A colorful coastal town with a sandy beach and a calm sea.

Find Cheap Hotels in Santa Cruz, CA

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Check availability on Santa Cruz Cheap Hotels

Tonight
Aug 7 - Aug 8
Tomorrow
Aug 8 - Aug 9
This weekend
Aug 7 - Aug 9
Next weekend
Aug 14 - Aug 16

Our top choices for Santa Cruz cheap hotels

1. Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Lawrence
¥14,120
¥18,286 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Ocean Pacific Lodge

2. Seaside Inn & Suites

Seaside Inn & Suites
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Sean
¥12,059
¥16,532 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 19 - Aug 20
Seaside Inn & Suites

3. Beachview Inn

Beachview Inn
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Jay
¥11,274
¥14,679 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Beachview Inn

4. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Cecelia
¥17,622
¥20,294 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

5. Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Veronica
¥10,624
¥13,246 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Surf City Inn and Suites

6. Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Gordon
¥10,743
¥12,499 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

7. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Susana
¥23,295
¥26,801 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

8. Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Brian
¥10,018
¥13,661 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

9. Casablanca On The Beach

Casablanca On The Beach
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Carol
¥21,800
¥30,407 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Casablanca On The Beach

10. Marea Sol Hotel

Marea Sol Hotel
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Clarissa
¥22,677
¥26,108 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Marea Sol Hotel
View all properties

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

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

10/10 Excellent
"Bed was very comfy and the AC works great. Also a very delicious taco truck just down the way! (Walking distance)"
Jolene 1-night trip
Posted 1 hour ago
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG
Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge

8/10 Good
"Walking distance to boardwalk"
Yolanda 2-night trip
Posted 1 hour ago
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

10/10 Excellent
"Great stay. Cleanliness overall is 10/10. The staff were nice."
Brianna 3-night trip
Posted 3 hours ago
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

8/10 Good
"Reception service was nice. Lobby and restaurant had lovely aesthetics. Room was modern and clean. Restaurant service was unorganized and slow. Food menu was decent though. Pool area was inviting but definitely need to change their pool chairs. The material makes them look super dirty. Yuk."
Elvia 1-night trip
Posted 16 hours ago
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Hotel Solares

Hotel Solares

10/10 Excellent
"I liked the hotel's location and the fact that everything was within walking distance. The only thing I didn't like was that coffee was available only in the morning."
Tetiana 3-night trip
Posted 19 hours ago
Hotel Solares
Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites

10/10 Excellent
"The pool, hot tub and deck area were great for relaxing, walking distance to downtown shops and rest as well as the boardwalk. Trader Joe’s and CVS near by for all the at once needs"
albert g 3-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
Surf City Inn and Suites

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 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 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 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, and then look for sights and activities that cost little or nothing at all. Enjoy the outdoors at Santa Cruz Main Beach and Cowell's 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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