Santa Cruz—meaning “holy cross” in Spanish—is a city located along California’s coastline. It features a long wharf that is home to several restaurants and shops, giving it the distinctive vibrancy of an American city. Stretching all the way to Monterey Bay, the city is full of attractions that draw visitors throughout the seasons. In the vicinity, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalks offers perfect spots for exploring, bound to keep you engaged throughout your stay. Downtown, Pacific Avenue is home to various shopping options, tempting eateries, and beautiful galleries worth your time. To fully enjoy your visit, you’ll need an ideal place to stay. Check out these best bed-and-breakfasts in Santa Cruz, California.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.
1. Luxury at the beach (from USD 345)
If you are traveling with a loved one—or maybe on your own—this rental is the perfect accommodation for you in Santa Cruz. It’s a private room at Cliff Crest Bed and Breakfast that comfortably fits two guests. This beautiful lodging is strategically located just a few minutes from the nearby boardwalk on foot, along with beautiful beaches and downtown Santa Cruz. This stunning room has a luxurious appeal with its elegant furnishings, ensuring an enjoyable stay. There is a queen-size bed and a private bathroom for your comfort, with a TV and WiFi provided for your entertainment.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
morning breakfast was delightful french toast croissants eggs coffee and fresh squeezed ojdelicious breakfast spread would definitely stay againthe beds were much more comfortable then i imaginedbreakfast was wonderful each morning with a great view and a special touch to celebrate our anniversaryreally comfortable rooms and breakfast was also a treatCleanliness:
the room was clean everything in the listing was accurateHost:
adriana is a lovely hostadriana is an amazing hostadriana is a loving gracious hostshe and her husband are the sweetness most caring hosts i've encounteredshe is helpful welcoming and very warmRead more reviewsLocation:
the house location is its best featureit's super close to the boardwalkbeing just steps away from the boardwalk made for a super convenient location in an otherwise hectic areaadriana’s place is a cute b&b very close to the santa cruz boardwalkwe enjoyed our stay very much and within walking distance to the beach delicious breakfast each morning
2. A traditional house with modern amenities
The Cowhand Room is found right inside FlipJack Ranch. This traditional wooden house’s exterior tells a story of its age. However, the interior is a real contrast to this, boasting a modern setting that gives it a cozy look and warm appeal. This stunning room is fitted with a soft queen-size bed that promises total comfort within a farm setting. The room also features a private entrance, a large en suite bath, and a mini-fridge, all of which add to the luxury. Wake up to a hearty ranch-style breakfast, which includes fresh produce from the farm.
Santa Cruz, California, United States
51.31 km (31.9 mi) from Monterey Bay AquariumTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
their rooms and communal areas are very nice simple and welcomingoh and breakfast was absolutely outstandingenjoyed the pot of tea brought to our room and the homemade breakfasts very muchshe is an amazing chef and the breakfasts were outstanding we would definitely returnrobin's breakfasts were yummy and a perfect way to start the dayCleanliness:
our room was quaint but fresh and extremely cleanbeautiful forests clean and cozy rooms close to nature and quietHost:
the staff was very nicerobin was a wonderful hostrobin and david are the best hosts we have ever hadrobin is a wonderful host and she attended to our every needwonderful breakfasts staff and fellow travelersRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is fantastic as wellit's so much fun to play with the animals and walk around the beautiful groundssuper easy to get down to davenport where there is a great mexican place (cemitas)
3. Romantic getaway by the beach (from USD 345)
Just like the first entry on the list, this private room is also found at Cliff Crest Bed and Breakfast, just minutes away from the boardwalk and the wharf, with the town of Santa Cruz nearby. The room features a private bathroom and bedroom, although you may choose to lounge at the shared living room. This stunning accommodation, which can comfortably accommodate three guests, boasts a king-size bed—with extra space for additional beds if needed.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bedroom was extremely comfortable as well and the mattress was really big and comfyamazingly lovely b&b that is super cozy and delightfully decoratedthe room was lovelyHost:
our hosts were very friendly and knowledgeableshe was very kind and accommodating to our needsshe was kind and warm to us the moment we confusedly parked on the property lotowners really friendly ask about it's historybeautiful house and truly amazing and kind hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is also fantastic near the downtown and amusement parkamazing location parking on premises and very short walking distance to the beach and downtownit's a perfect location close to the boardwalk restaurants and shopsadriana was a fantastic host her bed n breakfast was perfectly located and a great place to staythe house is amazing and is a 3 minute walk to the santa cruz beach board walk
4. A Victorian home across the beach (from USD 278)
Reasonable pricing for a luxurious experience.
Historic Victorian house, complimentary wine and cheese, homemade breakfast, and free parking.
Perfectly situated near the beach, boardwalk, and wharf, with stunning views.
Delicious breakfast with rotating hot options, fresh cookies, and afternoon wine and cheese.
Located right in the heart of Santa Cruz, just across Cowell’s Beach, is this three-story Victorian home offering a real restful bed and fabulous breakfast to wake up to. The guestrooms here are quite unique, accompanied by essential amenities and everything you may need for your comfort. When tired of staying inside, you can choose to venture out to the nearby Santa Cruz Beach and boardwalk or perhaps go on a bike-riding tour of Santa Cruz.
West Cliff Inn, A Four Sisters Inn
Address: 174 W Cliff Drive
39.84 km (24.8 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
Nearby B&Bs
5. Luxurious historic house (from USD 95)
If you are an outdoor enthusiast who has no qualms about going on vacation alone, then this historic home will be perfect for your stay. It is located in Monterey Bay, and from here, there are a lot of fine outdoor activities to make your holiday memorable. You will actually be spoilt for choice between visiting Monterey Bay Aquarium or historic Cannery Row, or perhaps you can decide to go whale watching, fishing, or cycling. The Crows Nest is a room with war history, and the stunning views through the large windows are just breathtaking. It has a one-person double bed that will offer you a comfortable night’s sleep. Wake up to a continental breakfast consisting of healthy organic products.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
loved room 4 spacious for one with a lovely viewenjoyed their spacious bathroom and their bedroom views as wellthoroughly enjoyed the conversations with them and the other lucky guests over breakfast every morninga delightful legit bed and breakfastthe historic bed and breakfast was a beautiful retreat just outside of monterey and about 10 minutes from carmel-by-the-seaCleanliness:
so clean and comfycharm hospitality cleanliness were spot oneverything is very cleanthe house is beautiful and sparkling cleanthe room i stayed in was very clean and comfortableHost:
overall great hosts with good responsesa lovely home with even lovelier hostsjesse his mom and their crew were lovely hostswonderful hosts with helpful local tipsthe hosts are super gracious and welcomingRead more reviewsLocation:
fantastic stay great location as described & central to many areas for exploringthis place is definitely unique and memorablethe location is quiet comfortable and unassumingthe location was perfect only 4 miles away with a spectacular viewa great place to stay
6. A lovely room with big windows (from USD 335)
Are you looking for a charming place with ocean views to die for? If yes, then this pleasant room is the perfect place for you. It is located on the second floor of Seven Gables Full Service Inn. Large windows offer the best picturesque views of Monterey Bay, the beautiful coastline, and the majestic mountains nearby. This well-furnished room is complete with modern amenities, boasts a king-size bed, and features a private tiled bathroom for your comfort. When tired of the indoors, venture out to explore the stunning coastline just a stone’s throw away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great experience room was beautiful breakfast was great and the views were just breathtakinggreat views from pretty much every room in the innthe room was outstandingthe bed was extremely comfortableour room was beautiful and the historic property is incredibly well appointed and cared forCleanliness:
the roomwas sparkling clean and staff were greatHost:
the staff were super hospitable and friendlythe staff is friendly and very helpfulpreston and the rest of the seven gables crew were so friendly and welcomingstaff were friendly and ready to help with dinner plans or whatever we were doing in pacific grovenearby organic and hip restaurants and the staff are eager to please youRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful location and the view from our room was magnificent
7. A room with a view of the bay (from USD 305)
Named the Fairlawn Room, this accommodation is also found at Seven Gables Full Service Inn, on the ground level—with its own outside entrance. Do not be deceived by its ground-level location as you can still have breathtaking views of Monterey Bay from inside the room. The beautiful furnishings have merged so well with the cream and mauve colors of the interior to give the place a cozy and luxurious look. There is a pillow-top queen-size bed, along with a tiled bathroom fitted with a bathtub for your convenient comfort. A delicious breakfast awaits you every morning, wine and cheese are provided every late afternoon, and cookies and milk are issued in the evening.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
amazing place to stay very calm quiet and clean placeRead more reviewsHost:
seven gables was in a great location staff was incredibly friendly and the check in process was easy
8. A house near a beach and a golf course (from USD 213)
Stay at this adorable inn with unmatched hospitality, located in Pacific Grove, California. This is a secluded spot amid a woody and refreshing atmosphere, close to Asilomar State Beach and Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Course. The elegantly designed rooms are beautifully furnished and offer all the necessary amenities to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable. While here, you can decide to explore the nearby beach or perhaps go for a game of golf. For the adventurous, the historic Cannery Row or downtown Monterey is just a few minutes away by car.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we had fresh flowers in our room when we arrived and the breakfast was a bonusroom 108is an excellent accommodation with a large flat-screen tv king-sized bed gas fireplace and lots of windowsthe small but tasty breakfast buffet was a nice touchloved rishi and the roomthe room was perfectCleanliness:
super clean and safevery clean and quiet placevery clean nice breakfastwas very clean and smelled nice when we walked invery clean and well put together roomHost:
the staff is very helpfulits staff was very friendly and helpfulbeautifully decorated rooms caring staff and all round great servicerishi was a very gracious hostlovely place very clean great hosts and hospitalityRead more reviewsLocation:
great location walking distance from beach areagreat location easy access to anywheregreat location quiet and cozylocation is perfect short drive to the downtownwonderful place great location by asilomar park
9. A cottage with an ocean view (from USD 365)
Carriage House is also found right inside Seven Gables Full Service Inn. This one-room cottage stands alone at the garden level, with a bay window giving a perfect view of the ocean. If you are planning a private romantic getaway with your special person, then this room is an ideal choice. The room boasts a king-size bed that has a partial canopy, with fluffy pillows for extra comfort. For warmth on cold nights, a fireplace is available, as well as a 40-inch television for your entertainment.
Top guest reviews
Host:
amazing views excellent staff/hosts and very comfortable roomsRead more reviewsLocation:
fantastic location and super cute
10. Cozy suite near the ocean (from USD 495)
If you are two couples going on vacation together, a family of four, or perhaps a group of four friends, this second-floor suite at Carmel Country Inn B&B would be perfect for your stay. It features a spacious living room with a fireplace for warmth on cold nights. The sofa here can be converted into a third bed on top of those in the two separate bedrooms. For your complete privacy, there are two baths with showers and a third one fitted with a soaking bathtub for that extra pampering.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the best part of our stay was the floorboard heater in the bathroombreakfast and snacks are included and they were quite nice / abundantthe breakfast was tasty and had a good varietyroom was perfect for 2 couplesit was a 2 bed 2 bath apartment in a lovely bed and breakfast in carmelCleanliness:
the apartment was serviced and squeaky cleanHost:
great service staff really pleasant and helpfulkind and helpful staff delicious breakfastgreat stay staff was very accommodatingwe had a lovely stay at the carmel country inn and the staff was very welcoming accommodating and friendlywe were pleasantly surprised at how pet friendly the place isRead more reviewsLocation:
great location very comfortable and breakfast and snacks were goodfabulous location walking distance to town centre and beachsuperb apartment in a beautiful locationgreat location that’s close to the water and 17 mile drive highly recommendedreally cute place and a 5-10 min walk to ocean ave and the beach
Santa Cruz, the perfect getaway
California is a place you must visit at least once in your lifetime. While here, Santa Cruz can provide the perfect accommodation, one suited to your needs, with several tourist activities to keep you engaged throughout your holiday. With this city as your first choice, your vacation is bound to be memorable indeed.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to