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Top hotels and accommodation in Santa Cruz

Our guide on where to stay in Santa Cruz

Find the best Santa Cruz areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Cruz

More cheap accommodation in Santa Cruz

Stay near top Santa Cruz attractions

Santa Cruz Travel Info

Number of reviews
5,120
Accommodation
695 hotels
Highest price
AU$452
Lowest price
AU$152
Reasons to visit
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Rio Del Mar Beach and Natural Bridges State Park
Hotels with nearby beaches
170
Hotels with entertainment
28

Experience the Beachside Charm of Santa Cruz

Welcome to Santa Cruz, a vibrant coastal destination that combines the laid-back beach lifestyle with a lively city atmosphere. With its stunning beaches, picturesque scenery, and a range of exciting attractions, Santa Cruz offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun, explore the local culture, or indulge in some outdoor activities, Santa Cruz has something for everyone.

How to Make the Most of Your Stay in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a beach lover's paradise, with its golden sandy shores and crystal-clear waters. Spend your days lounging on the beach, catching some waves, or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the coastline. If you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at surfing or paddleboarding. The beach is just the beginning of the adventure in Santa Cruz.

For nature enthusiasts, the surrounding mountains and forests offer ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting. Explore the beautiful redwood forests and discover hidden waterfalls and serene picnic spots. The nearby Garcia Sanabria Park is a must-visit for its lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere.

When it comes to accommodation, Santa Cruz has a wide range of options to suit every traveler's needs. From luxurious sea-side hotels to comfortable two-story motels, there are plenty of choices. The Casablanca Inn and Suites Inn are popular options offering contemporary rooms and stunning ocean views. For a classic beach hotel experience, the Sand Inn and Capri Motel are excellent choices with comfortable rooms and convenient locations.

Top Locations in Santa Cruz

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Experience the excitement of one of California's oldest amusement parks. Enjoy thrilling rides, delicious food, and live entertainment at this iconic Santa Cruz attraction.
  • Garcia Sanabria Park: Immerse yourself in nature at this beautiful park, featuring lush gardens, picturesque ponds, and charming paths. Take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a picnic with friends and family.
  • West Cliff Drive: Take a scenic drive along this breathtaking coastal road and enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Don't forget to stop at the scenic overlooks for Instagram-worthy photos.
  • Santa Cruz Wharf: Explore this historic wharf, home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Enjoy fresh seafood, browse unique boutiques, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Mystery Spot: Experience the gravitational anomaly at this famous attraction. Take a guided tour and witness strange phenomena that will leave you questioning the laws of physics.

With its beautiful beaches, vibrant attractions, and a range of accommodation options, Santa Cruz is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an adventurous outdoor experience, Santa Cruz has it all. Start planning your trip to this charming coastal city and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Frequently asked questions

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

Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola is ranked highly by Expedia customers. This hotel offers free breakfast and an outdoor pool. Traveller reviews also recommend Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA and Beach Street Inn and Suites 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: This highly rated holiday home rental in Santa Cruz offers an indoor pool, a patio and cable TV to help you feel perfectly comfortable in your new surroundings. Kitchen amenities such as a fridge and a microwave can make your holiday run smoothly. Kick off your shoes and enjoy yourself with a garden and a hot tub. Other favourite homes for rent in Santa Cruz are 2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk - No Cleaning Fee! and YACHT HARBOR BEACH HOUSE. small dog ok with approval. 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 reviews, Hyatt Place Santa Cruz is a popular hotel for our travellers who want a more economical choice, and features free buffet breakfast and free WiFi. Other good choices to stay on the cheap include Salt Air Lodge and Motel Santa Cruz. View all budget hotels in Santa Cruz.

What's the best hotel when travelling with children to Santa Cruz?

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz is a hotel with an outdoor pool and free parking, and it's a top choice on Expedia for families. Other choices for your stay with the children include Ocean Pacific Lodge and Best Western Plus Capitola By-the-sea Inn & Suites. Also, attractions such as Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Boardwalk Bowl 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?

Inn At Pasatiempo is a favourite hotel for couples, and features pillowtop beds and wedding services. Other good options for your romantic getaway include Babbling Brook Inn and Rio Vista Suites. See all romantic hotels in Santa Cruz.

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

Quality Inn Santa Cruz is a top hotel for people travelling with their pets, and offers a seasonal outdoor pool and flat-screen TVs for its human guests. Other good choices for you and your pet's trip include Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz and Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages. See more pet-friendly hotel accommodations in Santa Cruz.

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

Casablanca On The Beach is a top beach hotel offering free WiFi and free parking, located within a short 1-minute walk of Santa Cruz Main Beach . Other good options for your beach trip include Comfort Inn Beach/Boardwalk Area and Ocean Pacific Lodge. See more stays near the beach in Santa Cruz.

What's the best luxury accommodation option in Santa Cruz?

Chaminade Resort & Spa is a 4-star resort with a full-service spa and free valet parking, and it's a popular choice for Expedia travellers looking for a pampered stay. Another upscale choice for your holiday is Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection. Find more luxury hotels in Santa Cruz.

What's the best boutique-style hotel in Santa Cruz?

Babbling Brook Inn is a favourite 3-star B&B with our travellers looking for stylish accommodation, and features 13 guestrooms, free parking and a garden. Beach Street Inn and Suites and Pacific Blue Inn are other choices for a boutique stay.

What's the best accommodation for a golf trip to Santa Cruz?

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz is a hotel featuring free breakfast and free WiFi, and it's a top choice for playing a round of golf. Another good choice is The Islander Motel if you'd like to be close to a golf course while in town. Visit Pasatiempo Golf Course or DeLaveaga Golf Course to perfect your golf swing. See more golf hotels in Santa Cruz.

What are some hotels with pools in Santa Cruz?

Edgewater Beach inn and suites is a top hotel with a pool, free WiFi and an in-room jetted bath. Other choices with an on-site pool include Hotel Solares and Best Western Plus Capitola By-the-sea Inn & Suites. View all hotels with pools in Santa Cruz.

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