Santa Cruz hotels from HK$799

Top reasons to visit Santa Cruz

• Stunning Beaches: Santa Cruz boasts beautiful beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach activities.
• Vibrant Boardwalk: The iconic Santa Cruz Boardwalk offers amusement rides, games, and a lively seaside atmosphere.
• Outdoor Adventures: Explore national and state parks, ideal for hiking, surfing, and enjoying nature.
• Local Culture: Immerse yourself in the local culture with charming neighbourhoods and vibrant arts scenes.
• Diverse Accommodation: A range of hotels and resorts caters to various needs, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Find great hotels near Santa Cruz

Explore a variety of accommodation options in Santa Cruz, California, where you can find hotels and resorts catering to diverse needs. Whether you're seeking pet-friendly lodgings, facilities for business travel, or an adventure-filled holiday experience, Santa Cruz has something for everyone. Dive into hotel reviews and discover the ideal Santa Cruz hotel that suits your preferences for a memorable stay.

• La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley: La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley is a charming 3.5-star hotel offering a distinctive blend of comfort and functionality, ideal for business travellers. Situated 37km from Santa Cruz, this property features a variety of amenities including a business centre, meeting rooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a productive stay. The hotel’s warm, inviting décor reflects a traditional Mexican theme, providing a relaxing atmosphere after a busy day. Guests appreciate the attentive service and convenient location, making it a suitable choice for those seeking to balance work and leisure.
• Larkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Campbell: This 3.5-star property, located 35km from Santa Cruz, is perfect for business travellers and those looking for a home-like experience in the city centre. Its extended stay concept includes fully equipped kitchenettes in each suite, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. The hotel is also pet-friendly, welcoming dogs with specific amenities and policies in place. The casual yet sophisticated atmosphere, combined with features such as a fitness centre and complimentary breakfast, makes Larkspur Landing a popular choice for both short and long-term stays.
• Motel 6 Marina, CA - Monterey: A budget-friendly option, the Motel 6 Marina, CA - Monterey is located 37km from Santa Cruz and boasts a guest rating of 8.0 out of 10. This pet-friendly motel provides a welcoming environment for travellers with pets, offering essential amenities while maintaining affordability. The straightforward accommodations focus on comfort and convenience, and guests appreciate the friendly staff and clean rooms. With its strategic location, it serves as a practical base for exploring the beautiful Monterey Peninsula.

Where to stay in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, is a delightful destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Enjoy sun-soaked days at Santa Cruz Beach, where golden sands meet the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Santa Cruz. Stroll through charming neighbourhoods filled with friendly locals, or embark on exciting excursions that showcase the region's natural beauty. With a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, Santa Cruz offers an unforgettable vacation experience for everyone.

• Capitola: Nestled a mere 6km from Santa Cruz, Capitola is a charming coastal city that beckons visitors with its picturesque beach and vibrant atmosphere. The town experiences moderate seasonal tourism, with peaks in April and from June to July. Known for its family-friendly outdoor activities, Capitola features an array of attractions such as amusement parks and recreational areas. The stunning local landmarks, including the sandy beach and scenic bay, offer the perfect backdrop for relaxation and adventure alike.
• Aptos: Located 11km from Santa Cruz, Aptos is a delightful city that enchants travellers with its breathtaking scenery and inviting beaches. Similar to Capitola, Aptos sees a moderate influx of visitors, particularly during the spring and summer months. Outdoor enthusiasts will relish the abundant activities available, including golf and access to national state parks. With its beautiful beaches and serene bay, Aptos is an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and an immersive nature experience.
• Downtown Santa Cruz: Situated in the heart of Santa Cruz, this lively neighbourhood is a hub for visitors year-round, although it sees a surge in summer months from June to August. Downtown Santa Cruz offers a vibrant outdoor and family-friendly experience, featuring attractions like the famous boardwalk and amusement parks. The area is also close to key landmarks such as the beach and bay, making it a perfect base for exploring the local culture and enjoying the Californian sun.

Things to do near Santa Cruz

Shopping

In the heart of Santa Cruz, you can explore eclectic shops along Pacific Avenue, where unique gifts and local crafts await. If you're up for a drive, visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's shops or the Capitola Mall for a wider selection of stores and dining options.

Recreation

At the Santa Cruz Wellness Centre, indulge in holistic therapies and yoga classes set in a serene environment. The Pigeon Point Lighthouse offers a tranquil retreat with coastal views, perfect for meditation and reflection, while enjoying nature’s beauty along the scenic trails nearby.

Adventure

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, located 50km from Santa Cruz, offers an exhilarating motor racing experience. Feel the adrenaline rush as you watch thrilling races on this iconic track, surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere that embodies the spirit of adventure.

Nightlife

Explore The Catalyst for an energetic night with live music and vibrant crowds. For a more relaxed atmosphere, visit The Red Room for cocktails and a laid-back vibe. If you fancy dancing, head to the Blue Lagoon, where the beats keep the night alive.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Cruz

To save money during your visit to Santa Cruz, consider travelling from November to January when accommodation prices are lower, and aim to stay on a Monday for the best rates. Enjoy several free attractions like the University of California, Santa Cruz, and Santa Cruz Wharf. For transportation, use local buses which are economical. When booking, utilise Expedia to find affordable options by filtering prices from lowest to highest and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings.

• 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: Utilise Expedia's search feature to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To uncover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking in Santa Cruz with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is ideal for outdoor family beach holidays, boasting stunning beaches, national and state parks, and the picturesque jetty pier. Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture and enjoy various outdoor experiences. Noteworthy attractions include the Santa Cruz Wharf, where you can explore the vibrant seaside atmosphere and partake in numerous activities. This charming destination offers something for everyone, making it a perfect getaway.

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: This vibrant amusement park offers a delightful blend of thrilling rides, classic arcade games, and charming seaside attractions. Its lively atmosphere and family-oriented vibe make it a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike.
• Mystery Spot: A curious exhibit nestled in the redwoods, the Mystery Spot presents an intriguing optical illusion that challenges perceptions of gravity and space. This unique experience is steeped in local lore and provides a fascinating insight into the area's culture.
• Capitola Beach: Located a short distance from Santa Cruz, Capitola Beach is a picturesque stretch of sand perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. The vibrant beachfront village offers quaint shops and delightful eateries, enhancing the leisurely beach vibe.

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

Reaching Santa Cruz is convenient with three major airports nearby. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is 77km away, with luxurious hotel options such as the Fairmont San Francisco and The Ritz-Carlton, both 19km from the airport, offering transfer services. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is closer at 45km, featuring top hotels like the 5-star Shashi Hotel Mountain View and the Santa Clara Marriott, just 5km from SJC. OAKland International Airport (OAK) is 84km away, with the Claremont Resort & Club 16km from the airport. Each hotel provides accessible transportation to their respective airports for your convenience.