The Best Hotels Closest to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz - 2026 Updated Prices

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Our top choices for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center hotels

A bedroom with a large bed, a desk, a dresser, and a view of the outdoors through a sliding door.

A kitchen counter with a stainless steel container, a white appliance, and wicker baskets.

A modern kitchen with a dining table, chairs, a microwave, and a coffee maker.

A multi-story hotel with a central entrance, balconies, and outdoor seating areas.

1. Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel

Eastside Santa Cruz, 2.9 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Andrea

฿3,886

฿6,525 total

includes taxes & fees

20 Oct - 21 Oct

A wooden interior with large windows overlooking a beach.

A dining area with a long table set for a meal, large windows offering a view, and a modern ceiling design.

A modern interior with a view of an outdoor patio area.

A row of colorful houses along a waterfront.

2. La Bahia Hotel and Spa

Westside Santa Cruz, 0.3 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

paola

฿8,749

฿11,688 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Oct - 19 Oct

A balcony with two chairs, a small table with a vase of flowers, and a view of a parking lot and amusement park.

A red popcorn machine with a large container of popcorn, a pot, and a phone receiver.

A roller coaster at a seaside amusement park with a beach and pier in the background.

A hotel room with two beds, a balcony, and large colorful wall art.

3. Carousel Beach Inn

Westside Santa Cruz, 0.6 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Carmen

฿2,772

฿3,268 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Oct - 22 Oct

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

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

A modern reception area with a wooden log wall, a beverage refrigerator, and a view of the sea.

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

4. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Beach Hill - Beach Flats, 0.1 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Frank

฿4,476

฿5,161 total

includes taxes & fees

28 Sept - 29 Sept

A beach with palm trees, waves, and a distant shoreline with buildings.

A modern bedroom with a bed, a bench, a TV, and a window.

A view from a balcony overlooking a street with palm trees, a parking lot, and a building with a balcony.

A balcony with a view of palm trees, a parking lot, and a distant cityscape.

5. Seaway Inn

Westside Santa Cruz, 0.2 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Roxanna

฿4,935

฿5,676 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Sept - 28 Sept

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

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

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, a nightstand, and a view of the ocean.

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.

6. Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz, 0.2 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Jiexin

฿9,903

฿11,250 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Oct - 8 Oct

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

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

A modern kitchen with a large island, bar seating, and built-in appliances.

7. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz, 1.2 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Grester

฿4,471

฿5,156 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Oct - 8 Oct

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

A desk with a telephone and a lamp, a chair, and a window with a view of a bridge and a body of water.

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

8. Marea Sol Hotel

Westside Santa Cruz, 0.3 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Lisa

฿3,913

฿4,530 total

includes taxes & fees

28 Sept - 29 Sept

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

A hotel room with a bed, a bedside table with a phone, a vase of flowers, a nightstand with a lamp, a mirror, and a painting of a beach scene.

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.

9. Mission Inn

Westside Santa Cruz, 2 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

KimLien

฿3,380

฿4,166 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Sept - 28 Sept

A wooden bench and a small table in a courtyard with potted plants and a building in the background.

A neatly made bed in a room with light blue walls, wooden flooring, and two bedside tables with lamps.

A modern living room with a fireplace, a mounted TV, and a wooden dining table with a chair.

A room with a wooden floor, a black leather chair, a small table with a laptop, and a window with blinds.

10. Pacific Blue Inn

Downtown Santa Cruz, 0.5 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Sharon

฿3,279

฿3,906 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Sept - 28 Sept

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.

11. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

Westside Santa Cruz, 2.2 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Linda

฿4,047

฿4,679 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

An outdoor patio with round tables and chairs, a stone fireplace, and a railing.

A self-service beverage and snack vending area with various brands and types of products.

A modern hotel lobby with a long reception desk, bar seating, and artwork on the walls.

A modern lobby with a stone fireplace, a sofa, a round table, and a reception desk.

12. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA

Westside Santa Cruz, 3.1 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Natalya

฿4,149

฿4,795 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 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 hotel room with a large bed, bedside tables, a desk, and a bathroom visible through an open door.

13. Ocean Pacific Lodge

Downtown, 0.3 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Anthony

฿2,746

฿3,597 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Oct - 15 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 modern bar area with a marble counter, hanging lights, and green patterned walls.

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

14. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Westside Santa Cruz, 1.5 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Brooke

฿4,813

฿5,541 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Oct - 12 Oct

A hotel room with a large bed, a fireplace, a television, and a view of the city.

A large, two-story building with a balcony and a porch, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn.

A table with a book, two glasses of wine, a plate of fruit, and a straw hat.

A room with a bay window, two armchairs, a round rug, and a small table with a lamp.

15. West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn

Westside Santa Cruz, 0.1 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Molly

฿7,519

฿8,931 total

includes taxes & fees

28 Sept - 29 Sept

A beach with rocky cliffs and a clear view of the ocean.

An outdoor patio with a table set for two, a white fence, and a view of the ocean.

A modern kitchen with white cabinets, a sink, and a stove. There is a dining table with chairs and a clock on the wall.

A two-story house with a white porch, a red umbrella, and a small garden with various shrubs.

16. Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages

Eastside Santa Cruz, 3.2 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Donald

฿6,528

฿7,451 total

includes taxes & fees

28 Sept - 29 Sept

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.

17. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

Westside Santa Cruz, 2.4 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Bertha

฿3,086

฿3,571 total

includes taxes & fees

20 Oct - 21 Oct

A modern hotel room with a kitchenette, a bed, a desk, and a view of the outdoors.

A modern living room with a blue sofa, a floor lamp, a large window with a view of trees, and a radiator.

A hotel lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a patterned carpet.

A modern hotel room with a wooden desk, a yellow chair, a flat-screen TV, a microwave, a coffee machine, and a mini-fridge.

18. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

Westside Santa Cruz, 2.3 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Steve

฿4,306

฿4,970 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Sept - 28 Sept

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

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

19. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

Beach Hill - Beach Flats, 0.6 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

jessika

฿4,530

฿5,223 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Oct - 19 Oct

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

A beachfront hotel with multiple balconies, beach umbrellas, and a sandy beach area.

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

A beach view from a window with palm trees, a pier, and beach umbrellas.

20. Casablanca On The Beach

Westside Santa Cruz, 0.2 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Madeline

฿4,238

฿6,185 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel	10.0 Exceptional 13 reviews	View
La Bahia Hotel and Spa	9.6 Exceptional 521 reviews	View
Carousel Beach Inn	9.2 Wonderful 108 reviews	View
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz	9.2 Wonderful 1,350 reviews	View
Seaway Inn	9.2 Wonderful 301 reviews	View

Top Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Hotel Reviews

Carousel Beach Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Clean room,breakfast,balcony"

Ocean Pacific Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"Great location"

Casablanca On The Beach

8/10 Good

"We had a beautiful large room, with sunroom. We felt like we were in a bit of a fishbowl, but we chose that room, since we needed the three beds. There was a fantastic view of the beach and the volleyball courts from our room, so no one noticed us. The walkable wharf to the right provided a nice variety of restaurants, although very pricey. The hotel staff were friendly and helpful. There was not much ventilation in the room, I would have appreciated more, as there was a bit of a stale smell. I would suggest you take your own pillow, as the ones they provide are small and lumpy. Those are just small nit picky things, that can be overlooked, as we had a delightful stay and wished we could have stayed longer."

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"Whenever you are in Santa Cruz, Courtyard Santa Cruz is it ! It’s walking distance to the Pier, and Beach. Unfortunately the pool was closed during our stay, which was a bummer, kids were excited. Other than that great family friendly hotel"

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"It was a true suite. We were pleased with the cleanliness of the rooms in this friendliness of the staff."

Hotel Solares

8/10 Good

"Room is clean"

Seaway Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Room was great. I wish they would clean up the lobby. They use it as a storage space. Extra chairs, refrigerators, lamp shades, and the tv is never on. Can’t sit there and relax. Three days I went there in morning there was no coffee made or hot water for tea. Looks like counter space for snacks but it is cluttered. I love this little hotel but the lobby space has never been finished. 😞"

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"I have stayed here every time I go to Santa Cruz. It's close to the boardwalk and it's very well maintained"

Other attractions near Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

A pier extending into the ocean with a roller coaster in the background.

Santa Cruz Wharf

9.0/10 (2,069 reviews)

After visiting Santa Cruz Wharf, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the surfing spots.

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A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, rocky cliffs, and houses on the cliffside.

Cowell's Beach

9.0/10 (6 reviews)

During your trip to Santa Cruz, enjoy the surf and sand at Cowell's Beach along with the surfing. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

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A pier with colorful cable cars, a beach, and a sign that reads "WORLD FAMOUS."

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

8.8/10 (6,089 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.

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Cocoanut Grove

Cocoanut Grove is just one of the places to see in Santa Cruz, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the surfing spots.

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Sky Glider

Enjoy an outing to Sky Glider during your stay in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the surfing spots.

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Santa Cruz Main Beach

9.0/10 (19 reviews)

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Santa Cruz Main Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

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Neary Lagoon Park

Explore the great outdoors at Neary Lagoon Park, a lovely green space in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

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Pacific Garden Mall

7.6/10 (4 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Pacific Garden Mall during your visit to Santa Cruz. Stroll along the seaside or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center?

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center is located in a walkable area of Santa Cruz known for its beautiful beaches and sporting events. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, take a look at the 173 hotels and other accommodation options you'll find within a mile.

What's the best place to stay near Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center?

Adjacent to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, La Bahia Hotel and Spa is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveller data, and this hotel offers a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Other good options within a short distance include La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz and Marea Sol Hotel.

How many hotels can I expect to find close to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center?

Expedia has 173 hotels and other accommodation options within a mile from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, will I receive a refund?

Yes! You'll find that most hotel room reservations are fully refundable as long as you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of your check-in date. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, you may still be able to cancel and get a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Enter your dates, click on "Search", then you can use the "fully refundable" filter to review the best deals available near Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.

What can I see and do near Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center?

You might want to spend some time browsing the exhibits at Lighthouse Point Park, Santa Cruz Surfing Museum or Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Laboratory. Williams-Reynolds House, Mark Abbot Memorial Lighthouse and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park are some of the notable landmarks to see in the area. Consider spending a leisurely afternoon outside at University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum, Pleasure Point Park or Neary Lagoon Park.

Search Hotels Near Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, Santa Cruz

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

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Our top choices for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center hotels

1. Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel

2. La Bahia Hotel and Spa

3. Carousel Beach Inn

4. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

5. Seaway Inn

6. Dream Inn Santa Cruz

7. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

8. Marea Sol Hotel

9. Mission Inn

10. Pacific Blue Inn

11. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

12. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA

13. Ocean Pacific Lodge

14. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

15. West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn

16. Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages

17. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

18. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

19. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

20. Casablanca On The Beach

Compare popular hotels close to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Top Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Hotel Reviews

Carousel Beach Inn

Ocean Pacific Lodge

Casablanca On The Beach

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Hotel Solares

Seaway Inn

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Other attractions near Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Santa Cruz Wharf

Cowell's Beach

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Cocoanut Grove

Sky Glider

Santa Cruz Main Beach

Neary Lagoon Park

Pacific Garden Mall

Frequently asked questions