Question 1

What are the best beach hotels in Santa Cruz?

Accepted Answer

For beach lovers in Santa Cruz, several fantastic hotels offer convenient access to the coast and a range of amenities.

The 4.5-star La Bahia Hotel and Spa, with an excellent guest rating of 9.6, is wonderfully located near the beach. Guests can indulge in a variety of spa treatments, including Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone massages, as well as body wraps and aromatherapy, great for unwinding after a day by the ocean.

Another superb option is the 4-star Dream Inn Santa Cruz, rated 9.4 by our customers, which boasts stunning ocean views and is right on the beach, as highlighted by our customers. It features an outdoor pool with sun loungers and a poolside bar, ideal for soaking up the California sun.

The 3-star Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola, with a strong 9.4 rating, is conveniently located near the beach and offers complimentary breakfast, ensuring a great start to your day before heading to Capitola Wharf or Esplanade Park Beach.

The Beach Street Inn and Suites, also rated 9.4, provides direct beach access and offers lovely ocean views. Guests can enjoy the outdoor heated pool, complete with sun loungers and umbrellas, for a relaxing beach holiday.

Question 2

How much does a beach hotel in Santa Cruz cost?

Accepted Answer

Prices for beach hotels in Santa Cruz vary, but you can find a great deal from £73 on Expedia. You're likely to find lower rates if you're travelling during the off-peak season or mid-week. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for our cheapest rates.

Question 3

Which area of Santa Cruz, California, United States of America is best to stay in for beaches?

Accepted Answer

For unparalleled beach access in Santa Cruz, the Downtown / Boardwalk / Main Beach / Cowell Beach / West Cliff area is your premier choice. This vibrant stretch puts you right at the heart of the city's most iconic beachfront, offering the easiest stroll to the sand and immediate immersion in the lively option.

If your ideal beach experience involves scenic coastal walks and surfing, the West Cliff / Lighthouse Point area is perfect. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking ocean views, explore the renowned Steamer Lane, and easily access Mitchell's Cove and other nearby beaches.

For those seeking a wider, more relaxed beach with a local feel, the Seabright / Harbor area comes highly recommended.

Question 4

What is the best time of year to stay in a beach hotel in Santa Cruz, California, United States of America?

Accepted Answer

The most popular time to stay in a beach hotel in Santa Cruz is late September to early October. During this period, you'll experience the warmest ocean temperatures, comfortably warm weather, and significantly fewer crowds compared to the bustling summer months. Temperatures generally hover around 20-24°C, creating ideal conditions for relaxing on the sand, swimming, or trying out some surfing.

This sweet spot is great for couples or families looking for a tranquil yet enjoyable beach holiday. With fewer people around, you'll find it easier to secure a prime spot on the beach or enjoy a more intimate dining experience at a seafront restaurant. It's also a fantastic time for exploring the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk without the peak season queues.

October is another excellent choice, especially if securing better value on accommodation is a priority. While the water might be a touch cooler, the weather remains pleasant for beach activities, and you'll often find hotel rates are more agreeable.

Question 5

Which Santa Cruz hotels are near the best beaches?

Accepted Answer

For travellers looking for hotels near the best beaches in Santa Cruz, consider the 4.5-star La Bahia Hotel and Spa, which boasts an excellent guest rating of 9.6. This hotel is conveniently located near Harbor Beach and offers a full-service spa with a wide array of treatments, including deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, body wraps, and aromatherapy, superb for unwinding after a day by the sea.

Another great option is the 4-star Dream Inn Santa Cruz, rated 9.4 by our customers. Situated right on the beach, it offers stunning ocean views and features an outdoor pool with poolside bar service, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere. It's also close to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, offering entertainment for all ages.

The 3-star Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola, with a guest rating of 9.4, is located near Capitola Wharf and Esplanade Park Beach. Guests can start their day with a complimentary continental breakfast, and the hotel provides free WiFi, ensuring a comfortable and connected stay near the beach.

The Beach Street Inn and Suites, highly rated at 9.4, provides direct beach access and features both an outdoor and a heated private pool for guests to enjoy. Its prime location makes it ideal for those wanting to be right by the ocean, close to attractions like the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum.

Finally, the 3-star La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz, with a 9.2 guest rating, is also conveniently located near the beach.

Question 6

What beach activities should we do in Santa Cruz, California, United States of America?

Accepted Answer

For a classic Santa Cruz experience, focusing on Cowell Beach is an excellent choice, especially if you're looking to try your hand at surfing. This beach is renowned for its gentle waves, making it superb for beginner surfing lessons, and its convenient location near the iconic Santa Cruz Wharf means a relaxed beach day is easily combined with other attractions. After riding the waves, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Wharf, soaking in the vibrant setting.

For those who enjoy a lively option and easy access to entertainment, Main Beach is a superb option. Its proximity to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk means you can seamlessly transition from sunbathing and lounging on the sand to enjoying thrilling rides and classic arcade games. This beach is ideal for families or groups seeking a fun-filled day with plenty of activities.

If you're after a more tranquil beach experience with opportunities for swimming and building sandcastles, Seabright State Beach is highly recommended. This expansive beach offers ample space for relaxation and is particularly known for its designated bonfire pits, superb for an evening gathering under the stars. The calm waters here are also great for bodysurfing, providing gentle thrills for all ages.

For couples seeking scenic beauty and a touch of local culture, exploring the beaches along West Cliff Drive, such as Natural Bridges and Mitchell's Cove, is a must. These spots are less about traditional swimming and more about breathtaking ocean views, invigorating walks, and observing Santa Cruz's laid-back surf culture. The dramatic coastline and natural arches provide a stunning backdrop for romantic strolls, especially at sunset.

Question 7

What are the best Santa Cruz hotels with ocean views?

Accepted Answer

For stunning ocean views in Santa Cruz, consider the 4.5-star La Bahia Hotel and Spa, which boasts an excellent guest rating of 9.6. This hotel is not only near the beach but also offers a luxurious spa experience with a steam room, sauna, and a wide array of treatments from deep tissue to hot stone massages, great for unwinding after a day of enjoying the coastal scenery.

Another fantastic option is the 4-star Dream Inn Santa Cruz, rated 9.4 by our customers, which offers direct ocean views and a lovely outdoor pool with a poolside bar, making it ideal for soaking up the sun and enjoying the sea breeze. Many guests rave about the beautiful, clean rooms and the excellent, friendly staff.

The Beach Street Inn and Suites, with a guest rating of 9.4, provides direct access to the beach and features both ocean views and an outdoor heated pool with sun loungers, ensuring a relaxing stay. Guests often highlight the amazing location and the comfortable beds.

For those looking for a great value with partial ocean views, the 3-star La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz, rated 9.2, includes complimentary continental breakfast and is conveniently located near the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. Guests appreciate the spacious, clean rooms and the friendly staff.

Finally, the 3.5-star West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn, with a guest rating of 9.2, offers partial ocean views and a complimentary full breakfast.

Question 8

What are the top-rated beach hotels in Santa Cruz with a pool?

Accepted Answer

In Santa Cruz, several top-rated beach hotels offer fantastic pool facilities for a relaxing stay.

The 4.5-star La Bahia Hotel and Spa, with an excellent guest rating of 9.6, provides a serene escape near the beach. It boasts an outdoor pool and a full-service spa where you can indulge in a range of treatments, from deep tissue massages to revitalising body wraps.

The 4-star Dream Inn Santa Cruz, rated 9.4, is right on the beach and features a lovely outdoor pool with sun loungers and a poolside bar, superb for enjoying the ocean views and soaking up the California sun. Our customers consistently praise its beautiful and clean rooms, as well as its excellent restaurant.

For a great value option, the 3-star Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola, with a guest rating of 9.4, offers an amazing outdoor pool. Located near Capitola Wharf, it also provides complimentary breakfast, which our guests frequently describe as delicious.

The Beach Street Inn and Suites, rated 9.4, provides direct beach access and features a heated outdoor pool, some of which are private, along with sun loungers and umbrellas for ultimate comfort. Our guests love the great location and comfortable beds.

Finally, the 3-star La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz, with a 9.2 guest rating, is another excellent choice near the beach.

Question 9

Which beach hotels in Santa Cruz are good for couples?

Accepted Answer

For couples seeking a romantic getaway in Santa Cruz, La Bahia Hotel and Spa and Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages offer lovely beachside experiences.

The 4.5-star La Bahia Hotel and Spa, boasting an impressive 9.6 guest rating, is an excellent choice for couples. It's ideally located near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and offers stunning ocean views from many of its rooms. The hotel's full-service spa provides a range of treatments great for couples, including couples' treatment rooms, Swedish massages, deep tissue massages, and aromatherapy, ensuring a truly relaxing escape.

The 3.5-star Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages, rated 8.8 by our guests, provides a more intimate setting, with many of its cottages offering partial or full ocean views.

Question 10

Which top beach hotels in Santa Cruz offer water sport activities?

Accepted Answer

In Santa Cruz, several fantastic beach hotels offer a variety of water sports activities for guests.

The 3-star Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola, with an excellent guest rating of 9.4, is an ideal choice for those looking to get out on the water. Nearby, you can enjoy kayaking, windsurfing, surfing, bodyboarding, and scuba diving.

For those who love the ocean, the Beach Street Inn and Suites, rated 9.4, provides easy access to nearby kayaking, surfing, and bodyboarding opportunities.

The 3.5-star West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn, with a guest rating of 9.2, is superb for guests interested in exploring underwater. Nearby, you can try snorkelling and windsurfing.

The Best Western Plus Capitola By-the-sea Inn & Suites, rated 9.2, is a great option for surf enthusiasts, with surfing and bodyboarding available nearby.

Question 11

Can I cancel my beach hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline. This is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right beach hotel in Santa Cruz for you.

Question 12

How can I save on a beach hotel in Santa Cruz with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

There are plenty of ways to save on a beach hotel in Santa Cruz. Join One Key™, our free travel rewards programme, to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices across a range of hotels. Typically, booking in advance will help you save on your hotel. If you're feeling spontaneous, be sure to check for last-minute deals.

Question 13

Is it cheaper to book flights and a beach hotel in Santa Cruz as a package?

Accepted Answer

Booking a beach hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it's wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build the perfect travel package.*Savings vary and are not available on all flight and hotel bookings.

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Our top choices for Santa Cruz beach hotels

1. La Bahia Hotel and Spa

2. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

3. West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn

4. Seaway Inn

5. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

6. Mission Inn

7. Carousel Beach Inn

8. Marea Sol Hotel

9. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

10. Pacific Blue Inn

11. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

12. Ocean Pacific Lodge

13. Inn At Pasatiempo

14. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

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

16. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

17. Casablanca On The Beach

18. Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

19. Hitching Post Studios Inn

20. Rio Vista Suites

Choose what matters most at beach hotels in Santa Cruz

Beach hotels with pools in Santa Cruz

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Beach hotels with free breakfast in Santa Cruz

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

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Santa Cruz and its attractions for beach lovers

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