A colorful coastal town with a sandy beach and a calm sea.

Budget Hotels in Santa Cruz, California

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Check availability on Santa Cruz Budget Hotels

Tonight
Aug 22 - Aug 23
Tomorrow
Aug 23 - Aug 24
Next weekend
Aug 28 - Aug 30
In two weeks
Sep 4 - Sep 6

Our top choices for Santa Cruz cheap hotels

A hotel room with a large bed, bedside tables, a desk, and a chair.
A row of motel buildings with orange doors and railings, featuring a central staircase and a parking lot.
A reception area with a counter, a desk, and a chair. There are framed pictures on the wall and a small shelf with magazines.
A room with a grey sofa, two wooden chairs, a small table with papers, and a large window with a view of parked cars and greenery outside.

1. Beachview Inn

Beachview Inn
Westside Santa Cruz
Canada
Elizabeth
P4,388
P5,714 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Beachview Inn
A hotel room with a large bed, a sofa, a desk with a chair, a TV, and a small table.
A reception desk with a modern design, a large window offering a view of the street, and a decorative mural on the wall.
A Pepsi vending machine with various drink options.
A balcony with a view of a parking lot, a building with multiple floors, and palm trees.

2. Seaside Inn & Suites

Seaside Inn & Suites
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Sean
P3,832
P5,471 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Seaside Inn & Suites
A modern lobby with a wooden floor, seating area, large windows, and a plant.
A modern hotel lobby with a round table, yellow chairs, a large potted plant, and a patterned carpet.
A spacious lobby with a wooden reception desk, a large wall mural, and a modern chandelier.
A hotel room with two beds, a stone wall, a mural of a pier, and a window.

3. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Igor
P9,337
P10,734 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 15 - Sep 16
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
An indoor swimming pool with lounge chairs and a high ceiling with a balcony.
A hotel sign with a logo and name, surrounded by a well-maintained garden with various plants and a stone wall.
A hotel room with a bathroom, a desk, a bed, and a window.
A yellow building with a pergola, a statue, and a parking lot.

4. The Aqua Pacific Hotel

The Aqua Pacific Hotel
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
virgil
P3,964
P5,516 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 24 - Aug 25
The Aqua Pacific Hotel
The Ocean Pacific Lodge building with a clear blue sky.
A building with a blue and yellow facade, a sign indicating no vacancies, and the name "Ocean Pacific Lodge".
A reception area with two sofas, a plant, a map display, and a view of the outside.
A hotel room with a large bed, bedside tables, a desk, and a bathroom visible through an open door.

5. Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Sandy
P6,054
P7,744 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Ocean Pacific Lodge
A rectangular swimming pool with clear water, marked lanes, and a metal ladder.
A compact kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, microwave, and wooden cabinets.
An outdoor patio with red umbrellas, wicker chairs, and a stone wall.
A hotel room with three beds, a desk, and a chair.

6. Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Heather
P4,449
P5,507 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Surf City Inn and Suites
A balcony with two chairs, a small table with a vase of flowers, and a view of a parking lot and amusement park.
A red popcorn machine with a large container of popcorn, a pot, and a phone receiver.
A roller coaster at a seaside amusement park with a beach and pier in the background.
A restaurant with a wooden dining table, chairs, and a vase of flowers.

7. Carousel Beach Inn

Carousel Beach Inn
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
daphanie
P5,660
P6,643 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 8 - Sep 9
Carousel Beach Inn
A hotel room with a bed, bedside tables, a chair, and a desk.
A hotel lobby with a reception desk, a coffee machine, a framed picture, a chair, and a window.
A natural rock arch formation with a clear view of the ocean and a sunset in the background.
A motel with a swimming pool, a sign indicating vacancy, and amenities like cable TV, HBO, AC in rooms, and free WiFi.

8. Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Islander Motel Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Vanessa
P4,690
P5,802 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Islander Motel Santa Cruz
A hotel room with a large bed, a bathroom with a bathtub, and a wooden floor.
A reception area with a receptionist desk, a large potted plant, a sofa with a colorful cushion, and a view through the glass doors.
A hotel room with a wooden desk, a flat-screen TV, a microwave, a mini-fridge, a chair, a lamp, and a window with curtains.
A bathroom with a large mirror, a bathtub, two yellow chairs, and a television on a cabinet.

9. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Cecelia
P6,690
P7,709 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 15 - Sep 16
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North
An outdoor deck with wicker furniture and a large umbrella, overlooking a beach and pier.
A beach view from a window with palm trees, a pier, and beach umbrellas.
A room with a bed, a window, and a view of the beach.
A beach view with palm trees, a chair, and a railing.

10. Casablanca On The Beach

Casablanca On The Beach
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
James William
P6,611
P9,738 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 22 - Sep 23
Casablanca On The Beach
View all properties

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

Mission Inn

Mission Inn

8/10 Good
"👍"
Rainier 1-night trip
Posted 4 hours ago
Mission Inn
Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge

10/10 Excellent
"This is my go to hotel every time I'm in Santa Cruz. The staff are all friendly and accommodating, the beds are comfortable, and the two hot tubs are amazing after a busy day."
Sandy 2-night trip
Posted 10 hours ago
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Hotel Solares

Hotel Solares

10/10 Excellent
"Clean room, hot tub, pool"
Cherla 2-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
Hotel Solares
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

8/10 Good
"Wife and I stayed on Wednesday to Friday. Excellent everything But The Parking!!! The Parking lot is Marked with Narrrow spots (Compact only) . Not really suitable for a mid size or Full size pickups.. The Hot Tub and Pool were Perfect and the free Continental Breakfast was lacking eggs, but very Satisfying! Just off freeway and within minutes of the Boardwalk and eateries. We will stay here again!"
Tracy 2-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North
Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites

8/10 Good
"Our stay was great however parking was horrible and the hot tub was dirt. I tried calling the front desk 4x I was hung up on then never answered. It was an easy walk to the boardwalk and the size of the room with 3 beds was surprisingly comfortable."
Lindsey 2-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Surf City Inn and Suites

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 Beachview Inn and Torch Lite 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 Santa Cruz Main Beach and Cowell's 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.

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