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Santa Cruz – 73 hotels and places to stay

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Hotels with parking in Santa Cruz

Most booked hotels in Santa Cruz and surroundings in the past month

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Best hotels with breakfast in Santa Cruz and nearby

  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.5
    Good - What previous guests thought, 439 reviews

    This California hotel is one block from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It features a seasonal outdoor heated pool and rooms include a flat-screen cable TV with HBO.

    From US$114.87 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
    Good - What previous guests thought, 800 reviews

    Located a short walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features beautiful ocean views and a hot tub.

    From US$143.15 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 255 reviews

    Nestled on a bluff across from Cowell's Beach, this 3-story Victorian home is a restful bed and breakfast that offers unique guestrooms and thoughtful amenities just steps from the Santa Cruz Beach...

    From US$427.94 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.3
    Good - What previous guests thought, 402 reviews

    This motel in Santa Cruz is within walking distance of the beach, boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf. The motel offers free Wi-Fi, spacious rooms, and a seasonal, outdoor pool.

    From US$100.96 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
    Good - What previous guests thought, 246 reviews

    Best Western Plus All Suites Inn is 3.2 km from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 10 minutes' drive to the University of California Santa Cruz.

    From US$146.25 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 533 reviews

    Featuring an outdoor pool with cabanas available, Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection offers fire-pits for guest use. A restaurant and bar is on site. The modern rooms feature free WiFi.

    From US$148.89 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.3
    Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 445 reviews

    Located in Downtown Santa Cruz this hotel is 15 minutes' walk from many shops and restaurants. The hotel offers a seasonal outdoor pool and rooms with free Wi-Fi. Parking is free for guests.

    From US$94.61 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.0
    Good - What previous guests thought, 124 reviews

    Located 2.3 km from Santa Cruz Beach, Quality Inn Santa Cruz Downtown Area offers 2-star accommodation in Santa Cruz and features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool.

    From US$113.97 per night

Budget hotels in Santa Cruz and nearby

  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 804 reviews

    Styled in modern decor, this restored historic mansion offers 12 luxurious and refurbished suites. Free WiFi is included daily.

    From US$126.13 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 714 reviews

    This motel is off the Santa Cruz Highway One and is 2 miles from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The motel offers an outdoor pool and rooms with free Wi-Fi.

    From US$97.45 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.7
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 12 reviews

    Set in Santa Cruz, Beach Hill Bungalow offers a restaurant, 700 metres from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 1.3 km from Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse.

  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 159 reviews

    Ideally situated in the centre of Santa Cruz, Edgewater Beach Inn features free WiFi throughout the property, a garden and free private parking for guests who drive.

    From US$128.81 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 181 reviews

    Featuring barbecue facilities and a garden, Santa Cruz Hostel is located in Santa Cruz, 500 metres from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This property also provides guests with a sun terrace.

  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 3 reviews

    Ideally set in the centre of Santa Cruz, Cliff Crest Inn features free WiFi throughout the property, a garden and free private parking for guests who drive.

  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,707 reviews

    Located 2 minutes’ walk away from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Carousel Beach Inn offers rooms equipped with a private balcony. It serves a daily continental breakfast.

    From US$126.35 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.0
    Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 5 reviews

    Situated in Santa Cruz, 600 metres from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 1.5 km from Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, Boardwalk Dream features a restaurant.

Hotels located in the centre of Santa Cruz

  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.0
    Good - What previous guests thought, 358 reviews

    Located next to Boardwalk Bowl, Fireside Inn By The Beach Boardwalk & Bowling is less than 5 minutes' walk to Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Free Wi-Fi and free 1 car parking is included in the reservation.

    From US$92.12 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
    Good - What previous guests thought, 949 reviews

    Aqua Breeze Inn is located across the street from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Free WiFi and parking are included.

    From US$202.26 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 478 reviews

    Located less than 5 minutes’ walk from the beach, this hotel is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 10 minutes’ drive from University of California -Santa Cruz.

    From US$112.93 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.0
    Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 305 reviews

    Located a short walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Capri Motel Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers free parking and easy access to a variety of local attractions.

    From US$69.50 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 78 reviews

    A short walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Municipal Wharf in California, the Seaway Inn offers easy beach access and comfortably furnished rooms with free WiFi.

    From US$211.13 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.0
    Good - What previous guests thought, 1,096 reviews

    Situated 2 minutes’ drive from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Bay Front Inn offers an outdoor pool and rooms with free WiFi.

    From US$105.89 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.7
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 383 reviews

    Just 10 minutes’ walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this eco-friendly hotel offers en suite rooms with flat-screen cable TVs and iPod docking stations.

    From US$137.33 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
    Good - What previous guests thought, 602 reviews

    Located within 10 minutes' walk of the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk, Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz offers free WiFi. All rooms include a private bathroom with a hair dryer.

    From US$86.90 per night

FAQs about hotels in Santa Cruz

Surfin’ USA in Bohemian CA

Santa Cruz was surf central California long before the Beach Boys sang about it. The Surfing Museum in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse tells stories of those who have braved some of the world’s best waves.

Overlooking the ocean rollers are the Coconut Grove Ballroom and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - the oldest amusement park in the state of CA, and the last original one on the West Coast. Its historic carousel, rollercoasters and rides are a colourful backdrop to Cowell’s Beach, best viewed from the Sky Glider cable cars.

Jutting into Monterey Bay is the wharf where sea lions bask and pelicans decide on their next meal. Seafood restaurants are abundant here and the bars provide lively nightlife. Pacific Avenue is the main shopping area and one street away is the Museum of Art & History.

Unsurprisingly for a surfer hotspot, the city has a liberal outlook and is known for political activism - a far cry from the era when the Santa Cruz Mission was established. The mission is now a state park alongside Natural Bridges Beach and the Big Basin Redwoods in forested hills behind the city, home to the gravity-defying Mystery Spot.

Booking.com’s Santa Cruz accommodation includes pet-friendly motels, hotels with hot tubs and cheap inns near UCSC.

What guests said about Santa Cruz:

  • 6.0

    Although we had passed through Santa Cruz previously, this...

    Although we had passed through Santa Cruz previously, this was our first stay. Candidly, the town felt quite run down and in some places downright shabby. We were staying principally to visit the Roaring Camp Railroad and Scotts Valley, ultimately on our way to San Francisco. If we were staying in the area again, we would stay in the much more attractive town of Capitola, just a few minutes South of Santa Cruz.
    Guest review by
    Anthony
    United Kingdom
  • 8.0

    Ebikes along the ocean was amazing.

    Ebikes along the ocean was amazing. Boardwalk had lots of great rides and food options. Beautiful wharf to walk on and visit many shops/restaurants. Don't miss out on Gayle's Bakery or the Mystery Spot that is nearby.
    Guest review by
    Tammy
    United States
  • 10.0

    When I was young I lived in San Jose and our mom would bring...

    When I was young I lived in San Jose and our mom would bring us to Santa Cruz all summer long. Coming again as an adult brought back so many fond memories. The boardwalk was so different then then. Santa Cruz is such a fun place and so many rides and shops. Every child needs to experience it at least once in their lifetime.
    Guest review by
    Wanda Papineau
    United States
  • 10.0

    We, unfortunately, chose to visit during the busiest part of...

    We, unfortunately, chose to visit during the busiest part of the season, but aside from traffic and the Murray Bridge being out, we didn't feel inconvenienced by the larger crowds. The beaches were clean, the warf was a blast, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center was amazing, food was great and the locals were kind!
    Guest review by
    Anonymous
    United States
  • 10.0

    The Santa Cruz vibe is real: diverse (happy) people,...

    The Santa Cruz vibe is real: diverse (happy) people, terrific beaches, lots of eateries, beach boardwalk and arcade fun. Walking around the boardwalk area feels safe, if crowded, on weekends. There is definitely a broad range of fun activities for families.
    Guest review by
    Marian
    United States
  • 10.0

    We enjoy going to the beaches, the Boardwalk and the local...

    We enjoy going to the beaches, the Boardwalk and the local restaurants. We found that breakfast at Zachary's was excellent. Their potatoes are really tasty and the have homemade bread. We had dinner at Bedda Mia. Their Spaghetti alle vongole and Carbonara is good. We would go back to both of those places.
    Guest review by
    Ann

See reviews by guests who stayed at hotels in Santa Cruz

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  • Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

    Santa Cruz
    From US$121.51 per night
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 745 reviews
    Great option at a reasonable price compared to other hotels. A quick drive to everything Santa Cruz has to offer. Room was so much bigger than usual and kids loved the pool. Breakfast was basic but totally fine with enough options.
    Guest review by
    Christine
    Australia

  • Surf City Inn & Suites

    Santa Cruz
    From US$85.53 per night
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.3
    Good - What previous guests thought, 1,579 reviews
    This was one of the best hotel on my road trip from SF to LA. This hotel is aligned with the surf spirit of the Santa Cruz city. Room was clean and enormous big. I was very very satisfied.
    Guest review by
    Ivan
    Czech Republic

  • Dream Inn Santa Cruz

    Santa Cruz
    From US$373.24 per night
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 818 reviews
    Fantastic view and location (walking distance to downtown, the wharf, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and Natural Bridges State Park). We enjoyed the pool and the free loaner bicycles.
    Guest review by
    Irene
    United States

  • Beach Street Inn and Suites

    Santa Cruz
    From US$209.48 per night
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,430 reviews
    If you’re coming to see Santa Cruz this is the perfect place. Fresh, clean, safe and fun. Perfect for families or a couple. Staff were friendly and accommodating.
    Guest review by
    Carrie
    United States

  • Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

    Santa Cruz
    From US$148.89 per night
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 533 reviews
    A great hotel - lovely pool area and relaxing atmosphere away from Santa Cruz.
    Guest review by
    Sophie
    Germany

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