Santa Cruz is a mellow beach town on the edge of Monterey Bay where elite surfers shred the waves year-round. The iconic family-friendly destination in California has since become the home of the popular wet suit company O'Neill. During your visit, you can stroll along Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk while munching on a corn dog and feel the breeze through your hair while awaiting your turn on the roller coaster. Take a boat from Santa Cruz Wharf and observe several species of whales in the open ocean. Meanwhile, the city’s food and wine scene features excellent local wines and seasonal produce. You can also go on a road trip to see the towering coast redwood trees at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. After sightseeing, return to your cozy beachfront accommodation for a restful evening. Scroll down to learn more about the best beachfront hotels in Santa Cruz, California.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and location with easy access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 02, 2024.
1. Dream Inn Santa Cruz (from USD 219)
Pricey, with additional fees for parking and amenities.
Heated pool, beach access, poolside bar, restaurant, bike rental, and friendly staff.
Prime beachfront location, walking distance to wharf, boardwalk, and downtown.
Delicious pool bar food, nice morning coffee, and good choices of wine and food at the restaurant.
Spend quality time with loved ones at Dream Inn Santa Cruz right on Cowell Beach and about an eight-minute walk from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. All 165 of the hotel’s guest rooms have spectacular views of the bay from either a patio or balcony.
After swimming and sunbathing, go for a dip in the hotel’s hot tub or outdoor heated pool. Moreover, freshly caught seafood and locally sourced ingredients go into the breakfast, brunch, and dinner menus of the on-site Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lounge.
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Address: 175 West Cliff Drive
6.47 km (4.1 mi) from The Mystery Spot
Other beachfront accommodations in Santa Cruz, California
2. Tastefully furnished home on a bluff (from USD 525)
This rental is a large house with a patio standing serenely on a bluff just 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Mitchell Cove Beach. The property’s spacious rooms are ideal for large groups or families. There are not one but two bedrooms where the kids can sleep after a busy day of play and exploration.
Home cooks can whip up a feast in the gourmet kitchen while the rest of the group sits down and relax in the front room with a gorgeous view. You can hang out in the family room if that suits you as well. Moreover, guests will be given access to the two-car garage for their convenience.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
was very comfortable for 8 adults but would also work well with childrenCleanliness:
very clean organized and comfortable propertythe kitchen is weel stocked and the property was very clean upon check-inclean well appointed great location responsive serviceHost:
rating details:the property manager was very helpfulrating details:the property manager was very helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
the best location in santa cruz8 miles to the wharf and boardwalk although far enough away to enjoy peace and quiet we’ll be backthe house and garden were absolutely beautiful and the location can't be beati was very happy with the locationi was very happy with the location
3. Casablanca Inn on The Beach (from USD 145)
Reasonable pricing, especially during the week, with ocean view rooms
Outdoor terrace, spacious rooms, pet-friendly, self-parking, and fire pit area
Prime location between the pier and wharf, with easy access to beach and attractions
Great dining options within walking distance, but breakfast options were limited
Spend a carefree afternoon in one of the beach cottage–style accommodations of Casablanca Inn on The Beach. When reserving one of the 33 guest accommodations, inform the staff you prefer a room with ocean views to ensure you make the most of your stay. After all, the breathtaking shoreline of Monterey Bay is only about 0.9 mi (1.4 km) away from the property.
For even better rooms, choose the Penthouse Suite for sophisticated quarters close to the sounds and sights of the ocean. In addition, guests here can feast on Thai cuisine for lunch and dinner in Sawasdee by the Sea. You can also opt to buy snacks from the vending machine and store them in your room’s refrigerator for late-night munching sessions.
Casablanca Inn on The Beach
Address: 101 Main Street
6.2 km (3.9 mi) from The Mystery Spot
4. Beach Street Inn and Suites (from USD 160)
Reasonable rates for beachfront location and amenities.
Complimentary coffee, popcorn, and snow cones. Pool, hot tub, laundry room, and water filling station available. Free parking and beach access.
Conveniently located right on the beach, walking distance to boardwalk, pier, and restaurants.
Free coffee, tea, and popcorn. Espresso bar with delicious coffee options. Close to various dining options.
Experience the lifestyle of Santa Cruz locals from Beach Street Inn and Suites, which offers various types of accommodations about a four-minute drive from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Stay in the Beach House Fireplace Suite suite for comfy bedding and luxurious bathroom fittings. This accommodation also features a gas fireplace and a semi-private deck.
During your stay, you’ll find yourself only about 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Cowell Beach. You can also hang out with other guests around the pool or have a picnic in the courtyard area.
Beach Street Inn and Suites
Address: 125 Beach Street
6.2 km (3.9 mi) from The Mystery Spot
5. Castle Beach Retreat (from USD 1090)
This two-story vacation home along the entrance of Seabright Beach has full-length windows giving clear views of the water and pier. You can take a leisurely walk to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which is only three blocks over the bridge during high tide. At low tide, you’ll only have to journey through one and a half blocks.
This Airbnb boasts a well-provisioned kitchen that will delight even professional chefs. Additionally, you’ll find high-end amenities in the retreat’s entertainment zone, lovingly called Ducati Room by the host. If barbecued treats are on the menu, the best time to light up the grill on the balcony is at sunset. You can also have a bonfire on the beach and roast marshmallows on sticks.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view is spectacular and it was such a joy cooking in gorgeous kitchen with an incredible viewgreat sound system and numerous tvskitchen is well equipped and a delight for our 2 family meet upthe view from that room is wonderful and the location of the house is terrificthe upstairs bedroom suite is very luxurious and the main living area's both splashy and comfortableCleanliness:
the listing was immaculately clean and comfortablethe place was very clean and had all of the necessities for a few night stayvery clean and modern house that is steps away from the beachHost:
the owner was accesible and pleasant to talk tohost is super responsive helpful and flexibleand the owner are wonderful to communicate and book withlou was a great host would definitely go backthis place was fantastic lou was a very hospitable and kind host who was responsive and attentiveRead more reviewsLocation:
this is an amazing locationgreat location across the street from the beach and walking distance from the boardwalklou’s place is the perfect locationgreat location to people watchloved this house amazing location at seabright beach
6. Contemporary beach house on West Cliff Drive (from USD 481)
This colorful hideaway across the road from the beach sits along West Cliff Drive and features top-of-the-line kitchen and entertainment facilities. You can reach Santa Cruz Wharf and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on foot and explore their dining options. Additionally, it’s best to allot a few hours to discover the wonders of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary across the street.
Each floor has a deck where you can hang out and take in the panoramic views. Also, a dedicated storage room can house your surfboards and mountain bikes, while the driveway can accommodate up to three vehicles.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
extremely clean and very well maintainedRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is perfectamazing location the location cannot be beatour family enjoyed the trip central locationreally enjoyed our stay beautiful home we enjoyed being right next to the broad walk and beach
7. Family-friendly oceanfront rental (from USD 972)
Your family is welcome to stay in this furnished bungalow across the street from the ocean. Many of the rooms have a view of the water, but the patio is the top spot to watch the shore from. In addition, a popular multiuse trail is only steps from the front door.
Guests are welcome to use the linens, towels, and cleaning supplies. Be sure to pack your favorite waffle mix as there’s a new waffle maker in the kitchen. You may even want to bring a few with you when you go to Mitchell’s Cove Beach, which is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) away, or Cowell Beach, which is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from the rental.
Top guest reviews
Host:
liz was very responsive to questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and comfortable housefantastic location everything you need or wantthe location is perfect for strolling the scenic path for 3 miles
8. Craftsman-style house with hot tub and game room (from USD 1700)
This big blue house has a lovely front yard with a swing. The spacious dining room and living room look out at Seabright Beach, which is less than 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from the property. By the deck is a wonderful surprise—a hot tub where you can soak and relax after a day at the beach. You’re also sure to have fun cooking in the brand-new kitchen with a high-end Wolf range and marble countertops.
Fun and games await around the pool and ping pong tables in the basement of the house. Meanwhile, kids can take turns sliding down the fire pole from the attic.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The kitchen was stocked with everything you could want or needThe outdoor shower was greatI expected the view to be a bit exaggerated in the picturesThe kitchen was amply stockedThe kitchen has everything you needHost:
The owner was very accommodating as wellI met Karen who gave me a tourGabriella was fantastic in helping to book the last minute rental and was very accommodatingOur grandchildren loved the dress up attire and the attic areaswing hot tub pool tableRead more reviewsLocation:
but I did not expect "out of this worldsome stayed at another house nearthe Boardwalk Amusement Park a mile away kept beckoningI looked at Vistamar many times in my searchLocation on the beach is perfect Walking distance to restaurants and stores
9. Luxury home with harbor views (from USD 983)
Watch sailboats glide along the harbor from the comfort of this luxury accommodation only 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Cowell Beach. Booking this rental with a stocked kitchen and two patios means leveling up your beach vacation. The expansive property can accommodate an adventurous gang of 10, so the whole family can come along.
Choose this Vrbo and look forward to a restful night after boat tours along the nearby Santa Cruz Wharf, paddleboarding, or fishing. You can also just lounge in front of the fireplace, sit around the fire pit, or sink into the hot tub after a day of adventure in Santa Cruz.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
bedrooms were clean linens were freshstocked with everything one would need to cook clean and entertain family and friends just bring the groceriesHost:
property manager is also very nice and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
very nice property with a great location across from the oceanprime location walking distance to boardwalk beautiful view from the living roomthe location like all homes on west cliff is perfect to watch the world go byincredible location celebrated a birthday with 6-8 lifelong friends and we loved the house
10. Elegant beach house with bocce ball court (from USD 881)
This spacious and open beach house boasts upscale furnishings and up-to-date appliances. The fully equipped kitchen is ready for you to cook your specialties and family favorites.
Additionally, the authentic bocce ball court in the backyard is next to the rear deck, where you can take it easy after a busy day of sightseeing. Meanwhile, the upper deck is the best spot to watch life in Santa Cruz unfold. Bring a pair of binoculars for the trip. You can see whales and dolphins in the water through the floor-to-ceiling windows. If you want to test the waves, head to Mitchell’s Cove Beach, which is only 0.2 mi (0.3 km) away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the views are spectacular and the accommodations are comfortableexcept we ran out of supplies like toilet paper garbage bags and electric dishwashing soapthe views from living room is amazingthe rooms were nicely sized and furniture was in decent condition except for the mattressesthe house afforded plentiful sleeping options enough bathrooms a relaxing atmosphere and spectacular viewsHost:
however property manager was responsivethe owner and manager are very responsive and nicethe owner was extremely responsive to questions and support and easy to work withmerc is a responsive hostthe management was responsive honest and helped to make out stay a positive experienceRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is perfectthe location is great and convenient to several grocery stores and restaurantsthis location was perfect for usthe location is ideal within walking distance of most of what brought us to santa cruzyou can’t beat the location we will definitely be back
Immerse yourself in Santa Cruz's surf culture
Santa Cruz is a vacation destination worth visiting over and over again. But no matter how many times you come, there’s no better place to stay than in a well-appointed vacation home near the beach. It’s time to plan your next laid-back holiday in Santa Cruz.
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