Name: Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Price range: CA $176
Rating: 9

This Californian city attracts visitors looking for sun and sand, and has one of the strongest surfing cultures in the country.

For many, Santa Cruz embodies the laid-back spirit of coastal California. The city has strong surfing and skateboarding cultures, beautiful beaches and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

There are many options for outdoor recreation in and around Santa Cruz. Rent a kayak and paddle out to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Try to spot sea lions, seals and even whales (during winter and spring) as you paddle along. Hiking enthusiasts will also enjoy the numerous scenic trails at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Wilder Ranch State Park.

No trip to Santa Cruz would be complete without delving into the city’s surfing heritage. Catch a wave at one of the well-known surfing breaks or rent a car and cruise along the scenic West Cliff Drive to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. This museum is located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse and overlooks the famous Steamer Lane surf break.

Downtown Santa Cruz is known for its eclectic shops, cafés and restaurants and is a short stroll from the beach. Families will love the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This amusement park opened in 1907 and is full of old-world charm. Take a spin on one of its historic rides, such as the wooden Giant Dipper Roller Coaster.

Foodies should check out the Santa Cruz Wharf, home to many seafood restaurants and shops. Wine aficionados will love the Santa Cruz Mountains, where many local wineries have tasting rooms.

You can cover much of Santa Cruz’s main downtown and city attractions on foot, by bike or with the Santa Cruz Metro bus services. If you want to venture farther afield, it’s best to rent a car as the roads near the Santa Cruz Mountains can get very steep.

Where to stay in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz showing general coastal views and views as well as an individual male

Westside Santa Cruz

4/5(34 area reviews)

Westside Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Cruz.

41.5 feet tall, 350,000 pounds and able to withstand a quarter million pounds of wave energy: Walton Lighthouse

Eastside Santa Cruz

5/5(1 area review)

Eastside Santa Cruz is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Monterey Bay and Twin Lakes State Beach while you're in town.

Pleasure Point

World-renowned surf spot with a strong surf culture, Pleasure Point offers picturesque ocean views along East Cliff Drive and a walkable path with separate bike lanes. Enjoy amenities at Pleasure Point Park and nearby 41st Ave commercial district.

Downtown Santa Cruz

Unique features of Downtown Santa Cruz include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Pacific Avenue or Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History while you're exploring the area.

Evening stroll at the Seabright Beach. If you are lucky, you might run into Matt performing amazing bike tricks by the lighthouse. #LifeAtExpedia #sunset #goldenBeach #blueSky

Upper Seabright

When in Upper Seabright, you can plan a visit to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Harbor, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Beach Hill - Beach Flats

Beach Hill - Beach Flats might not have many top sights, but Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

611 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA

CA $185

CA $213 total

includes taxes & fees

Apr 20 - Apr 21

Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...

8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)

"Hotel Paradox is the place to stay when coming to Santa Cruz! Such a great location! Such a great property! Walking distance to a lot of the shops and dining! Or driving if you don’t want to walk! This hotel being dog friendly is such a plus! The rooms are spacious and very well designed! The ONLY ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2025

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

407 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA

CA $176

CA $204 total

includes taxes & fees

Apr 22 - Apr 23

Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...

9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)

"Friendly attentive staff. Nice room however the view was of the backs of townhomes and their windows. The complimentary breakfast bar does not include waffle or pancake makers. This is a plus for me in that those devices are an attractive nuisance that kids rush to and create all kinds of havoc and ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 20, 2025

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA

CA $385

CA $438 total

includes taxes & fees

Apr 2 - Apr 3

Book a stay at this beach resort in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...

9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)

Soft beds

"The beds are incredibly soft and uncomfortable- don’t expect to get a good nights sleep"

Reviewed on Mar. 21, 2025

See all 687 properties in Santa Cruz

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

2 Room Suite - Indoor Pool and Spa - Walk to the Boardwalk - No Cleaning Fee!

Santa Cruz

Stay at this vacation home in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi and air conditioning. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Mystery Spot are located ...

7/10 Good! (20 reviews)

"Very nice interior. Room was great with definite upgrades, still some work to be done, but overall very pleased with the room, pool, hot tub, and service."

Reviewed on Mar. 31, 2024

Beautiful retreat- 5 min walk from the Beach!

Santa Cruz

Stay at this vacation home in Santa Cruz. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Capitola Beach are located nearby.

Wonderful stay

"The property was in great location. Quaint, quiet and great space. Two master bedrooms with full baths. 1/2 bath off living room area. Sleeps 6 comfortably. 4 adults and kids in living room on fold out or sleeping bag, air mattress on floor."

Reviewed on Feb. 24, 2025

Adorable Seabright Bungalow - Steps to the Beach!

Santa Cruz

Stay at this vacation home in Santa Cruz. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Capitola ...

10/10 Exceptional! (134 reviews)

Terrific on all accounts

"Ever want to NOT leave such a great review so as to keep a place a secret?! Yeah this is that kind of place! AWESOME and quaint and all the good you could hope for! Don’t hesitate it’s worth it!"

Reviewed on Mar. 10, 2025

See all properties in Santa Cruz

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Check Santa Cruz hotel availability

Popular places to visit

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

4/5(69 reviews)

Enjoy the thrills at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and find out why people love this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Mystery Spot

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Find out about the history of Santa Cruz with a stop at Mystery Spot. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the surfing spots.

Santa Cruz Wharf

4/5(2 reviews)

Explore the waterfront of Santa Cruz Wharf and enjoy activities such as surfing in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Natural Bridges State Park

5/5(5 reviews)

You can take time to visit Natural Bridges State Park during your travels to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Main Beach

4.5/5(25 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Main Beach during your travels in Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Ocean Street

During your visit to Santa Cruz, you can enjoy retail therapy at Ocean Street. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.