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Beachfront hotels in Santa Cruz California

With its vibrant beach culture, exceptional ocean-side accommodations, and picturesque ocean views, Santa Cruz in California, United States, has a selection of beachfront hotels that are perfect for any vacation. Whether you're waking up to the soothing sounds of the crashing waves or winding down with a sunset view over the Pacific, these exceptional Santa Cruz accommodations add a unique touch to the beach experience.
In Santa Cruz, the sunshine is nearly as captivating as its inviting surf beaches. The city hosts world-renowned surf spots like Pleasure Point and Steamer Lane, making it a popular choice among surfers. Combine this with a stay in one of the beachfront hotels, and you have easy access to these hotspots, along with the tranquility that only an ocean view can offer.
But there's more to Santa Cruz than just its beaches. The city is home to the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an oceanfront amusement park that's been providing family fun for over a century. Not all beachfront hotels in Santa Cruz, California, can offer such easy access to a classic carnival experience juxtaposed with scenic ocean views. It's this blend of vibrant entertainment and peaceful rest that makes Santa Cruz accommodation truly unique.
And let's not forget the cultural landscape; Santa Cruz boasts a thriving art and music scene. Stroll downtown, and you can delight in an array of artistic offerings from local galleries, sip fantastic local wines, or catch a concert at one of the many music venues. Selecting a beachfront hotel in Santa Cruz as your base not only gifts you the backdrop of a scenic ocean view but also places you at the doorstep of the city's dynamic cultural heartbeat.

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6 properties available

  • Seaway Inn
    Seaway Inn
    176 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, US
    • Free WiFi

    Relax in this charming inn, offering cozy rooms, great amenities and a comfortable stay. Close to the beach with stunning ocean views.

    Good

    15 reviews

    4.3
    From$307.81per room / per night
    Choose room
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola
    Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola
    1255 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, US
    • Free WiFi
    • Fitness facilities

    Enjoy a refreshing stay with top-notch amenities and comfortable rooms. Unwind by an inviting swimming pool for an unforgettable experience.

    Good

    973 reviews

    4.6
    From$289.20per room / per night
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  • Casablanca On The Beach
    Casablanca On The Beach
    101 Main St, Santa Cruz, US
    • Free WiFi

    Boasting direct beach access and offering an ambiance of casual sophistication. Enjoy excellent amenities including spacious rooms and a stunning pool.

    Good

    1,098 reviews

    4.3
    From$422.21per room / per night
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  • Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages
    Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages
    401 Johans Beach Dr, Santa Cruz, US
    • Free WiFi

    Experience cozy cottages steps away from a pristine beach. Luxuriate with top-notch amenities and wake up to the breathtaking ocean views.

    Good

    487 reviews

    4.3
    From$342.49per room / per night
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  • Marea Sol Hotel
    Marea Sol Hotel
    301 Beach St, Santa Cruz, US
    • Free WiFi

    An exquisite spot offering top-notch services. Features refreshing swimming pool and cozy rooms with modern amenities.

    Good

    771 reviews

    4.5
    From$302.57per room / per night
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  • SureStay Hotel by Best Western Santa Cruz
    SureStay Hotel by Best Western Santa Cruz
    516 Water St, Santa Cruz, US
    • Free WiFi

    Experience ultimate comfort in bright, cozy rooms. Savour a range of excellent amenities and take a dip in the delightful pool.

    Average

    990 reviews

    3.2
    From$163.54per room / per night
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Beach restaurants in Santa Cruz California

  1. Atmospheric view of a brick alley featuring an iron gate with 'The Crow's Nest' sign
    Santa Cruz

    The Crow's Nest

    The Crow's Nest is a beloved California beachside restaurant and bar located right on Santa Cruz harbor. It offers stunning views of the coast and serves fresh, seasonal menus featuring seafood as a specialty.

    1
  2. Illustration of zodiac signs on a historic astronomical ceiling, showcasing intricate details and vintage charm.
    Santa Cruz

    Aquarius

    Aquarius, a part of the Dream Inn hotel, sets itself apart with its unbeatable location overlooking Monterey Bay. Its Californian cuisine often has a seafood-oriented menu, making use of the fresh fish available in Santa Cruz.

    2
  3. High-quality close-up of a dynamic microphone for audio recording and performance.
    Santa Cruz

    Ideal Bar & Grill

    Ideal Bar & Grill, located overlooking the Monterey Bay, offers a diverse menu with a focus on fresh seafood. It also boasts a festive tropical decor and beautiful ocean views.

    3
  4. Free stock photo of boat journey, boats, boats in harbour
    Santa Cruz

    Johnny's Harborside

    Johnny's Harborside is well-known for its seafood and panoramic views of Santa Cruz yacht harbor. It's the ideal place for a dinner with an ocean view, featuring a menu filled with ocean-themed dishes made from locally sourced seafood.

    4
  5. Free stock photo of beautiful ocean, bottlenose dolphin, dolphins
    Santa Cruz

    The Dolphin

    The Dolphin, located in the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor, offers great seafood at reasonable prices. The menu has something for all taste buds - from fresh-caught local fish to juicy steaks.

    5

Aquariums in Santa Cruz California

  1. Graceful jellyfish in blue waters captured underwater in Monterey, epitomizing marine life beauty.
    Santa Cruz

    Monterey Bay Aquarium

    Located in Monterey, just around the coast from Santa Cruz, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of California's top attractions. It's home to thousands of plants and animals, including sea otters, sharks, and penguins, and offers visitors a deep dive into the mysterious world of ocean life.

    1
  2. Explore the futuristic design of Hemisfèric in Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences, a stunning architectural landmark.
    Santa Cruz

    Noteworthy Exhibits

    The Monterey Bay Aquarium has a variety of unique exhibits, including a three-story kelp forest, an impressive open sea gallery, and a million-gallon deep sea exhibit. It's a marine education center that offers a close look at marine life.

    2
  3. Mesmerizing jellyfish swimming gracefully in a vibrant underwater seascape.
    Santa Cruz

    Conservation Efforts

    The Monterey Bay Aquarium is the only aquarium in the world to successfully care for and display the deep-sea dwelling cephalopod, the Bigfin Squid. It is widely acclaimed for its initiatives and programs in sea life conservation and educative efforts.

    3
  4. Explore the hauntingly beautiful underwater world of a sunken ship surrounded by marine life.
    Santa Cruz

    Seymour Marine Discovery

    Located in Santa Cruz itself, the Seymour Marine Discovery at the Long Marine Lab is an interactive marine science museum and aquarium that offers hands-on exhibits, marine life viewing and educational programs.

    4
  5. A boat cruise offers breathtaking views of lush cliffs under a bright blue sky.
    Santa Cruz

    Joseph M. Long Marine Laboratory

    At the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, visitors can tour the Joseph M. Long Marine Laboratory – a working marine lab. Guests will get to learn about local conservation efforts, marine research, and can touch local marine life in touch pools.

    5

Coastal parks in Santa Cruz California

  1. Majestic coastal arch surrounded by dense forest and ocean views.
    Santa Cruz

    Natural Bridges State Beach

    This scenic waterfront park is named for its natural arch—one of many formed by wave erosion. It's a great spot for bird-watching, picnicking, and viewing the migration of monarch butterflies.

    1
  2. A cowboy riding a horse leads a herd in the desert, silhouetted against a vivid sunset.
    Santa Cruz

    Wilder Ranch State Park

    Wilder Ranch State Park boasts over 34 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails that wind through coastal terraces and valleys, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

    2
  3. Brick pathway leading to a red lighthouse under a cloudy sky.
    Santa Cruz

    Lighthouse Field State Beach

    Lighthouse Field State Beach is an excellent vantage point for viewing shore birds, migrating whales, and can also be a great spot for a picnic or a surreal sunset view.

    3
  4. Stunning aerial view of a horseshoe-shaped bay with turquoise waters and sandy beach.
    Santa Cruz

    Seabright State Beach

    This long sandy beach lies between the Boardwalk and the harbor mouth, making it a popular spot for families, sunbathers, bonfires and picnickers.

    4
  5. Breathtaking landscape of Twin Lakes with surrounding mountains and lush forest in Colorado.
    Santa Cruz

    Twin Lakes State Beach

    Ideal for swimming, fishing and picnicking, Twin Lakes State Beach is a sandy beachfront that stretches along a lagoon bordering a small craft harbor, complete with a beautiful view of Walton Lighthouse.

    5

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