Find hotels in Santa Cruz, CA from CA $118

Top reasons to visit Santa Cruz

• Stunning Beaches: Santa Cruz boasts beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation and family fun.
• Vibrant Boardwalk: The lively boardwalk features amusement rides, games, and delicious seaside treats.
• Outdoor Adventures: Explore nearby state parks and enjoy activities like hiking, surfing, and sunset sails.
• Local Culture: Immerse yourself in the local charm with music venues, gift shops, and Mediterranean architecture.
• Diverse Accommodations: A variety of lodging options cater to all travellers, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Find great hotels near Santa Cruz

Experience the charm of Santa Cruz, California, with a range of accommodation options designed for every type of traveller. From pet-friendly hotels to adventure-themed resorts, you'll find the ideal place to unwind. Notable options include the Dream Inn and various suites that cater to both leisure and business needs. Discover the best hotels in the area and make your stay memorable in this coastal paradise.

• La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley: A sophisticated 3.5-star hotel designed with the business traveller in mind, La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley is situated 37.0km from Santa Cruz. This hotel features essential amenities such as a Conference Centre and multiple Meeting Rooms, making it an ideal choice for professionals seeking a productive stay. Guests appreciate the seamless blend of comfort and functionality, ensuring that work commitments are met without sacrificing the quality of their stay. Its convenient location allows easy access to Silicon Valley, catering perfectly to business-oriented visitors.
• Larkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Campbell: This charming 3.5-star hotel, located 35.4km from Santa Cruz, offers a unique pet-friendly environment for both business and leisure travellers. Larkspur Landing is well-equipped with business amenities, including a Meeting Room and a prime Business District location. The property welcomes dogs and cats, ensuring that your furry companions are also accommodated, subject to certain restrictions. Guests enjoy the warm atmosphere and extended stay options, making it a great choice for those looking to balance work and relaxation while travelling with pets.
• Los Gatos Lodge: Nestled 27.4km from Santa Cruz, the 3-star Los Gatos Lodge is a delightful option for those seeking a pet-friendly and business-focused retreat. This hotel boasts accessible Business Centre facilities, multiple Meeting Rooms, and a welcoming environment for pets, including service animals. Guests appreciate the lodge's tranquil setting, which allows for a productive work experience while still enjoying the comforts of home. The combination of business amenities and friendly pet policy makes it an excellent choice for travellers looking to blend work with leisure.

Where to stay in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, offers an unforgettable vacation experience with its stunning ocean views and vibrant downtown. Explore the city's family-friendly atmosphere, where friendly locals welcome you to enjoy breathtaking sights and Mediterranean architecture. Whether you're lounging on the beach or embarking on outdoor excursions, Santa Cruz provides the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal destination for Canadian travellers seeking both fun and tranquillity.

• Capitola: Located a mere 6.4km from Santa Cruz, Capitola is a charming coastal city that offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities and scenic beauty. Known for its picturesque beach, vibrant bay, and inviting boardwalk, this destination is perfect for those seeking a relaxing beach experience. Popular attractions include an amusement park and recreational areas, making it a great spot for families and beachgoers alike. The best times to visit are from April to June and during the July peak, when the local festivities and outdoor activities are in full swing.
• Westside Santa Cruz: Nestled around the Santa Cruz area, Westside Santa Cruz is a vibrant neighbourhood that thrives year-round. With its family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a fantastic place to enjoy outdoor adventures and beach fun. Visitors can explore attractions such as the nearby theme park, beach, and bay. The peak season runs from June to August, with a slight dip in visitor numbers during the winter months. The community is known for its educational venues and amusement park, making it an ideal place for both relaxation and family bonding.
• Aptos: Just 11.3km from Santa Cruz, Aptos is a scenic city that beckons with its stunning natural landscapes and outdoor experiences. Travellers flock here for its beautiful beaches and access to national parks, all while enjoying the recreational opportunities available. The local landmarks, including the beach and bay, create a serene backdrop for exploration. The peak times to visit are similar to Capitola, with April and June to July seeing the highest influx of tourists, providing the ideal conditions for a memorable vacation.

Things to do in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is an ideal destination for outdoor family beach vacations, offering a variety of activities including an amusement park, a lively boardwalk, and scenic recreational areas. Visitors can explore music venues, enjoy day getaways, and experience sunset sails, all while browsing charming gift shops. Known as a premier surf destination, Santa Cruz combines relaxation with adventure, making it perfect for a memorable getaway.

Shopping

Experience the vibrant shopping on Ocean Street in Santa Cruz, filled with local businesses and family-friendly vibes. For a unique experience, visit Capitola Mercantile, located 6.4km away, offering entertainment and a variety of shops. If you're up for a drive, check out the Swift Street Courtyard for more options.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Pasatiempo Golf Course, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and outdoor vibes. For relaxation, visit Luminescence Healing Haven, where rejuvenating body treatments await. If you're seeking adventure, Treks and Tracks Rock Climbing Trips offers exciting experiences just a short drive from Santa Cruz.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of soaring through the trees on a zip line at the treeTopWalk, located 9.7km from Santa Cruz, where the outdoor atmosphere enhances your adventure. Alternatively, challenge your friends at Santa Clara Paintball, situated 38.6km away, and immerse yourself in an exhilarating battle.

For a scenic hike, head to Ox Trailhead, just 6.4km from Santa Cruz, where you'll enjoy breathtaking views and a refreshing outdoor experience.

Nightlife

Santa Cruz offers vibrant nightlife with Boardwalk Bowl for arcade fun and adventure vibes, while the Sky Glider provides thrilling theme park rides. For a touch of culture and romance, enjoy a performance at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts, located 38.6km away.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz provides numerous opportunities for budget-conscious travellers. Enjoy free attractions like the University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Wharf, and Cowell's Beach. For transportation, utilize the local bus system, which is economical. Consider visiting from November to January for lower accommodation rates, avoiding the pricier summer months. Mondays generally offer the best hotel prices, while Saturdays tend to be the most expensive. Use Expedia to customize your search for eco-friendly hotels and package deals, ensuring you find the best rates for your stay in this beautiful coastal city.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Santa Cruz are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Santa Cruz is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Santa Cruz is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Make the most of Expedia’s search wizard by customizing your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: By booking an Expedia package, you can save money by combining your Santa Cruz hotel accommodation with your flights and activities.

Find the best attractions in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and family-friendly beach vacations. With its stunning beaches, nearby state parks, and exciting amusement parks, there's something for everyone. Explore popular attractions like the Santa Cruz Wharf and immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery. Whether you're seeking relaxation or outdoor experiences, Santa Cruz is the perfect destination for your getaway.

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Experience the thrill of classic amusement rides, play games, and enjoy delicious boardwalk treats. This vibrant seaside park offers something for everyone, from thrilling roller coasters to family-friendly attractions, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
• Mystery Spot: Delve into the intriguing world of optical illusions and gravitational anomalies at this quirky attraction. The Mystery Spot offers guided tours that explore its unique history and the baffling phenomena that have fascinated visitors for decades, blending culture with a touch of mystery.
• Capitola Beach: Relax on the picturesque sands of Capitola Beach, known for its charming village atmosphere and stunning coastal views. Enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, or simply soaking up the sun while taking in the vibrant beachfront, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely 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

When visiting Santa Cruz, California, you have three major airports to consider. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is situated 77.2km away, with excellent hotel options like the Fairmont San Francisco and Palace Hotel, both 19.3km from the airport, offering shuttle services. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is 45.1km from Santa Cruz, with nearby hotels such as the Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo Alto and Santa Clara Marriott, providing convenient access. Lastly, Oakland International Airport (OAK) is 83.7km away, featuring hotels like 1 Hotel San Francisco and Claremont Resort & Club, also easily accessible from the airport.