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

Change your mind
Book hotels with free cancellation
Treat yourself
Save instantly and earn perks with One Key
Learn about One Key
Be picky
Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Tonight

Tomorrow

This weekend

Next weekend

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

A modern kitchen with a microwave, refrigerator, and wooden cabinets. There is a round dining table with two chairs and a potted plant.

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

1. Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel

Eastside Santa Cruz, 1.8 mi from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Julia

£127

includes taxes & fees

3 Nov - 4 Nov

A wooden interior with large windows overlooking a beach.

A spacious lobby with high ceilings, arched windows, and a variety of seating arrangements including sofas, armchairs, and a bar area.

A row of colorful houses along a waterfront.

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

2. La Bahia Hotel and Spa

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

Josh

£263

includes taxes & fees

19 Oct - 20 Oct

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

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

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

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

3. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

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

Frank

£158

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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

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

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

A balcony with a sofa, armchairs, and a table with drinks, overlooking a pool and umbrellas.

4. Dream Inn Santa Cruz

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

Jiexin

£215

includes taxes & fees

29 Oct - 30 Oct

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

A modern cafe with wicker pendant lights, a mural of mountains, and large windows offering a view of palm trees.

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.

5. Seaway Inn

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

Roxanna

£112

includes taxes & fees

15 Oct - 16 Oct

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

A hot tub with two people, a wooden deck, and a lattice wall with hanging flower baskets.

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 kitchen with a water dispenser, a coffee machine, and a view of pink flowers through the window.

6. Mission Inn

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

Erin

£86

includes taxes & fees

19 Oct - 20 Oct

A hotel room with two beds, a desk with a chair, a TV, a mirror, and a lamp.

A snack and beverage section with refrigerated display cases and shelves stocked with snacks and drinks.

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.

7. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

Westside Santa Cruz, 1.4 mi from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Ingrid

£100

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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

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

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.

8. Marea Sol Hotel

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

Sherlyn

£96

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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

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

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

A hotel reception area with two reception desks, a digital check-in kiosk, a wall with a 'Less Monday More Summer' sign, and a blue decorative wall.

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

Westside Santa Cruz, 1.9 mi from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Anna

£103

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 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 restaurant with a wooden dining table, chairs, and a vase of flowers.

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

10. Carousel Beach Inn

Westside Santa Cruz, 0.4 mi from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Nova

£74

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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

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

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

11. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz, 0.7 mi from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Grester

£111

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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

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

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

A multi-story hotel with a blue and white exterior, balconies, and a sign indicating it is a Blue Inn.

12. Pacific Blue Inn

Downtown Santa Cruz, 0.3 mi from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Sharon

£98

includes taxes & fees

13 Oct - 14 Oct

The Ocean Pacific Lodge building with a clear blue sky.

A reception area with two sofas, a plant, a map display, and a view of the outside.

A building with a blue and yellow facade, a sign indicating no vacancies, and the name "Ocean Pacific Lodge".

A hotel room with a large bed, bedside tables, a desk, and a bathroom visible through an open door.

13. Ocean Pacific Lodge

Downtown, 0.2 mi from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

James

£74

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

An outdoor seating area with round tables and chairs, string lights overhead, and a large tree in the center.

A hotel room with a bed, a seating area with a table, a desk, and a mirror.

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

A modern bar area with a marble counter, hanging lights, and green patterned walls.

14. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Westside Santa Cruz, 0.9 mi from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Brooke

£122

includes taxes & fees

25 Oct - 26 Oct

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

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

A beach with people walking and swimming, a lifeguard tower, and houses in the background.

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 mi from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Molly

£186

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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

A blue building with a sign reading "Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages."

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

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

16. Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages

Eastside Santa Cruz, 2 mi from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Donald

£138

includes taxes & fees

13 Oct - 14 Oct

A hotel room with a large bed, a bathroom with a bathtub, and a wooden floor.

A reception area with a receptionist desk, a large potted plant, a sofa with a colorful cushion, and a view through the glass doors.

A wooden pergola with climbing plants, a central fountain, and a paved walkway leading to a building entrance.

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.

17. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

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

Bertha

£84

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

A Courtyard by Marriott hotel with outdoor seating, a fire pit, and potted plants.

A modern hotel lobby with a bar area, seating arrangements, and a counter with coffee machines.

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.

18. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

Beach Hill - Beach Flats, 0.4 mi from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Leslie

£114

includes taxes & fees

19 Oct - 20 Oct

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

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

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

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

19. Casablanca On The Beach

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

Johnnie

£107

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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

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.

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

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

Westside Santa Cruz, 1.4 mi from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Steve

£110

includes taxes & fees

5 Nov - 6 Nov

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	9.8 Exceptional 17 reviews	View
La Bahia Hotel and Spa	9.6 Exceptional 549 reviews	View
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz	9.2 Wonderful 1,354 reviews	View
Dream Inn Santa Cruz	9.2 Wonderful 1,035 reviews	View
Seaway Inn	9.2 Wonderful 304 reviews	View

Top Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Hotel Reviews

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

A beachside amusement park with a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and a building with a red roof.

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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 174 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 174 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

Filter by

Star rating

Guest rating

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. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

4. Dream Inn Santa Cruz

5. Seaway Inn

6. Mission Inn

7. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

8. Marea Sol Hotel

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

10. Carousel Beach Inn

11. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

12. Pacific Blue Inn

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. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

19. Casablanca On The Beach

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

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

Top Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Hotel Reviews

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