Santa Cruz Hotels

Top reasons to visit Santa Cruz

• Stunning Beaches: Santa Cruz boasts beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation and surfing, ideal for family outings.
• Vibrant Boardwalk: The lively boardwalk offers amusement park rides, games, and a variety of dining options, making it a must-visit.
• Scenic National Parks: Explore nearby national parks for hiking and breathtaking coastal views, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
• Cultural Experiences: Enjoy live music, charming local shops, and eateries in the vibrant downtown area.
• Diverse Accommodations: Choose from various lodging options, ensuring a comfortable stay tailored to your needs.

Find great hotels near Santa Cruz

Experience the charm of Santa Cruz with a delightful stay in one of its diverse accommodations. Whether you're seeking a pet-friendly retreat, a business-friendly environment, or an adventurous getaway, Santa Cruz offers a variety of hotels and resorts to cater to your needs. Discover the perfect base for your holiday, complete with essential amenities and warm hospitality, ensuring a memorable visit to this beautiful coastal city.

• La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley: Situated 37km from Santa Cruz, this 3.5-star hotel offers a blend of comfort and functionality, ideal for business travellers. The distinctive theme of La Hacienda combines traditional Mexican decor with modern amenities, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy well-equipped meeting rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a fitness centre to cater to their professional needs. The hotel’s outdoor pool provides a relaxing retreat after a day of meetings, while the on-site restaurant serves a variety of cuisines, ensuring a convenient dining experience.
• Larkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Campbell: Located 35km from Santa Cruz, Larkspur Landing is a 3.5-star hotel that embodies a city-themed experience suitable for business travel. This property features spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens, making it an excellent choice for extended stays. Guests can take advantage of the central location, with easy access to local attractions and dining options. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast, a fitness centre, and a business centre, ensuring that all essential services are readily available. The hotel’s warm, contemporary design complements its commitment to providing a comfortable environment for both work and leisure.
• Motel 6 Marina, CA - Monterey: Just 37km from Santa Cruz, this budget-friendly motel is known for its pet-friendly policies, making it an appealing option for travellers with furry companions. Holding a guest rating of 8.0 out of 10, Motel 6 Marina offers basic yet comfortable accommodations with essential amenities. The property allows pets, with specific guidelines to ensure a pleasant stay for all guests. Located near the scenic Monterey area, it provides easy access to stunning coastal views and outdoor activities, making it an economical choice for those looking to explore the region.

Where to stay in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and stunning coastal beauty. Explore the vibrant downtown, where friendly locals welcome you with charming shops and eateries. The iconic Santa Cruz Beach beckons for relaxation and fun in the sun, while nearby excursions promise thrilling adventures. Whether you're seeking a serene escape or lively entertainment, Santa Cruz is the perfect destination for an unforgettable vacation.

• Capitola: Nestled a mere 6km from Santa Cruz, Capitola is a charming coastal city renowned for its vibrant beachfront and quaint village atmosphere. Visitors flock here primarily during the spring and summer months, particularly in April and from June to July. Capitola is perfect for families seeking outdoor adventures, with its sandy beaches, beautiful bay, and a variety of recreational activities. The local amusement park and boardwalk provide delightful entertainment options, while the nearby landmarks, including the picturesque beach and lively theme park, ensure a memorable experience for all ages.
• Westside Santa Cruz: This inviting neighbourhood, located conveniently within Santa Cruz, is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Tourist activity peaks from June to August, with a steady flow of visitors throughout the year. Westside Santa Cruz offers an abundance of opportunities for beach exploration, family fun, and educational experiences. The area is home to popular attractions such as the theme park and beautiful beaches, making it ideal for a day of adventure or a leisurely stroll by the bay. The vibrant local community and its proximity to amenities enhance the overall travel experience.
• Twin Lakes: A quaint village located in the heart of Santa Cruz, Twin Lakes attracts visitors during its peak season from June to August. With a focus on outdoor experiences, beach activities, and family-friendly venues, Twin Lakes is an excellent choice for those looking to relax and unwind. The village features a delightful boardwalk and amusement park, promising fun for visitors of all ages. Its landmarks, including the family beach and nearby theme park, make it a fantastic spot for creating lasting memories during your vacation.

Things to do near Santa Cruz

Shopping

In Santa Cruz, visit the Pacific Garden Mall, a charming outdoor shopping area lined with unique boutiques, cafes, and local shops. If you're up for a drive, head to the Valley Fair Mall, located 56km away, featuring a mix of popular retailers and dining options.

Recreation

Experience serenity at the Esalen Institute, where you can indulge in rejuvenating massages and soak in natural hot springs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. For outdoor enthusiasts, the scenic trails of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offer peaceful hikes amid towering redwoods.

Adventure

At WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, located 50km from Santa Cruz, immerse yourself in the thrilling world of motor racing. Feel the adrenaline rush as you witness high-speed competition, surrounded by stunning landscapes and a vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of adventure.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Santa Cruz offers a vibrant mix of bars and live music. Enjoy craft cocktails at The Catalyst, a popular live music venue, or relax at the cozy Blue Lagoon, known for its laid-back vibe and dance floor. Don’t miss the lively atmosphere on Pacific Avenue.

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 offers a delightful blend of outdoor and family-friendly beach vacations. Visitors can explore stunning beaches, the scenic national state park, and the iconic jetty pier. The Santa Cruz Wharf is also a must-visit, providing an excellent spot for culture and outdoor experiences. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Santa Cruz is perfect for those looking to enjoy nature and local attractions.

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: This lively amusement park offers a delightful mix of thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Santa Cruz coastline. Enjoy classic carnival games, indulge in tasty treats, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic seaside destination.
• Capitola Beach: Located a mere 6km from Santa Cruz, Capitola Beach boasts a picturesque setting with soft sand and gentle waves, making it an ideal spot for relaxation. The charming village atmosphere, colourful beachfront cottages, and local cafes add to the unique coastal experience.
• Capitola Wharf: Also 6km away, Capitola Wharf is a family-friendly jetty where visitors can enjoy scenic views, stroll along the pier, and engage in fishing or simply watching the boats go by. The relaxed vibe and proximity to the beach create a lovely outing for all ages.

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

Flying into Santa Cruz can be done via three major airports: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), located 77km away, offers luxury hotels like the Fairmont San Francisco and The Ritz-Carlton, both 19km from the airport with shuttle services. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is 45km away, with excellent options such as the 5-star Shashi Hotel Mountain View and the 4.5-star Santa Clara Marriott, both conveniently accessible. Finally, OAKland International Airport (OAK) is 84km away, featuring the Claremont Resort & Club and 1 Hotel San Francisco, both within 18km, providing nearby transport options.