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The 10 Best Beach Hotels in Santa Cruz, USA

Check out our selection of great beach hotels in Santa Cruz

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Review Score

Wonderful: 9+ Very Good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+

Beach Access

Beachfront
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Centrally located in Santa Cruz, this inn is across from Main Beach. The inn features a courtyard area with picnic tables, an outdoor pool and guest rooms with free WiFi.

Each room at Beach Street Inn and Suites includes a microwave and a refrigerator. Coffee facilities are also provided along with cable TV.

it is great location and clean

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9
Wonderful
1,552 reviews
Price from
$168.72
per night

Located in Santa Cruz, within 100 metres of Sunny Cove Beach and 600 metres of Black’s Beach, Sunny Cove Motel provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi as well as free private parking for guests who drive. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse is 6.5 km from the motel and Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is 6.5 km away.

Wait. Was there a breakfast. Yes this place is older but you really can't beat everything you get. A great location. The room have kitchens or kitchenettes and my room had a little separate alcove for the bed. The staff is beyond nice and helpful

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9.1
Wonderful
130 reviews
Price from
$130
per night

Nestled on a bluff across from Cowell's Beach, this 3-story Victorian home is a restful bed and breakfast that offers unique guestrooms and thoughtful amenities just steps from the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk.

This is a hidden gem! It's a converted Victorian house. Our room was so comfy and spacious. They had fresh baked cookies when we arrived and more throughout the day. They also had a homemade breakfast- it was a breakfast quiche. It felt more like a B&B than a hotel. Friendly staff. Had a blast and wished we could stay longer. It it within a short walking distance of the Pier.

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9
Wonderful
279 reviews
Price from
$210.90
per night

Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse is 8.6 km from the holiday home, while Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is 8.6 km away. The nearest airport is Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, 56 km from Beach Haven.

Such a cute little House. Very well equipped and exceptionally clean. Plenty of amenities. Good neighborhood.

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9.5
Exceptional
16 reviews
Price from
$274
per night

Located 2 minutes’ walk away from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Carousel Beach Inn offers rooms equipped with a private balcony. It serves a daily continental breakfast.

Guests are greeted by a 24-hour front desk at the Carousel Beach Inn. Free guest parking is available. Vending machines featuring snacks and drinks are offered on-site.

great spot, close to boardwalk

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8.2
Very Good
1,713 reviews
Price from
$119
per night

Located 3 blocks from the historic Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk, Ocean Pacific Lodge is 100% non-smoking and offers guest rooms with free WiFi. Free on-site parking is available at this pet-friendly motel.

Walking distance to the wharf and Santa Cruz board walk. The pool is salt water and enjoyable

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8.1
Very Good
1,214 reviews
Price from
$98.10
per night

This beachfront hotel is located next to Santa Cruz’s famous boardwalk and steps from the city centre, making it an ideal destination for a weekend escape, corporate event, family holiday or romantic getaway.

best hotel on the beach great room

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8.7
Excellent
1,003 reviews
Price from
$259
per night

Set in Santa Cruz, 1.5 km from Santa Cruz Beach, SeaSide Inn & Suites offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. The property is located 1.8 km from Cowell's Beach, 1.5 km from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 49 km from San Jose Convention Center. The property is non-smoking and is situated 1.6 km from Seabright State Beach.

From checking in to the room itself, everything we fabulous! Thanks for the upgrade!

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8.1
Very Good
384 reviews
Price from
$79
per night

Marea Sol Hotel is well set in Santa Cruz, and features an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi and a terrace. The property is located 200 metres from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 1.9 km from Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse and 1.9 km from Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Private parking is available on site.

Check in clerk was very nice and helpful!! Nice room ,right across the street from the Boardwalk . Beautiful view of ocean !! Definitely would stay here again !

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8.3
Very Good
292 reviews
Price from
$149
per night

Well situated in the centre of Santa Cruz, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz offers air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre and free WiFi. This property is set a short distance from attractions such as Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, and Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Private parking is available on site.

Breakfast was great- location central- staff coyrteous and friendly

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8.8
Excellent
648 reviews
Price from
$148.72
per night

Looking for a beach hotel?

There’s nothing like waking up to the sound of crashing waves and the sea air floating into your bedroom window. Beachfront accommodations come in a variety of forms, from all-inclusive resorts to secluded homestays and villas. Beach hotel amenities can include air-conditioned rooms, private terraces overlooking the sea, and outdoor pools with attached bars.
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Beach Hotels That Guests Love in Santa Cruz

  • Avg. price/night: $214.53
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 1,552 reviews
    Authentic American seaside town accommodation - right on the Ocean with easy walk to the pier and boardwalk. Lovely staff who were helpful and service orientated.
    robert
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $406.85
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,003 reviews
    Nice balcony looking over the bay & pier Beach access - had a late Feb dip Restaurant on site Simple breakfast in the morning Suited us as a stop on Route 1 trip
    Gerard
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $273.08
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,376 reviews
    The room was an ocean view and stunning! Large space and immaculate. An unobstructed view of Sunrise/sunsets was amazing. Pricepoint extremely reasonable during the week. I absolutely loved opening my door and sitting in comfy chair on balcony looking out on beach.
    Pamela
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $406.85
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,003 reviews
    Location is the main selling point of this hotel. On the beach, sea view, sound of ocean waves as you fall asleep. The adjacent Jack ONeill restaurant was very good as well. Not pretentious, great views as well of the beach and high quality food.
    Jennifer
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $170.61
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 292 reviews
    It’s a great location and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. It has a nice rooftop and is a stone’s throw away from the beach. We stayed for one night only. It wasn’t a long walk to downtown, which has lots of shops and restaurants, as well as the seaside funfair and longest pier ever!
    hana
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $406.85
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,003 reviews
    I loved the bar near the hot tub and fact area is right on the beach. The pool was perfectly heated to an ideal temperature despite it being cool outside.
    Robin
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $273.08
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,376 reviews
    The location is amazing, right on the beach and boardwalk. Just a beautiful and amazing view.
    CARLOS
    Group
  • Avg. price/night: $406.85
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,003 reviews
    The location was stunning, right on the beach and the best spot in Santa Cruz. We also really enjoyed chilling at the pool.
    Jamie
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $406.85
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,003 reviews
    Great location on the beach Nice surf vibe Friendly staff
    Marco
    Group
  • Avg. price/night: $406.85
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,003 reviews
    The hotel located right on the beach
    Amir Livne
    Family with young children

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