Top 10 Beach Hotels & Accommodation in Santa Cruz from NZ$176 | Expedia

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Check availability on Santa Cruz Beach Hotels

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10 Oct - 11 Oct

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16 Oct - 18 Oct

Our top choices for Santa Cruz beach hotels

A modern lobby with a wooden floor, seating area, large windows, and a plant.

A spacious lobby with a wooden reception desk, a large wall mural, and a modern chandelier.

A modern hotel lobby with a round table, yellow chairs, a large potted plant, and a patterned carpet.

A hotel room with two beds, a stone wall, a mural of a pier, and a window.

1. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz

Unwind just steps from Santa Cruz Main Beach, where Mediterranean charm meets seaside bliss at this sun-drenched coastal retreat.

NZ$373

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

A beach view with a sign for Marea Sol Hotel, palm trees, and a pier with boats.

A modern bathroom with a white sink, a large mirror, and a picture of palm trees on the wall.

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a painting on the wall.

A balcony with a table and chairs, overlooking a beach and pier with palm trees.

2. Marea Sol Hotel

Westside Santa Cruz

Breathtaking white sand beach access with sun-soaked shoreline and rooftop terrace just steps from Santa Cruz Boardwalk.

NZ$240

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

A hot tub with a metal ladder, surrounded by greenery and a concrete deck.

A rectangular swimming pool with a hot tub, lounge chairs, and umbrellas.

A hotel room with a large bed, bedside tables, a desk, and a bathroom visible through an open door.

A reception area with two sofas, a plant, a map display, and a view of the outside.

3. Ocean Pacific Lodge

Westside Santa Cruz

NZ$176

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

A building with a yellow facade, a covered outdoor area with a palm tree, and a large flowering bush.

A kitchen with a water dispenser, a coffee machine, and a view of pink flowers through the window.

A residential building with a tiled roof, a covered patio area, and a palm tree.

A hot tub with two people, a wooden deck, and a lattice wall with hanging flower baskets.

4. Mission Inn

Westside Santa Cruz

NZ$204

includes taxes & fees

13 Oct - 14 Oct

A beach view with palm trees, a chair, and a railing.

A balcony with a view of a beach, palm trees, and the ocean.

An outdoor deck with wicker furniture and a large umbrella, overlooking a beach and pier.

A balcony with wicker furniture overlooking a beach with palm trees and a pier.

5. Casablanca On The Beach

Westside Santa Cruz

Bask in the golden sunshine just steps from the sand at this beachfront retreat, where ocean views and boardwalk adventures await.

NZ$252

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

Terrace/patio

A bar area with wooden beams, hanging pendant lights, a wine display, and bar stools.

A Hyatt Place hotel entrance with a covered walkway, a clear sky, and a well-lit facade.

A modern lounge area with sofas, a coffee table, surfboards on the wall, and a fireplace.

6. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz

NZ$266

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

A Courtyard by Marriott hotel with outdoor seating, a fire pit, and potted plants.

A modern lounge area with a sectional sofa, a glass coffee table, and a bar with stools.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a chair.

A multi-story hotel entrance with a central staircase, surrounded by planters and a sign reading "Courtyard by Marriott".

7. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz

Relax in paradise steps from Santa Cruz Main Beach, where sandy shores meet spa-quality pampering and the boardwalk beckons.

NZ$261

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

A spacious lobby with a fireplace, seating area, and large windows offering views of the night sky.

A hotel lobby with seating areas, a bar, and a reception desk.

A two-story building with a covered entrance, arched windows, and a tiled roof.

A modern lounge area with a fireplace, blue armchairs, a beige sofa, and a small table.

8. Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola

Santa Cruz

Soak up the sun just steps from Hooper Beach, with an outdoor pool, whale watching, and kayaking adventures waiting at this coastal retreat.

NZ$278

includes taxes & fees

20 Oct - 21 Oct

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Choose what matters most at beach hotels in Santa Cruz

Pool

Breakfast included

Adult-only

4 stars

Family-friendly

Beach hotels with pools in Santa Cruz

A modern lobby with a wooden floor, seating area, large windows, and a plant.

A spacious lobby with a wooden reception desk, a large wall mural, and a modern chandelier.

A modern hotel lobby with a round table, yellow chairs, a large potted plant, and a patterned carpet.

A hotel room with two beds, a stone wall, a mural of a pier, and a window.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz

NZ$373

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

A beach view with a sign for Marea Sol Hotel, palm trees, and a pier with boats.

A modern living room with a grey sectional sofa, a round coffee table, and a blue ottoman. There is a desk with a chair, a framed picture on the wall, and a large window with curtains.

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a painting on the wall.

A balcony with a table and chairs, overlooking a beach and pier with palm trees.

Marea Sol Hotel

Westside Santa Cruz

NZ$240

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

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 hot tub with a metal ladder, surrounded by greenery and a concrete deck.

Ocean Pacific Lodge

Westside Santa Cruz

NZ$176

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

Terrace/patio

A bar area with wooden beams, hanging pendant lights, a wine display, and bar stools.

A Hyatt Place hotel entrance with a covered walkway, a clear sky, and a well-lit facade.

A modern lounge area with sofas, a coffee table, surfboards on the wall, and a fireplace.

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz

NZ$266

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

An outdoor seating area with round tables and chairs, string lights overhead, and a large tree in the center.

A modern lobby with a large wooden sculpture, seating area, and a bar.

A building entrance with a large illuminated sign reading "SOLAIR".

A modern bar area with a marble counter, hanging lights, and green patterned walls.

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Westside Santa Cruz

NZ$278

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

A Courtyard by Marriott hotel with outdoor seating, a fire pit, and potted plants.

A modern lounge area with a sectional sofa, a glass coffee table, and a bar with stools.

A modern office space with cubicles, seating areas, and a large TV screen.

A multi-story hotel entrance with a central staircase, surrounded by planters and a sign reading "Courtyard by Marriott".

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz

NZ$261

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

A hotel room with a large bed, a bathroom with a bathtub, and a wooden floor.

A bathroom with a large mirror, a bathtub, two yellow chairs, and a television on a cabinet.

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 wooden pergola with climbing plants, a central fountain, and a paved walkway leading to a building entrance.

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

Westside Santa Cruz

NZ$197

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

A spacious lobby with a fireplace, seating area, and large windows offering views of the night sky.

A pool area with a clear sky, a building with a tiled roof, and outdoor furniture.

A hotel lobby with seating areas, a bar, and a reception desk.

A modern lounge area with a fireplace, blue armchairs, a beige sofa, and a small table.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola

Santa Cruz

NZ$278

includes taxes & fees

20 Oct - 21 Oct

A man and a woman standing in a hallway with a patterned floor and a staircase with geometric designs.

Room

Room

Room

Chaminade Resort & Spa

Santa Cruz

NZ$408

includes taxes & fees

29 Oct - 30 Oct

A spacious indoor area with wicker furniture, large windows offering a view of the beach and ocean, and a surf shop sign.

A balcony with a sofa, armchairs, and a table with drinks, overlooking a pool and umbrellas.

A balcony with a view of the beach, a sofa with cushions, a glass table with a tray of food and drinks, and a potted plant.

A modern building with multiple dining areas, large windows, and a view of the beach and palm trees.

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz

NZ$474

includes taxes & fees

29 Oct - 30 Oct

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Beach hotels with free breakfast in Santa Cruz

A modern lobby with a wooden floor, seating area, large windows, and a plant.

A spacious lobby with a wooden reception desk, a large wall mural, and a modern chandelier.

A modern hotel lobby with a round table, yellow chairs, a large potted plant, and a patterned carpet.

A hotel room with two beds, a stone wall, a mural of a pier, and a window.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz

NZ$373

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

Terrace/patio

A bar area with wooden beams, hanging pendant lights, a wine display, and bar stools.

A Hyatt Place hotel entrance with a covered walkway, a clear sky, and a well-lit facade.

A modern lounge area with sofas, a coffee table, surfboards on the wall, and a fireplace.

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz

NZ$266

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

A building with a yellow facade, a covered outdoor area with a palm tree, and a large flowering bush.

A kitchen with a water dispenser, a coffee machine, and a view of pink flowers through the window.

A residential building with a tiled roof, a covered patio area, and a palm tree.

A hot tub with two people, a wooden deck, and a lattice wall with hanging flower baskets.

Mission Inn

Westside Santa Cruz

NZ$204

includes taxes & fees

13 Oct - 14 Oct

A hotel room with a large bed, a bathroom with a bathtub, and a wooden floor.

A bathroom with a large mirror, a bathtub, two yellow chairs, and a television on a cabinet.

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 wooden pergola with climbing plants, a central fountain, and a paved walkway leading to a building entrance.

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

Westside Santa Cruz

NZ$197

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

A covered outdoor seating area with stone pillars, a metal fence, and a table with chairs.

A hotel with a flat facade, multiple windows, and a sign that reads "Champs Ely."

A reception desk with a "Welcome to the Golden State" sign, a "Treats" sign, and two refrigerated display cases.

A modern kitchen with a central island, bar stools, and pendant lighting.

Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

Westside Santa Cruz

NZ$236

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

A spacious lobby with a fireplace, seating area, and large windows offering views of the night sky.

A pool area with a clear sky, a building with a tiled roof, and outdoor furniture.

A hotel lobby with seating areas, a bar, and a reception desk.

A modern lounge area with a fireplace, blue armchairs, a beige sofa, and a small table.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola

Santa Cruz

NZ$278

includes taxes & fees

20 Oct - 21 Oct

An outdoor seating area with round tables and chairs, string lights overhead, and a large tree in the center.

A modern lobby with a large wooden sculpture, seating area, and a bar.

A building entrance with a large illuminated sign reading "SOLAIR".

A modern bar area with a marble counter, hanging lights, and green patterned walls.

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Westside Santa Cruz

NZ$278

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

Lobby

A residential building with a paved pathway, wooden benches, and lush greenery.

A modern dining area with red chairs and a wooden table, a kitchen with red cabinets, and a fireplace.

A hotel room with a bed, desk, chair, TV, and a small kitchenette.

Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea

Capitola

NZ$201

includes taxes & fees

29 Oct - 30 Oct

A spacious living area with a stone fireplace, green walls, and a large window.

A hotel room with a large bed, a night sky mural, a wall-mounted heater, and a nightstand with a lamp.

A spacious dining area with wooden tables and chairs, a mural of tropical plants on the wall, and large windows offering a view of the outdoors.

A spacious living area with wicker furniture, a teal carpet, and large windows with blinds.

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

Santa Cruz

NZ$237

includes taxes & fees

18 Oct - 19 Oct

A lakeside hotel with a dining area, a bridge, and a pond.

An outdoor dining area with tables set for guests, surrounded by a garden with a pond and various plants.

A spacious restaurant with a long wooden table, multiple chairs, hanging pendant lights, and a bar area with shelves of bottles.

A lobby with a mural of a forest and moon, seating area with sofas and a coffee table, and a stone wall.

Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Aptos

NZ$219

includes taxes & fees

15 Oct - 16 Oct

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

Santa Cruz and its attractions for beach lovers

Santa Cruz, California, is a beach lover's paradise, offering a delightful blend of sun, sand, and adventure. Start your day at the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where you can indulge in thrilling rides, savour classic seaside treats, and enjoy the stunning ocean views. For those who seek serenity, Natural Bridges State Beach boasts picturesque rock formations and tide pools to explore, perfect for families looking to engage with nature. A stroll along West Cliff Drive offers breathtaking coastal vistas, where you can spot surfers riding the waves at Steamer Lane, an ideal spot for both watching and participating in this exhilarating sport. After a day of beach activities, unwind at the Santa Cruz Wharf, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and watch sea lions basking in the sun. For accommodation, consider staying in the vibrant downtown area, just steps away from the beach, where boutique hotels provide a cosy atmosphere and attentive service, ensuring that your family feels pampered after a day of exploration. With the beach at your doorstep, the convenience and charm of Santa Cruz make for an unforgettable coastal getaway.

Find the best beach hotels and resorts in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a seaside paradise, ideal for beach lovers seeking sun, surf, and sand. Here are some top hotel recommendations that place you right by the beach and offer fantastic amenities for a memorable stay.Beach Street Inn and Suites

Why it's great for the ultimate beach vacation spot: Beach Street Inn and Suites is a fantastic option for beach lovers, offering direct access to the sands and a stellar review rating of 9.4. The hotel ensures a memorable stay with its outdoor heated pool and hot tub, perfect for unwinding after a day of beach activities. Guests can enjoy ocean views and the convenience of being steps away from the Boardwalk attractions.
Other amenities: The hotel features a terrace for soaking up the sun, along with free self-parking for added convenience. Guests can take advantage of early check-in and daily housekeeping services. For those looking for relaxation, the hotel provides beach towels and sun loungers by the pool. Each room includes a microwave for quick meals and snacks, ensuring a comfortable stay for all travelers.
Neighborhood: Westside Santa Cruz
Nearby attractions: Pacific Avenue - 0.3 km, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center - 0.3 km, Santa Cruz Wharf - 0.5 km

Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola

Why it's great for the ultimate beach vacation spot: With a strong review rating of 9.4, Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola is an excellent choice for beach lovers. This hotel places travelers close to various beach activities, including kayaking, surfing, and scuba diving, ensuring an adventurous stay. The outdoor pool invites relaxation after a day spent by the ocean, and complimentary breakfast offers a great start to every day.
Other amenities: Guests can enjoy a 24-hour fitness centre and electric car charging stations for convenient travel. The hotel also provides a snack bar and offers free cribs for families. With easy access to hiking and biking trails nearby, there’s plenty to explore. Additional features include contactless check-in and free toiletries, ensuring a modern and comfortable travel experience.
Nearby attractions: Capitola Beach - 1.5 km, Capitola Wharf - 1.5 km, Twin Lakes State Beach - 2.4 km

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Why it's great for the ultimate beach vacation spot: Dream Inn Santa Cruz exemplifies luxury by the beach, offering a breathtaking beachfront location with a review rating of 9.2. This upscale hotel features a beachfront restaurant, allowing guests to dine with stunning ocean views, and the sandy beach is just steps away. The outdoor pool, accompanied by poolside service, is perfect for those wanting to relax in style after a day at the beach.
Other amenities: Guests can enjoy valet parking, a full-service spa, and room service for added convenience. The hotel boasts luxurious touches such as climate control, a fireplace, and a kitchen in select rooms. With a range of features including a poolside bar, heated pool, and concierge services, this hotel ensures a lavish and memorable stay.
Neighborhood: Westside Santa Cruz
Nearby attractions: Cowell's Beach - 0 km, Santa Cruz Main Beach - 0.1 km, Santa Cruz Wharf - 0.2 km

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Why it's great for the ultimate beach vacation spot: Dream Inn Santa Cruz offers a luxurious stay right by the beach, with an impressive review rating of 9.2. This upscale hotel features a stunning beachfront restaurant and ocean views from many rooms, perfect for travellers wanting to indulge in a seaside escape. The outdoor pool is complemented by a poolside bar, allowing travelers to unwind while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Other amenities: The hotel provides valet parking, a full-service spa for ultimate relaxation, and room service for those desiring in-room dining. Guests can also enjoy complimentary cribs and rollaway beds for additional comfort. With features like a kitchen in select rooms, a concierge service, and a terrace for soaking in the views, Dream Inn ensures a memorable beach getaway for all.
Neighborhood: Westside Santa Cruz
Nearby attractions: Santa Cruz Wharf - 0.2 km, Cowell's Beach - 0 km, Santa Cruz Main Beach - 0.1 km

Marea Sol Hotel

Why it's great for the ultimate beach vacation spot: Marea Sol Hotel is a charming choice for beach enthusiasts, promising direct access to the beach and beautiful ocean views, supported by an inviting review rating of 9.2. Guests can relax in the outdoor pool or on their furnished balcony, soaking in the coastal atmosphere just steps from the shore.
Other amenities: The hotel also features a self-parking option and a rooftop terrace ideal for sunset views. Each room is equipped with air conditioning and free toiletries for added comfort. With an accessible pool and daily housekeeping, Marea Sol Hotel provides a welcoming retreat for those looking to unwind by the beach.
Neighborhood: Westside Santa Cruz
Nearby attractions: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 0.3 km, Santa Cruz Main Beach - 0.3 km, Main Beach - 0.2 km

Top Santa Cruz Hotel Reviews

Casablanca On The Beach

Casablanca On The Beach

8/10 Good

"We have stayed there many times. The place is always accommodating. The stairs from the room to the street was pretty dirty. Other than that… the place looked the same."

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

8/10 Good

"Quiet room on back side of building with great beds! There is not much room to store luggage though, and could use a love seat or something for more seating. Also the tub floor was 8" taller than the bathroom floor so getting out of the shower or bath is a fall risk - there were no hand rails to grab on to1"

Mission Inn

Mission Inn

10/10 Excellent

"We spent one night. -beds were clean and comfortable -shower was decent -room was clean and spacious -location was good, not too much street noise -air conditioner wasn’t loud -the parking spots are super tiny -hot tub area was dated, could use some sprucing up"

Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites

8/10 Good

"."

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

8/10 Good

"Good service at affordable price, staff very friendly."

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

10/10 Excellent

"Check-in was remarkably simple!"

Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Cruz like for travellers who love the beach?

Known for its stunning beaches and surfing, Santa Cruz has a lot to offer the traveller dreaming of a beach holiday.

What's the best hotel for a beach holiday in Santa Cruz?

Marea Sol Hotel is a top beach hotel offering free WiFi and a rooftop terrace, located within a short 3-minute walk of Santa Cruz Main Beach . Other good choices for your beach trip include Casablanca On The Beach and Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages.

How many beach hotels will I find in Santa Cruz?

Expedia has 5 beach hotels in Santa Cruz that are great for your beachside getaway.

When's the best time for a beach holiday in Santa Cruz?

You can plan your beach trip with this snapshot of weather throughout the year in Santa Cruz: The hottest months are usually September and August, with an average temperature of 17°C, while the coldest months are February and March, with an average of 11°C. Average annual precipitation for Santa Cruz is 677 mm.

What is there to see and do around Santa Cruz?

After arriving and settling in at your hotel, you might want to venture out and explore everything Santa Cruz has to offer. If you're excited to scope out the beaches, spend a relaxing day by the water at Santa Cruz Main Beach or Cowell's Beach. Experience the area's surfing and entertainment choices, and make time for local attractions such as Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. For additional things to see and do, consider a visit to Ocean Street or Pacific Avenue.

What's the best way to get to my beach hotel in Santa Cruz?

Here's some information to help you get to and around your beach accommodation in Santa Cruz with ease. To get to Santa Cruz, book a flight to Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal), the closest major airport, which is located 13.4 mi (21.6 km) from the city centre. If you'd like to venture out around the area, you may want a rental car for your journey.

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