - Nov 24
The Aqua Pacific Hotel
Lobby lounge
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA

3.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1000)
"The hotel was in a quiet area near Natural Bridges state park. My husband loves the breakfast."
United States
Jenny
The price is P6,545
P7,575 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA
Front of property
Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge

2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1234)
"Wonderful place to stay."
United States
Sara
The price is P4,193
P5,610 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Outdoor pool, a heated pool, open 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM, pool umbrellas
Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

4.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1002)
"Perfect place to get away for the weekend. Clean room, great staff. "
United States
James
The price is P12,940
P14,763 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 19 - Nov 20
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Front of property
Beach Street Inn and Suites

Beach Street Inn and Suites

2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1000)
"Great price for such a beautiful view, easy access, excellent room!"
United States
Stephanie
The price is P7,593
P8,763 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 30 - Dec 1
Beach Street Inn and Suites
Property grounds
Continental Inn

Continental Inn

2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.6 out of 10, Good, (1001)
"Easy check in, room was clean. "
United States
Carmen
The price is P3,662
P4,941 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 19 - Nov 20
Continental Inn
Indoor spa tub
Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites

2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.6 out of 10, Good, (1000)
"Clean and heated oool was amazing "
United States
Karissa
The price is P3,773
P4,745 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 19 - Nov 20
Surf City Inn and Suites
Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk, blackout drapes
Torch Lite Inn

Torch Lite Inn

2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.6 out of 10, Good, (1001)
"Very nice hotel& always comfortable! "
United States
Damian
The price is P5,254
P6,076 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Torch Lite Inn
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.
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Find out more about Santa Cruz

Discover cheap things to do in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, is a paradise of affordable fun for budget-conscious travelers. Start your adventure at the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where the classic amusement park offers free admission and affordable ride tickets, making it easy to enjoy a day of thrills without breaking the bank. Just a short stroll away, you can explore Natural Bridges State Beach, famous for its stunning rock formations and tide pools, perfect for a picturesque picnic or a day of beachcombing—all at no cost! If you're looking for culture, the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History offers free admission on certain days, allowing you to soak in local creativity without spending a dime. For a unique experience, visit the Santa Cruz Farmer’s Market, where you can sample fresh, local produce and enjoy live music while you shop. When it comes to budget-friendly accommodations, the downtown area is particularly appealing, with a variety of cheap hotels that provide easy access to these attractions. Stay near Pacific Avenue, where you can wander charming shops, grab a bite at affordable eateries, and embrace the vibrant local scene. With so many activities and comfortable lodging options, Santa Cruz is a fantastic choice for families and adventurous travelers seeking memorable experiences without overspending.

Find the best cheap hotels in Santa Cruz

Travelers seeking affordable accommodations in Santa Cruz will find these five hotels offer great value without compromising on quality. Each hotel features essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay while being easy on the wallet.

Beach Street Inn and Suites

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Beach Street Inn and Suites is a charming budget-friendly option with a stellar review rating of 9.4, perfect for travelers looking to enjoy Santa Cruz's beautiful coastline. With free Wi-Fi and essential toiletries included, guests can relax and enjoy their stay without any worry. The hotel also provides beach towels and easy beach access for sun-filled days by the shore.
  • Other amenities: Guests will appreciate the inviting outdoor pool, hot tub, and daily housekeeping services for added convenience. The hotel boasts ocean views and features a private pool in select rooms for a touch of luxury. With nearby attractions like the boardwalk and hiking trails, Beach Street Inn and Suites is an ideal base for your Santa Cruz adventure.
  • Neighborhood: Westside Santa Cruz
  • Nearby attractions: Pacific Avenue - 0.2 miles, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center - 0.2 miles, Santa Cruz Wharf - 0.28 miles

Best Western Plus Capitola By-the-sea Inn & Suites

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: With a review rating of 9.2, the Best Western Plus Capitola By-the-sea Inn & Suites is an excellent option for budget travelers in the heart of Santa Cruz. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast that includes both continental and hearty selections, ensuring a fulfilling start to their day, along with free Wi-Fi for staying connected.
  • Other amenities: This hotel features a delightful outdoor pool, hot tub, and facilities for hiking and biking nearby. Other amenities include free self-parking, air conditioning, and family-friendly amenities such as cribs and rollaway beds, making it a versatile choice for all types of travelers. The nearby the beach and local attractions enhances its appeal for those looking to make the most of their Santa Cruz experience.
  • Nearby attractions: Twin Lakes State Beach - 1.55 miles, Capitola Beach - 0.99 miles, Capitola Wharf - 1.0 miles

Marea Sol Hotel

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Marea Sol Hotel stands out as a budget-friendly gem with an excellent review rating of 9.2, perfectly situated for travelers looking to explore Santa Cruz. Guests will appreciate the complimentary Wi-Fi and essential toiletries while enjoying the nearby stunning beaches, making it a great choice for seaside escapes.
  • Other amenities: This inviting hotel features an outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace, and ocean views from select rooms. Guests can unwind on furnished balconies while taking in the coastal atmosphere. The hotel also offers self-parking and easy access to nearby attractions, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay for all visitors.
  • Neighborhood: Westside Santa Cruz
  • Nearby attractions: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 0.2 miles, Santa Cruz Main Beach - 0.17 miles, Main Beach - 0.12 miles

Top Santa Cruz Hotel Reviews

Continental Inn

Continental Inn

10/10 Excellent
"Easy check in, room was clean. "
Carmen 1-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
Continental Inn

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Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Cruz like for travelers on a budget?
Santa Cruz has a variety of cheap accommodations and things to do, making it a great getaway spot for budget travelers. In addition to its well-known attractions like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, this destination is home to University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum and Pleasure Point Park, which you can enjoy while spending very little.
What's the best accommodation for a budget-friendly stay in Santa Cruz?
Based on our traveler reviews, Ocean Pacific Lodge is a top choice for a less expensive stay. Other choices to stay on the cheap include Torch Lite Inn and Beachview Inn.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Santa Cruz?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Santa Cruz, and keep in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually September and August with an average temp of 63°F, while the coldest months are February and March with an average of 52°F. Average annual precipitation for Santa Cruz is 27 inches.
What is there to see and do in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz is known for its sporting events and surfing, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the top local attractions that interest you most, such as Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, and then look for sights and activities that cost little or nothing at all. Enjoy the outdoors at Main Beach and Santa Cruz Main Beach, or hunt for bargains with some shopping at Ocean Street.
How can I get to Santa Cruz and get around on a budget?
Scoping out the transportation options in Santa Cruz is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The most convenient airport is 13.4 mi (21.6 km) from the center in Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal). However, if that doesn't suit your budget, you can look into flights to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), which is 27.6 mi (44.3 km) away. Santa Cruz might not have very many public transit options so a rental car could be a reasonable alternative to see the area.