Find hotels in Santa Cruz, CA from £74

Top reasons to visit Santa Cruz

• Stunning Beaches: Santa Cruz boasts beautiful beaches, ideal for relaxation and water sports, offering a perfect coastal getaway.
• Vibrant Boardwalk: The lively Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features amusements, games, and dining options for family-friendly fun.
• Scenic Parks: Explore nearby national and state parks, providing opportunities for hiking and enjoying nature.
• Charming Downtown: Experience the welcoming atmosphere of downtown Santa Cruz with its unique shops and eateries.
• Diverse Accommodations: From quaint inns to upscale hotels, Santa Cruz offers varied lodging to suit every traveller's needs.

Find great hotels near Santa Cruz

Discover the perfect retreat in Santa Cruz, California, with a variety of accommodations to suit every traveller's preference. Whether you're seeking a pet-friendly hotel, a resort for adventure, or business-themed facilities, Santa Cruz offers an array of options. From charming inns to upscale hotels, you'll find the ideal base to explore this beautiful coastal destination. Enjoy a memorable stay in one of the best hotels Santa Cruz has to offer.

• La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley: Nestled 14.3km from Santa Cruz, La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley is a 3.5-star hotel that caters to the needs of business travellers. The hotel embodies a professional and modern theme, offering a range of amenities designed for corporate guests. With multiple meeting rooms and a dedicated conference space, it provides an ideal setting for meetings and events. Guests can enjoy a comfortable stay while benefiting from swift access to vital business resources.
• Larkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Campbell: Located 13.7km from Santa Cruz, this 3.5-star hotel is perfect for those seeking a pet-friendly environment along with business facilities. Larkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Campbell offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere ideal for both business and leisure. It features meeting rooms and a business district site location, ensuring all your professional needs are met. With a pet-friendly policy that includes restrictions, you can bring your furry companions along for the journey, making it a great choice for pet owners.
• Los Gatos Lodge: Situated just 10.6km from Santa Cruz, the Los Gatos Lodge is a charming 3-star accommodation that caters to both business travellers and pet owners alike. With accessible business centres and multiple meeting rooms, this lodge combines professional amenities with a relaxed environment. The hotel’s pet-friendly policy allows you to travel with your pets, ensuring no one is left behind. Guests will appreciate the comfortable lodgings and the convenience of having business services readily available during their stay.

Where to stay in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a delightful destination for outdoor and family-friendly beach vacations. Explore the vibrant downtown Santa Cruz, where friendly locals welcome you to an array of shops and eateries. The stunning Santa Cruz coastline offers idyllic beaches perfect for relaxation and recreation. Whether you're seeking a peaceful beach getaway or exciting excursions, Santa Cruz and its surrounding areas provide the perfect blend of atmosphere and adventure for an unforgettable holiday.

• Capitola: Nestled a mere 2.5km from Santa Cruz, Capitola is a charming seaside city that offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventure and beach relaxation. With its picturesque scenery, visitors flock here for enjoyment during peak months of April and June to July. The area is known for its beautiful beach and vibrant bay, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and watersports. Enjoy the local amusement park and boardwalk, or simply take a stroll through the scenic recreational areas. Capitola is perfect for those seeking a laid-back coastal experience.
• Eastside Santa Cruz: This vibrant neighbourhood surrounds the heart of Santa Cruz, welcoming families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Travellers often visit from June to August, enjoying activities suited for all ages. Eastside Santa Cruz boasts easy access to stunning beaches and the famous theme park, ensuring a fun-filled day for everyone. The area is rich in recreational opportunities, with lush parks and inviting trails for walking or biking. With its family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful coastal views, Eastside Santa Cruz is a must-visit for those looking to create lasting memories.
• Pleasure Point: Located in close proximity to Santa Cruz, Pleasure Point offers a relaxed coastal vibe that attracts visitors year-round, especially during the summer months. Known for its breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities, this neighbourhood is a haven for surfers and beachgoers alike. With easy access to nearby beaches and a national state park, you can enjoy a variety of recreational pursuits. Indulge in the local amusement park and boardwalk, or simply take in the stunning ocean views. Pleasure Point is perfect for those seeking both adventure and tranquillity.

Things to do in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is an ideal destination for outdoor family holidays, offering a variety of activities. You can enjoy the thrills of the amusement park, relax at the vibrant boardwalk, or explore the scenic recreational areas. With its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere, Santa Cruz promises an unforgettable experience for tourists seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Shopping

Ocean Street offers a vibrant shopping experience with a mix of local businesses and family-friendly vibes. For a broader selection, head to Capitola Mercantile, located 2.5km away, featuring entertainment and city charm. If you're up for a drive, Hamlin Antiques is 11.2km from Santa Cruz, perfect for unique finds.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Seascape Golf Club, set amidst stunning coastal scenery just 5.0km from Santa Cruz. For a unique experience, try rock climbing with Treks and Tracks, located 3.1km away, or indulge in rejuvenating treatments at Luminescence Healing Haven, 6.8km from the city.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of soaring through the trees on the Zip Line treeTopWalk, located 3.7km from Santa Cruz, surrounded by lush outdoor vibes. For scenic hiking, explore the Ox Trailhead, 2.5km away, offering stunning views and an adventurous atmosphere. For a high-energy outing, try paintball at Santa Clara Paintball, 22.5km from Santa Cruz.

Nightlife

Experience the fun at Boardwalk Bowl, where you can enjoy arcade games and a lively atmosphere. For a thrilling ride, visit the Sky Glider theme park ride. If you're up for a film, head to Cinemark Century Oakridge 20 for a romantic cinema outing just 13.0km from Santa Cruz.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a budget-friendly destination with free attractions like the University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Wharf, and Main Beach. To save on transport, consider using buses instead of taxis or rental cars. Visit between November and January for lower accommodation rates, particularly on Mondays, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find affordable hotels by sorting results from lowest to highest price, and consider package deals for additional savings on flights and activities.

• 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: Expedia's search feature enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation in Santa Cruz with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is perfect for outdoor and family beach holidays, offering a variety of attractions such as the Santa Cruz Beach and the Santa Cruz Wharf. Visitors can enjoy the stunning beaches, explore national and state parks, and experience the vibrant local culture. With an array of activities suitable for all ages, Santa Cruz promises a delightful getaway for those seeking sun, sea, and adventure.

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Experience the thrill of this historic amusement park, featuring classic rides, games, and seaside attractions. With its vibrant atmosphere and stunning ocean views, it's perfect for families and adventure seekers alike.
• Mystery Spot: Step into this fascinating exhibit, where the laws of physics seem to bend. Engage in a guided tour that unveils the cultural and historical significance of this quirky attraction, guaranteed to leave you puzzled and amused.
• Capitola Beach: Just 2.5km from Santa Cruz, this picturesque beach offers a serene escape. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or exploring charming shops and eateries along the vibrant waterfront, making it a delightful spot for relaxation.

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 slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). 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 (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	56.7°F (13.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	60.1°F (15.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	63.3°F (17.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	63.9°F (17.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
October	61.5°F (16.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	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 planning your visit to Santa Cruz, California, you can conveniently fly into three major airports. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is 29.8km away, with excellent hotel options such as the Palace Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton, both 7.5km from the airport, offering transfers and shuttles. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is 17.4km from Santa Cruz, with nearby hotels like the 5-star Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo Alto, just 5.6km away. Lastly, Oakland International Airport (OAK) is 32.3km distant, with the Claremont Resort & Club located 6.2km from the airport, also providing nearby access. Each airport offers convenient transportation services to ensure a smooth journey.