Find hotels in Santa Cruz, CA from ฿2,950

Top reasons to visit Santa Cruz

• Stunning Beaches: Santa Cruz boasts beautiful beaches with sun-soaked shores and thrilling seaside activities, perfect for relaxation and fun.
• Vibrant Boardwalk: The lively amusement park and boardwalk offer entertainment for all ages, making it a must-visit attraction.
• Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in local culture through music, art, and charming downtown shops.
• Outdoor Adventures: Explore national and state parks with opportunities for hiking, surfing, and photo tours.
• Welcoming Accommodation: A variety of hotels and resorts cater to all travellers, ensuring a delightful stay.

Find great hotels near Santa Cruz

Explore a variety of accommodation options in Santa Cruz, California, where you'll find welcoming hotels and resorts ideal for every traveller. Whether you're seeking pet-friendly facilities, a base for business travel, or an adventure-filled getaway, Santa Cruz has something for everyone. Read hotel reviews and discover the best Santa Cruz hotels to ensure a delightful stay in this vibrant coastal city.

• La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley: La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley offers a welcoming environment tailored for business travellers seeking convenience and comfort. This 3.5-star accommodation, located 37km from Santa Cruz, features well-appointed rooms designed for productivity and relaxation. Guests appreciate amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, a business centre, and meeting facilities, ensuring a seamless work experience. The hotel’s charming décor reflects a blend of traditional and modern influences, providing a tranquil retreat after a busy day.
• Larkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Campbell: Larkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Campbell is a delightful, city-themed retreat located 35km from Santa Cruz. This 3.5-star property is designed for both business and leisure travellers, offering a range of amenities including pet-friendly options, a fitness centre, and an inviting lobby. With a unique focus on comfort, guests can enjoy spacious suites equipped with kitchenettes. The hotel's pet policy allows dogs and service animals, making it a welcoming choice for those travelling with furry companions. Its central location adds to the convenience for exploring local attractions.
• Extended Stay America Suites San Jose Edenvale South: Extended Stay America Suites San Jose Edenvale South caters to budget-conscious travellers seeking a practical yet comfortable stay. Situated 35km from Santa Cruz, this hotel features a no-frills approach while providing essential amenities like a fully equipped kitchen in each room, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. The property is also pet-friendly, accommodating dogs and cats under certain restrictions. Guests appreciate the straightforward service and the hotel’s focus on creating a home-like atmosphere for longer stays.

Where to stay in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, is a delightful destination perfect for outdoor family adventures and relaxing beach holidays. Explore the lively downtown, where friendly locals and charming shops create a welcoming atmosphere. The stunning Santa Cruz Beach offers sun-soaked shores and thrilling seaside activities, ensuring a memorable experience for all. Nearby attractions promise excursions that cater to both relaxation and exploration, making Santa Cruz a must-visit for those seeking a vibrant coastal getaway.

• Capitola: Nestled approximately 6km from Santa Cruz, Capitola is a charming coastal city known for its vibrant beach scene and family-friendly atmosphere. With a moderately seasonal influx of tourists, the peak visiting months are from April to July. Capitola's sandy beaches and picturesque bay create an ideal backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking fun in the sun. Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including an amusement park and recreational areas, while the local theme park offers thrilling rides for all ages. The scenic beauty of the beach coupled with delightful dining options makes Capitola a must-visit destination.
• Westside Santa Cruz: This lively neighbourhood, located within the Santa Cruz area, boasts a year-round appeal for travellers. Although visitor numbers peak from June to August, the atmosphere remains inviting throughout the year. Westside Santa Cruz is perfect for families and outdoor lovers, with easy access to the famous amusement park and iconic boardwalk. Here, you can explore beautiful beaches and enjoy educational experiences that engage visitors of all ages. The neighbourhood's close proximity to local landmarks, including a popular theme park and serene bay, ensures a memorable experience filled with adventure and relaxation.
• Twin Lakes: Situated in the Santa Cruz area, Twin Lakes is a quaint village that attracts seasonal visitors, particularly during the summer months from June to August. Known for its stunning beaches and family-friendly environment, Twin Lakes is an excellent spot for outdoor activities. Visitors can partake in the excitement of the nearby amusement park and explore the vibrant boardwalk. The village's picturesque family beach offers a perfect setting for sunbathing and swimming, while the local theme park provides thrilling entertainment for all. Twin Lakes is a delightful escape, making it a fantastic addition to your travel itinerary.

Things to do near Santa Cruz

Shopping

For unique gifts and souvenirs, explore the local charm of Pacific Avenue with shops like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s gift shops. If you're up for a drive, visit the nearby Capitola Mall for a wider selection of retail stores and dining options.

Recreation

In Santa Cruz, the Esalen Institute offers transformative workshops amidst breathtaking coastal views, perfect for self-discovery. The Mount Madonna Centre features yoga and meditation retreats surrounded by lush nature, providing a serene escape for rejuvenation and reflection.

Adventure

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, located 50km from Santa Cruz, offers exhilarating motor racing experiences. Feel the adrenaline as you watch high-speed races on this iconic track, surrounded by stunning landscapes and a vibrant atmosphere that captures the thrill of motorsport.

Nightlife

Explore the lively atmosphere at The Catalyst on Pacific Avenue for an eclectic mix of live music. For a laid-back vibe, visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where you can enjoy arcade games and beachside bars as the sun sets over the Pacific.

Find the best attractions in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is an ideal destination for outdoor and family beach holidays, offering a variety of attractions such as stunning beaches, national and state parks, and the lively jetty pier. Visitors can immerse themselves in both cultural experiences and outdoor activities. A must-visit is the Santa Cruz Wharf, perfect for enjoying the coastal scenery and local wildlife. Overall, Santa Cruz promises a delightful blend of relaxation and adventure for every traveller.

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this historic amusement park, featuring thrilling rides, classic games, and a beautiful beachfront. The Boardwalk's family-friendly vibe invites visitors to enjoy its diverse entertainment options, from live music to delicious seaside treats.
• Mystery Spot: Delve into the intriguing world of the Mystery Spot, an exhibit that plays with your perception of gravity and space. Surrounded by lush redwoods, this captivating attraction offers guided tours that explore its puzzling phenomena and local folklore, enriching your cultural experience.
• Natural Bridges State Park: Relax at this stunning beach renowned for its natural rock formations and tidal pools. With picturesque views and opportunities for wildlife observation, Natural Bridges State Park provides a serene escape into nature, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful day by the ocean.

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

Travelling to Santa Cruz, California is convenient with several major airports nearby. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is 77km away, with excellent accommodation options like the Fairmont San Francisco and The Ritz-Carlton, both 19km from the airport, offering transfer services. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is situated 45km away; notable hotels include the 5-star Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo Alto, 14km from SJC, providing nearby access. Lastly, Oakland International Airport (OAK) lies 84km from Santa Cruz, with luxurious options such as the Claremont Resort & Club, 16km from the airport, offering convenient transportation services.