Hotels on the beach in Santa Cruz, United States
Hey! I love staying in a nice beachfront hotel - being able to go straight from your room down to the ocean is a priceless feeling. To help save some time when booking your next vacation I've put together this list of beach hotels and resorts in Santa Cruz. I hope you will like it!
This page was last updated in June 2026.
The List 8 Amazing Beach Hotels in Santa Cruz
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1 La Bahia Hotel & Spa
Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Facing the beachfront, La Bahia Hotel & Spa offers 5-star accommodation in Santa Cruz and has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and terrace. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, room service and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Private parking is available on site. At the hotel guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. Popular points of interest near La Bahia Hotel & Spa include Santa Cruz Beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport is 52 km from the property.
Address 215 Beach Street Show on map- Rooftop pool
- Gym / fitness center
- Pets are welcome
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2 Beach Street Inn and Suites
Westside Santa Cruz
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. Beach Street Inn offers breathtaking views of Monterey Bay and a beach directly below. Guests of the inn can hire bicycles to explore the surrounding area. Just steps to the sand and next to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Beach Street Inn is 2.6 miles away from University of California Santa Cruz.
Address 125 Beach Street Show on map- Heated pool
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3 Sea & Sand Inn
Westside Santa Cruz
Located within 10 minutes’ walk from Santa Cruz Wharf and Boardwalk, this hotel features rooms with free Wi-Fi. It offers a 24-hour reception and free guest parking for one vehicle. Each room offers a sea view, fireplace, TV, mini fridge and microwave. Guests of Inn Sea & Sand can enjoy a hot breakfast with fresh baked goods, boiled eggs, yogurt parfaits, coffee, tea and juice. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center is 5 minutes’ walk away from Sea & Sand Inn. The University of California Santa Cruz is 2 miles away.
Address 201 West Cliff Drive Show on map -
4 Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz
This beachfront hotel is located next to Santa Cruz’s famous boardwalk and steps from the center of the city, making it an ideal destination for a weekend escape, corporate event, family vacation or romantic getaway. The Dream Inn features a natural, laid back atmosphere inspired by the ocean. All guest rooms and suites include private balconies or patios with spectacular views of Monterey Bay. Enjoy the memorable sunsets, watch the surfers and let the ocean waves lull you to sleep. The hotel's spacious deck features a pool and hot tub. With a great location and luxurious amenities, the Dream is a great choice for business or pleasure.
Address 175 West Cliff Drive Show on map- Heated pool
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5 Seaway Inn
Westside Santa Cruz
A short walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Municipal Wharf in California, the Seaway Inn offers easy beach access and comfortably furnished rooms with free WiFi. Featuring cable TV with extended channels, each room at the Seaway Inn is equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and microwave. All air-conditioned rooms boast beach inspired décor. Steamer Lane, a popular surfing location, is 1.5 miles from this hotel. Mystery Spot is 14 minutes’ drive away.
Address 176 West Cliff Drive Show on map- Pets are welcome
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6 Marea Sol Hotel Westside Santa Cruz
Marea Sol Hotel is conveniently set in Santa Cruz, and features an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi and a terrace. The property is around 1.2 miles from Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, 2. 6 miles from University of California Santa Cruz and 3.8 miles from Pasatiempo Golf Club. Private parking is available on site. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bath or shower. All guest rooms include a closet. Popular points of interest near Marea Sol Hotel include Santa Cruz Beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport is 32 miles away.
Address 301 Beach Street Show on map- Swimming pool
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7 Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages
Eastside Santa Cruz
Discover a modern coastal escape at Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages, located just 100 feet from Sunny Cove Beach on Monterey Bay. Often praised as a “hidden gem by the sea,” our inn sits at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac, ensuring privacy while keeping you close to local coffee shops, markets, and restaurants. Conveniently located only 20 minutes from the Redwoods and 45 minutes from Silicon Valley and the San José Airport, Ocean Echo Inn offers the perfect blend of beachside relaxation and easy access to everything Santa Cruz has to offer. What truly sets us apart is that most of our accommodations feature fully equipped kitchens—with gas stoves, refrigerators, and microwaves—making them perfect for entertaining, preparing family meals, or enjoying longer stays. Our cottages and rooms can host two to six guests, making them ideal for family reunions, weddings, corporate retreats, or simple getaways. If you prefer a more intimate escape, our rooms capture the serene coastal vibe, whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat or a romantic escape. Whichever space you choose, you’ll be lulled by the gentle sound of the waves and immersed in a quintessential beachside experience.
Address 401 Johans Beach Drive Show on map- Ping pong tables
- Pets are welcome
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8 Casablanca Inn on The Beach
Westside Santa Cruz
Located across the street from the Santa Cruz Wharf and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Casablanca Inn on The Beach overlooks Monterey Bay. Free WiFi and ocean views are featured in most rooms. Each room includes a TV with cable channels, a coffee machine, a refrigerator, and an private bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Linens and towels are also provided. Offering ocean view outdoor dining options, Sawasdee by the Sea features Thai cuisine for lunch or dinner daily. To-go menus are also offered at Casablanca Inn. Concierge services are also available to guests. Marine Discovery Center Museum is 3.1 mi away. San Jose International Airport is 40 minutes’ drive away from Casablanca Inn on the Beach.
Address 101 Main Street Show on map- Pets are welcome
This page contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission, but hotels are listed based on beach proximity and quality, not commission.
Hello! I try my best to keep this guide up to date and I last refreshed it in June 2026. Did I miss a hotel that should be on this list? Send me an email and let me know!