Find Cheap Hotels in Santa Cruz, CA

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Our top choices for Santa Cruz cheap hotels

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
4.0 star property
Santa Cruz
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (1241)
"Location was great close to the beach and the Redwoods. "
United States
Malinda
The price is ¥13,994
¥16,211 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1276)
"Wonderful place to stay."
United States
Sara
Ocean Pacific Lodge

Seaside Inn & Suites

Seaside Inn & Suites
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (928)
"Always a great stay here, clean, and friendly! "
United States
Paulo
Seaside Inn & Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.8 out of 10, Good, (1002)
"Everything Staff is great and clean and quiet !"
United States
Richard
The price is ¥8,226
¥10,591 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
Surf City Inn and Suites

Fern River Resort

Fern River Resort
3.0 star property
Felton
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (466)
"Great location"
United States
Echo
The price is ¥13,152
¥17,134 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 11 - Jan 12, 2026
Fern River Resort

Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (621)
"Great hotel! "
United States
Mihai
The price is ¥15,920
¥18,511 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 18 - Jan 19, 2026
Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
3.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1244)
"Breakfast was good, close to boardwalk! "
United States
Daniel
The price is ¥18,253
¥21,129 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 7 - Jan 8, 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
3.5 star property
Aptos
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1016)
"We always enjoy staying here. Everything is great! Clean, pet friendly, close to everything and has a great restaurant!"
United States
Ariana
The price is ¥16,562
¥19,232 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 6 - Jan 7, 2026
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Mission Inn

Mission Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1001)
"Excellent service, breakfast was very good."
United States
Diane
The price is ¥12,541
¥15,816 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
Mission Inn

Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley

Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley
2.5 star property
Scotts Valley
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (1001)
"Everyone and everything was great."
United States
Kathy
The price is ¥15,018
¥17,208 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 31 - Jan 1, 2026
Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley
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.

Find out more about Santa Cruz

Discover cheap things to do in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, is a paradise of affordable fun for budget-conscious travelers. Start your adventure at the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where the classic amusement park offers free admission and affordable ride tickets, making it easy to enjoy a day of thrills without breaking the bank. Just a short stroll away, you can explore Natural Bridges State Beach, famous for its stunning rock formations and tide pools, perfect for a picturesque picnic or a day of beachcombing—all at no cost! If you're looking for culture, the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History offers free admission on certain days, allowing you to soak in local creativity without spending a dime. For a unique experience, visit the Santa Cruz Farmer’s Market, where you can sample fresh, local produce and enjoy live music while you shop. When it comes to budget-friendly accommodations, the downtown area is particularly appealing, with a variety of cheap hotels that provide easy access to these attractions. Stay near Pacific Avenue, where you can wander charming shops, grab a bite at affordable eateries, and embrace the vibrant local scene. With so many activities and comfortable lodging options, Santa Cruz is a fantastic choice for families and adventurous travelers seeking memorable experiences without overspending.

Find the best cheap hotels in Santa Cruz

Travelers seeking affordable accommodations in Santa Cruz will find these five hotels offer great value without compromising on quality. Each hotel features essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay while being easy on the wallet.

Beach Street Inn and Suites

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Beach Street Inn and Suites is a charming budget-friendly option with a stellar review rating of 9.4, perfect for travelers looking to enjoy Santa Cruz's beautiful coastline. With free Wi-Fi and essential toiletries included, guests can relax and enjoy their stay without any worry. The hotel also provides beach towels and easy beach access for sun-filled days by the shore.
  • Other amenities: Guests will appreciate the inviting outdoor pool, hot tub, and daily housekeeping services for added convenience. The hotel boasts ocean views and features a private pool in select rooms for a touch of luxury. With nearby attractions like the boardwalk and hiking trails, Beach Street Inn and Suites is an ideal base for your Santa Cruz adventure.
  • Neighborhood: Westside Santa Cruz
  • Nearby attractions: Pacific Avenue - 0.2 miles, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center - 0.2 miles, Santa Cruz Wharf - 0.28 miles

Marea Sol Hotel

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Marea Sol Hotel stands out as a budget-friendly gem with an excellent review rating of 9.2, perfectly situated for travelers looking to explore Santa Cruz. Guests will appreciate the complimentary Wi-Fi and essential toiletries while enjoying the nearby stunning beaches, making it a great choice for seaside escapes.
  • Other amenities: This inviting hotel features an outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace, and ocean views from select rooms. Guests can unwind on furnished balconies while taking in the coastal atmosphere. The hotel also offers self-parking and easy access to nearby attractions, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay for all visitors.
  • Neighborhood: Westside Santa Cruz
  • Nearby attractions: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 0.2 miles, Santa Cruz Main Beach - 0.17 miles, Main Beach - 0.12 miles

Top Santa Cruz Hotel Reviews

Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Cruz like for travelers on a budget?
Santa Cruz has a variety of cheap accommodations and things to do, making it a great getaway spot for budget travelers. In addition to its well-known attractions like Monterey Bay, this destination is home to University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum and Pleasure Point Park, which you can enjoy while spending very little.
What's the best accommodation for a budget-friendly stay in Santa Cruz?
Based on our traveler reviews, Ocean Pacific Lodge is a top choice for a less expensive stay. Other choices to stay on the cheap include Beachview Inn and Torch Lite Inn.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Santa Cruz?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Santa Cruz, and keep in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually September and August with an average temp of 63°F, while the coldest months are February and March with an average of 52°F. Average annual precipitation for Santa Cruz is 27 inches.
What is there to see and do in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz is known for its sporting events and surfing, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the top local attractions that interest you most, such as Monterey Bay, and then look for sights and activities that cost little or nothing at all. Enjoy the outdoors at Main Beach and Santa Cruz Main Beach, or hunt for bargains with some shopping at Ocean Street.
How can I get to Santa Cruz and get around on a budget?
Scoping out the transportation options in Santa Cruz is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The most convenient airport is 13.4 mi (21.6 km) from the center in Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal). However, if that doesn't suit your budget, you can look into flights to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), which is 27.6 mi (44.3 km) away. Santa Cruz might not have very many public transit options so a rental car could be a reasonable alternative to see the area.

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