Santa Cruz Hotels

Top reasons to visit Santa Cruz

• Stunning Beaches: Santa Cruz boasts picturesque beaches, perfect for sunbathing and water sports.
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: This iconic amusement park offers thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions.
• Scenic Outdoor Adventures: Explore nearby national parks and the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains for hiking and nature walks.
• Vibrant Local Culture: Experience the lively atmosphere with diverse restaurants, shops, and nightlife options.
• Accommodations for Everyone: A range of hotels and motels cater to various preferences and budgets.

Find great hotels near Santa Cruz

Experience the charm of Santa Cruz, California, with a variety of accommodation options designed to suit every traveller. Whether you're seeking a pet-friendly hotel or a resort for an adventure-filled getaway, Santa Cruz offers a plethora of choices. From business-friendly facilities to relaxing retreats, you’ll find the perfect base to explore this vibrant coastal destination. Discover the best hotels and accommodations that cater to your needs, ensuring a memorable stay in this picturesque locale.

• La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley: This 3.5-star hotel is designed for the discerning business traveller seeking a blend of comfort and functionality. Located 37.0km from Santa Cruz, La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley offers a welcoming atmosphere with modern amenities tailored for work and relaxation. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms equipped with workstations, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a well-equipped business centre, ensuring productivity during your stay. The hotel also features a delightful courtyard and outdoor pool, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
• Larkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Campbell: Situated 35.4km from Santa Cruz, this 3.5-star hotel is ideal for pet-friendly travellers and those on business trips. Larkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Campbell provides a home-like atmosphere with spacious suites that include kitchen facilities, making it perfect for longer stays. The hotel welcomes pets with specific policies, allowing you to bring your furry companions along. With amenities such as a fitness centre, complimentary breakfast, and a welcoming lounge area, guests appreciate the blend of comfort and convenience during their stay.
• Los Gatos Lodge: Located 27.4km from Santa Cruz, this charming 3-star lodge is a great choice for both business travellers and pet owners. Los Gatos Lodge features comfortable rooms that provide a relaxing retreat after a day of exploration. With its beautiful gardens, an outdoor pool, and a welcoming atmosphere, it offers a perfect mix of leisure and functionality. The lodge allows pets with certain policies, ensuring that your furry friends are also accommodated. Guests enjoy the convenient location and friendly service that make for a pleasant stay.

Where to stay in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, is a delightful destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Known for its stunning scenic beaches, such as the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, visitors can enjoy relaxing days by the ocean. Nearby, the vibrant atmosphere of San Francisco offers additional excursions for those seeking urban adventures. With friendly locals and a laid-back vibe, Santa Cruz promises a memorable beach holiday filled with enjoyment and exploration.

• Capitola: Situated a mere 6.4km from Santa Cruz, Capitola is a charming coastal city that attracts visitors with its picturesque beaches and vibrant atmosphere. The town is especially lively during the peak months of April, June, and July, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for a fun beach experience. Here, you can revel in the delights of the local amusement park, stroll along the boardwalk, or enjoy the scenic recreational areas. Notable landmarks like the beautiful beach and captivating bay make Capitola a perfect spot for relaxation and adventure.
• Westside Santa Cruz: Nestled within the Santa Cruz area, Westside Santa Cruz boasts a welcoming neighbourhood vibe that is less dependent on seasonal tourist traffic. While the summer months of June to August see a surge in visitors, the area remains a delightful destination year-round. Families and outdoor lovers will find joy in the local amusement park and the nearby beach, where they can bask in the sun or enjoy various water activities. The proximity to educational venues adds an enriching touch to your visit, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to explore.
• Eastside Santa Cruz: Eastside Santa Cruz is another inviting neighbourhood located close to the heart of Santa Cruz. Much like its Westside counterpart, it welcomes travellers throughout the year, with peak visitation occurring during the warmer months. Families are drawn to this area for its outdoor adventures and beach access, making it ideal for a day of fun in the sun. With amenities like amusement parks and boardwalks nearby, you’ll find plenty of entertainment options. The stunning beach and nearby bay serve as fantastic backdrops for your holiday memories.

Things to do in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is ideal for outdoor and family beach holidays, offering a variety of attractions. Visitors can explore the famous amusement park and boardwalk, indulge in shopping, savour a range of restaurants, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. Additionally, for those seeking thrills, the fright walk is a must-try. Overall, Santa Cruz presents a delightful mix of entertainment and relaxation for all ages.

Shopping

For shopping in Santa Cruz, visit Ocean Street for a vibrant local experience. Alternatively, head to Swift Street Courtyard for shopping and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, explore Capitola Mercantile, just 6.4km away, offering a delightful mix of shopping and local charm.

Recreation

At Pasatiempo Golf Course, enjoy a round of golf amidst picturesque landscapes and outdoor vibes. Treks and Tracks Rock Climbing Trips offers exhilarating climbing experiences just 8.0km away, perfect for relaxation and wellness. For a soothing escape, Luminescence Healing Haven provides rejuvenating body treatments 17.7km from Santa Cruz.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Zip Line at TreeTopWalk, where you can soar through the treetops surrounded by nature, located 9.7km from Santa Cruz. For a scenic adventure, hike the Ox Trailhead, 6.4km away, and immerse yourself in picturesque landscapes and fresh air.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Santa Cruz offers a vibrant mix of fun and adventure. Enjoy bowling and arcade games at Boardwalk Bowl for family vibes, or take a thrilling ride on the Sky Glider at the theme park. For a romantic evening, catch a film at Cinemark Century Oakridge 20, 33.8km away.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Cruz

To save money on your trip to Santa Cruz, consider visiting between November and January when accommodation prices are lower, particularly on Mondays. Enjoy free attractions like the University of California, Santa Cruz, and Santa Cruz Wharf. Use public transport options such as buses to keep travel costs down. When booking, utilise Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and explore package deals that combine flights, accommodation, and activities for the best savings. Remember to look for flexible booking options and upfront pricing to help manage your travel expenses effectively.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in 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 in Santa Cruz is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in 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 preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel accommodation in Santa Cruz with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is an idyllic destination for outdoor family beach holidays, offering a variety of attractions such as stunning beaches, national parks, and the picturesque jetty pier. Visitors can enjoy a rich blend of beach activities, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Key points of interest include Santa Cruz itself, the Santa Cruz Wharf, and the scenic Santa Cruz Mountains, along with a range of motels for accommodation, making it an ideal spot for an unforgettable getaway.

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Experience the vibrant charm of this iconic amusement park, featuring thrilling rides, classic games, and delightful food stalls. Perfect for families, it offers a mix of adventure and relaxation by the beach.
• Capitola Beach: A picturesque beach located 6.4km from Santa Cruz, Capitola Beach boasts golden sands and gentle waves. Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, it embodies the quintessential beach vibes.
• Capitola Wharf: This family-friendly jetty provides stunning views and a perfect spot for fishing or watching the sunset. Located 6.4km away, it’s a great place to enjoy fresh seafood and take in the local atmosphere.

Best time to go to Santa Cruz

The best time to visit Santa Cruz can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Santa Cruz falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in Santa Cruz falls in December, 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 Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, can be conveniently accessed via three major airports. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is situated 77.2km away, with luxurious hotel options such as the Fairmont San Francisco and the Palace Hotel, both offering transfers to the airport. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is closer at 45.1km, with excellent hotels like the Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo Alto and Santa Clara Marriott, both providing nearby access to the airport. Finally, Oakland International Airport (OAK) is located 83.7km from Santa Cruz, with upscale accommodations like the Claremont Resort & Club and 1 Hotel San Francisco, easily reachable from the airport.