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18 Aug - 19 Aug
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Top hotels and accommodation in Santa Cruz

Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea
Exterior

Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea

2.5 star property
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1009)
"Overall a really nice place to stay!"
The price is NZ$265
includes taxes & fees
20 Aug - 21 Aug
Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea
Mission Inn
Front of property

Mission Inn

2.5 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1008)
"Nice place"
The price is NZ$213
includes taxes & fees
24 Aug - 25 Aug
Mission Inn
Maple Tree Inn
View from property

Maple Tree Inn

3.0 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2198)
"Breakfast was excellent, friendly atmosphere."
The price is NZ$168
includes taxes & fees
6 Sept - 7 Sept
Maple Tree Inn
The Domain Hotel
Outdoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, pool loungers

The Domain Hotel

4.0 star property
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (1140)
"It was really nice and clean place to stay, will definitely stay again in the future."
The price is NZ$207
includes taxes & fees
29 Aug - 30 Aug
The Domain Hotel
The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains
Lounge

The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains

3.0 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (932)
"Lovely trip with easy driving access to Santa Cruz."
The price is NZ$168
includes taxes & fees
19 Aug - 20 Aug
The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Morgan Hill-San Jose South
Exterior

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Morgan Hill-San Jose South

3.0 star property
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1062)
"Staff was super friendly. Rooms were great, comfortable and felt like home. "
The price is NZ$257
includes taxes & fees
14 Sept - 15 Sept
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Morgan Hill-San Jose South
Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
Exterior

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

4.0 star property
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (1167)
"Nice rooms and good bar/restaurant "
The price is NZ$242
includes taxes & fees
24 Aug - 25 Aug
Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
Chaminade Resort & Spa
Property grounds

Chaminade Resort & Spa

4.0 star property
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (1005)
"Lovely beautiful stay"
The price is NZ$357
includes taxes & fees
28 Aug - 29 Aug
Chaminade Resort & Spa
Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley
Property amenity

Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley

3.0 star property
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1004)
"Had a pleasant stay. Will stay here again"
The price is NZ$235
includes taxes & fees
24 Aug - 25 Aug
Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Bar (on property)

Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

3.5 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1015)
"Good location with friendly staff. "
The price is NZ$263
includes taxes & fees
1 Sept - 2 Sept
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Monarch Cove Inn
Front of property

Monarch Cove Inn

3.5 star property
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (880)
"Great place to stay. "
The price is NZ$367
includes taxes & fees
19 Aug - 20 Aug
Monarch Cove Inn
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Front of property

Ocean Pacific Lodge

2.0 star property
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1127)
"Great place for our family."
The price is NZ$195
includes taxes & fees
1 Sept - 2 Sept
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley
Lobby

Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley

2.5 star property
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (1005)
"Great customer service"
The price is NZ$252
includes taxes & fees
21 Aug - 22 Aug
Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley
Seaside Inn & Suites
Terrace/patio

Seaside Inn & Suites

2.5 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (829)
"Friendly staff, great location!"
Seaside Inn & Suites
The Aqua Pacific Hotel
Indoor pool, seasonal outdoor pool

The Aqua Pacific Hotel

2.0 star property
7.8 out of 10, Good, (680)
"Really nice property, clean rooms and warm pool! "
The price is NZ$180
includes taxes & fees
20 Aug - 21 Aug
The Aqua Pacific Hotel
Marea Sol Hotel
Terrace/patio

Marea Sol Hotel

2.0 star property
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1095)
"Clean property, friendly staff, great location."
The price is NZ$247
includes taxes & fees
1 Sept - 2 Sept
Marea Sol Hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Terrace/patio

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

3.0 star property
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1193)
"Was a great stay"
The price is NZ$289
includes taxes & fees
8 Sept - 9 Sept
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Rio Sands Hotel
Fountain

Rio Sands Hotel

2.0 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1008)
"Very nice all around and also a very reasonable value. Would definitely stay here in the future."
Rio Sands Hotel
Quality Inn & Suites, Santa Cruz Mountains
Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board

Quality Inn & Suites, Santa Cruz Mountains

2.5 star property
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (852)
"Loved the place. It was located within walking distance of several restaurants the staff was friendly and helpful- would stay there again. "
The price is NZ$163
includes taxes & fees
2 Sept - 3 Sept
Quality Inn & Suites, Santa Cruz Mountains
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
Exterior

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

2.0 star property
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (777)
"Very convenient location "
The price is NZ$138
includes taxes & fees
25 Aug - 26 Aug
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
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.

Great weekend hotel deals in Santa Cruz, CA

Showing deals for:29 Aug - 31 Aug

Image gallery for Chaminade Resort & Spa

Property grounds
VIP Access

Chaminade Resort & Spa

4.0 star property
Santa Cruz
8.0/10Very good (1,005 reviews)
Member Price available
Price is NZ$1,696
NZ$848 per night
includes taxes & fees
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Chaminade Resort & Spa
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Our guide on where to stay in Santa Cruz

Find the best Santa Cruz areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Cruz
Learn more about Santa Cruz
CWFJJA USA California CA Santa Cruz clock tower and trolley on Pacific Avenue

Downtown Santa Cruz

City centre Santa Cruz buzzes with artistic energy along the pedestrian-friendly Pacific Avenue. Street musicians perform beneath towering redwoods while colourful murals decorate brick walls. Visitors can browse independent bookshops and surf boutiques or explore the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. The area offers easy access to the Beach Boardwalk just streets away. Victorian architecture creates a charming backdrop for the lively café scene. The bohemian atmosphere welcomes travellers looking for authentic California coastal culture without pretension.

The lighthouse, designed by Mark Mesiti-Miller and constructed by Devcon Construction, Inc., stands 41 ½ feet tall above the level of the west jetty, and 59 ½ feet above the mean low water mark. It weighs 350,000 pounds and is built to withstand a quarter million pounds of wave energy.
Photo by Dawn Madden
Open Photo by Dawn Madden

Seabright

Seabright offers a charming coastal retreat with golden sands and gentle waves. This laid-back Santa Cruz area blends residential charm with beachside beauty. Locals stroll along the shore while visitors explore the natural history museum and harbour. Discover both the energetic Seabright Beach and calmer Harbour Beach within walking distance. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk sits nearby for those seeking more excitement. Beach cottages in weathered wood and pastel colours create a genuine coastal atmosphere throughout this walkable community.

USA-Santa Cruz-Natural Bridges State Beach; Shutterstock ID 101070745

Westside Santa Cruz

7 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

The artsy Westside area brings Santa Cruz's laid-back coastal vibe to life with a creative twist. Beautiful beaches meet bohemian charm along streets lined with craft breweries, surf shops, and independent bookshops. The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum overlooks legendary breaks while Lighthouse Point offers dramatic coastal views. Colourful Victorian cottages and beach bungalows create an eclectic streetscape with ocean glimpses. Natural Bridges State Beach features stunning tide pools and monarch butterfly groves. Locals frequent the same cafes as visitors, preserving the authentic surf culture and artistic community feel.

Located at the northern end of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz Harbor ... Walton Lighthouse... love exploring lighthouse!!
Photo by Dawn Madden
Open Photo by Dawn Madden

Eastside Santa Cruz

1 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

Explore Eastside Santa Cruz where tree-lined streets weave through a peaceful residential community near the university. Beach lovers can easily access Twin Lakes State Beach and Seabright Beach for sunny days by the water. The area offers a genuine glimpse into local Santa Cruz living away from tourist crowds. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate nearby DeLaveaga Park and Arana Gulch with their scenic hiking trails through coastal scrubland. UC Santa Cruz borders provide access to majestic redwood groves and striking architecture. The hilly terrain rewards walkers with occasional glimpses of beautiful Monterey Bay.

Nice place to have coffee and watch the waves. Great surf spot. NO bathrooms! #beach #ocean #surf #shops #view
Photo by Jennifer Radman
Open Photo by Jennifer Radman

Pleasure Point

Santa Cruz's Pleasure Point is a surfer's paradise where world-class breaks meet laid-back beach town vibes. Watch skilled surfers tackle legendary waves from the East Cliff Drive scenic overlook. The area breathes authentic California coastal culture through local surf shops, beachy cafes, and artistic character. Visitors can explore multiple beach access points including 38th Avenue and Santa Maria's Beach. The Hook draws spectators to clifftop benches while Pleasure Point Park offers grassy areas for picnicking with panoramic ocean views. The area maintains its genuine surf town atmosphere with minimal commercialization.

Stay near top Santa Cruz attractions

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

4/5(16 reviews)

Enjoy the exciting rides at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and see why everyone loves this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

See properties in Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Pacific Avenue
Pacific Avenue

Pacific Avenue

During your visit to Santa Cruz, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Pacific Avenue. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

See properties in Pacific Avenue

Santa Cruz and related destinations

Surfers catch perfect waves at Steamer Lane while sea lions bark along the wooden boardwalk of the historic Beach Boardwalk. Redwoods tower over hiking trails in nearby state parks, offering cool shade before you head back for sunset bonfires.

See all hotels in Santa Cruz

Best guest reviews of Santa Cruz

10.0/10
Excellent

I love the city, it has different recreational activities for the family and couples. Its beaches are beautiful and clean, and you have plenty of dining options. If you are visiting the town you must check out the Mystery Spot and its Boardwalk.

Anonymous traveler

Top Santa Cruz Hotel Reviews

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent
"Newly renovated. Really nice. Great customer service. Welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend."
Megan 1-night trip
Posted 6 hours ago
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place for a stay in Santa Cruz?

Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola is a favourite with Expedia customers. This hotel is a short 15-minute walk from Capitola Beach, and it offers free breakfast and an outdoor pool. Traveller reviews also recommend Beach Street Inn and Suites and Seaway Inn as top choices for your visit. See all available top hotels, or vacation rentals in Santa Cruz.

  

What are some of the best holiday rentals that Santa Cruz has to offer?

2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk - No Cleaning Fee!: This highly rated holiday home rental in Santa Cruz has air conditioning and WiFi to help you feel perfectly comfortable in your new surroundings. Other favourite homes for rent in Santa Cruz are 2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Beachfront Vacation Rental. See all vacation rentals in Santa Cruz.

If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Santa Cruz, will I receive a refund?

Yes! You'll find that most hotel room reservations are refundable if you cancel prior to the hotel's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before your check-in date. If your reservation is non-refundable, you might still have the option to cancel and receive a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Filter your search by fully refundable to find flexible hotel deals in Santa Cruz.

What's the best place to stay on a budget in Santa Cruz?

Based on our traveller reviews, Ocean Pacific Lodge is a top choice for a less expensive stay. Other good choices for your budget-friendly stay include Beachview Inn and Torch Lite Inn. View all budget hotels in Santa Cruz.

What's the best family accommodation in Santa Cruz?

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley is a hotel with an outdoor pool and a restaurant, and it's a top choice on Expedia for families. Other choices for your stay with the children include Ocean Pacific Lodge and Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection. Also, attractions such as Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center are fun for children of all ages. Find more child-friendly accommodations in Santa Cruz.

What's the best accommodation for a couple going to Santa Cruz?

Sweet 1 BDRM Cottage, FAST WIFI, near ocean, W&D, Full kitchen and bath, BBQ! is a favourite guest house for couples, and features in-room kitchens and free WiFi. See all romantic hotels in Santa Cruz.

What's the best LGBTQ-friendly accommodation in Santa Cruz?

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley is a top LGBTQ-friendly hotel that features free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection and Mission Inn are other good choices for your trip. See all available hotels listed as LGBTQ-friendly in Santa Cruz.

What's the best dog-friendly accommodation option in Santa Cruz?

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley is a top dog-friendly hotel, and offers a restaurant along with free WiFi for its human guests. Other good choices for you and your pet's trip include Ocean Pacific Lodge and Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection. See more pet-friendly hotel accommodations in Santa Cruz.

What's the best place to stay to stay near the beach in Santa Cruz?

Dream Inn Santa Cruz is a top beachfront resort offering a full-service spa and free WiFi, located within a short 3-minute walk of Santa Cruz Main Beach . Other good options for your beach trip include Casablanca On The Beach and Marea Sol Hotel. See more stays near the beach in Santa Cruz.

What are some hotels with pools in Santa Cruz?

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection is a top hotel with a pool, free WiFi and a snack bar. Other choices with an on-site pool include Dream Inn Santa Cruz and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA. View all hotels with pools in Santa Cruz.

What is the best spa hotel in Santa Cruz?

Dream Inn Santa Cruz is a top beach spa hotel featuring a heated pool, a bar and a restaurant. Enjoy a massage at the on-site spa. Other popular spa hotels in Santa Cruz include Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz and Surf City Inn and Suites. See all spa hotels in Santa Cruz.

What is staying in Santa Cruz like?

Travellers to Santa Cruz give high marks for the beaches, fun sporting events and entertainment choices. Tourists to the city can also enjoy its walkable location. Top sights in the city include Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. In Santa Cruz, there are 440 hotels and other accommodation options to choose from. Find out more about Santa Cruz.

What are the top places to visit in Santa Cruz?

Cultural venues include Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Laboratory and Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. Attractions like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Boardwalk Bowl are fun for everyone. Landmarks like Mystery Spot, Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park and Mission Santa Cruz might be worth a visit. Take a look at what more there is to see and do in Expedia's Santa Cruz guide.

What's the weather like 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.