Hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz: Where Ocean Breezes Meet Artistic Vibes

Discover the vibrant heart of Santa Cruz, California, where beachside charm meets eclectic culture. Stroll through Downtown Santa Cruz, a hub of unique shops, lively cafes, and art-filled streets just minutes from the stunning coastline. Enjoy sun-soaked days at the nearby Santa Cruz Wharf or Capitola Beach, and immerse yourself in the local arts scene. With its laid-back vibe, picturesque landscapes, and easy access to nature, Downtown Santa Cruz is the perfect getaway for beach lovers and adventurers alike, offering unforgettable experiences in a picturesque coastal setting. For the best hotel rates in Downtown Santa Cruz and to enhance your stay, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in Downtown Santa Cruz

Downtown Santa Cruz is perfect for travelers seeking a vibrant beach experience. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers classic amusement rides and stunning ocean views, while Capitola Beach features charming shops and cafes along its picturesque shoreline. Pacific Avenue is the hub for dining and shopping. Accommodations vary from budget-friendly motels to upscale hotels, often providing amenities like pools and easy beach access. For first-time visitors, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a must-see for its iconic attractions. Here are some of the best hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz that our travelers love:

1. Near Santa Cruz Beach BoardwalkOpens in a new window: This vibrant area is perfect for families and adventure seekers, offering a fun-filled atmosphere with easy access to the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The boardwalk features amusement park rides, games, and a beautiful beach, making it an ideal spot for entertainment. For accommodation, consider Comfort Inn Beach/Boardwalk AreaOpens in a new window, a 2.5-star hotel within a mile from the boardwalk, providing child-friendly amenities like a children's pool. Courtyard by Marriott Santa CruzOpens in a new window is a 3.0-star hotel that caters to business and family travelers, featuring adventure sports nearby and a pool for kids. If you're traveling with pets, Aqua Breeze InnOpens in a new window is a 2.5-star motel that welcomes pets and offers essential amenities for a comfortable stay.
2. Near Capitola BeachOpens in a new window: A picturesque beach destination, Capitola offers a laid-back vibe and scenic ocean views. It's great for travelers looking to relax by the beach or explore local wineries. Hilton Garden Inn GilroyOpens in a new window is a 3.0-star hotel that caters to business travelers and pet owners, featuring a 24-hour business center and pet-friendly policies. Pacheco Pass MotelOpens in a new window and Hampton Inn & Suites GilroyOpens in a new window are also good options, with Pacheco Pass MotelOpens in a new window allowing pets for free and Hampton Inn & Suites GilroyOpens in a new window focused on business amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay for both work and relaxation.
3. Near Pacific AvenueOpens in a new window: This bustling area is ideal for those looking to experience the city's vibrant culture, shopping, and dining options. It’s perfect for business travelers and families alike. Dinah's Garden HotelOpens in a new window is a 3.5-star hotel with a unique Art Deco design, offering business amenities and child-friendly services. The Palo Alto InnOpens in a new window and Hilton Garden Inn Palo AltoOpens in a new window provide additional options for business needs, ensuring a convenient stay with access to local attractions and activities.

Things to do in Downtown Santa Cruz for first time

Three days in Downtown Santa Cruz offers the perfect blend of beachside relaxation and vibrant cultural experiences. Stroll along scenic coastal paths, enjoy live music, explore lush parks, and indulge in biking or hiking through stunning landscapes. With diverse shopping and dining options, it’s an ideal getaway for every traveler. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Downtown Santa Cruz:

• Day 1: Begin your adventure at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where you can enjoy classic amusement park rides and games while soaking in the vibrant beach atmosphere. After a fun-filled morning, stroll over to the iconic Town Clock, a historical landmark that marks the center of Santa Cruz. Take a moment to snap some photos and appreciate its charming surroundings. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along the Santa Cruz Wharf, where you can savor fresh seafood, watch sea lions basking in the sun, and take in stunning views of the coastline.
• Day 2: Start your day at Capitola Beach, a picturesque spot perfect for sunbathing or beachcombing. Enjoy the colorful beach houses and perhaps grab a bite at one of the local cafés. Next, head to Twin Lakes State Beach, where you can relax on the sandy shores or explore the nearby walking trails. Finish your day at Santa Cruz Harbor, where you can watch boats come and go, and enjoy the beautiful sunset while dining at one of the waterfront restaurants.
• Day 3: Kick off your day with a visit to the Mystery Spot, a fascinating gravitational anomaly that will leave you puzzled and amazed. After your mind-bending experience, make your way to the stunning Monterey Bay, where you can explore the vibrant marine life and perhaps even spot some dolphins. Wrap up your itinerary at Natural Bridges State Park, where you can take a scenic hike along the coastline and witness the beautiful natural rock formations and tide pools, making it a perfect ending to your Santa Cruz adventure.

5 tips to find a great Downtown Santa Cruz hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: For those looking to visit Downtown Santa Cruz on a budget, the most affordable months are January, November, and December, when hotel prices tend to be lower. If you're traveling internationally, it's wise to book your flight at least one month in advance to secure better deals. To fully enjoy the main attractions, including the beautiful beach, a stay of at least 2-3 days is recommended. This way, you can experience all that this charming destination has to offer while getting great value for your money.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: Looking for affordable last-minute deals to Downtown Santa Cruz? You may discover great discounts on hotels by checking the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window sections on Hotels.com. Keep an eye out for the latest prices and special offers that could pop up close to your travel date. Additionally, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com to stay informed about flash sales and unique promotions, ensuring you’re more likely to snag a fantastic deal on Santa Cruz hotels.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate depending on factors like the location, star rating, and time of year. So, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Downtown Santa Cruz.
4. Consider your location: When booking on Hotels.com for your vacation, take your location into account. Staying near major attractions or downtown areas can offer convenience, but it usually tends to be more expensive. For more affordable rates, consider hotels in less central neighborhoods, striking a balance between cost and the convenience of reaching the sights you want to see.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Book your hotel in Downtown Santa Cruz and join Hotels.com's free One Key rewards program, enabling members to earn and enjoy reward points for hotel reservations. Progress through Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers and access perks such as room upgrades when available, exclusive discounts, and unique member offers. Join today.

What to eat in Downtown Santa Cruz

Here are a few popular dishes in Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America:

• Cioppino: A hearty seafood stew that originated from Italian fishermen in San Francisco, cioppino features a delightful mix of fish, shellfish, and aromatic herbs simmered in a rich tomato broth. In Downtown Santa Cruz, you'll find local variations that highlight the region’s fresh catches, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.
• Garlic Fries: A popular snack or side dish, garlic fries are crispy French fries tossed in freshly minced garlic and parsley, often served with a side of aioli for dipping. This indulgent treat is perfect for enjoying while exploring the vibrant dining district and pairs wonderfully with a local craft beer.

Best time to go to Downtown Santa Cruz

Downtown Santa Cruz experiences its lowest average temperature in December, at 52.2°F (11.2°C), while September is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 63.9°F (17.7°C). December tends to be the wettest month. The peak travel months to visit Downtown Santa Cruz are June to August, which see a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is sunny, accompanied by dry rainfall. In contrast, January, November, and December are ideal if you're looking for a calmer vacation, marked by light rainfall and mostly sunny conditions.

Downtown Santa Cruz Travel Information