Where to Stay in Santa Cruz (Best Places & Areas)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz proper is only a small city, but the Santa Cruz greater area comprises the towns of Santa Cruz, Capitola, and Aptos.

Santa Cruz hotels are mostly located in the downtown or boardwalk areas. Capitola hotels are located in either Pleasure Point or downtown Capitola.

Santa Cruz Boardwalk

👉 Best Area For First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best Boardwalk Hotels: Dream Inn Santa Cruz • Beach Street Inn & Suites • La Quinta Inn & Suites • Santa Cruz Hostel • West Cliff Inn

The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is the most famous part of Santa Cruz. It’s home to the Beach Boardwalk, one of the best amusement parks in California. The Boardwalk area also has the Santa Cruz Wharf, which is the best place for waterfront dining and fresh-caught seafood. 

Swim, surf, and sun reign supreme here. The main beach, Cowell, is the perfect spot for families to play beach volleyball or take a dip in the gentle waves. Take a short walk to get to Steamer Lane, where you can see the famous surfer statue and watch the experts catch Santa Cruz’s most iconic wave. 

If you want a hotel just steps from the water, then the Boardwalk is the place to be. The Dream Inn Santa Cruz is my top hotel pick overall because it’s the only hotel in Santa Cruz that is right on the beach. 

Families with kids should check out Beach Street Inn & Suites, which has suite-style rooms just minutes from the Boardwalk. 

Pros of Staying in Boardwalk Neighborhood:

• Fantastic beachfront accommodation and ocean views
• Close to all the main tourist attractions 
• Very walkable  
• Good swimming beach suitable for all ages

Cons of Staying in Boardwalk Neighborhood:

• Restaurants on the waterfront can be pricey 
• Crowded and touristy, especially in summer

Santa Cruz Downtown

👉 Best Area For Nightlife | ✨ Best Downtown Hotels: Pacific Blue Inn • Hyatt Place Santa Cruz • SeaSide Inn & Suites 

Unlike Barbie’s Ken, Santa Cruz’s job is not just beach. Santa Cruz also has a thriving downtown with local restaurants, a vibrant live music scene, and an open-mindedness that permeates throughout. 

Pacific Avenue is the main drag, and there’s plenty to explore — from upscale dining to independent bookstores to vintage thrift stores. Be sure to check out Abbott Square Market, a pedestrian-only courtyard with tons of food stalls and weekend music performances. 

Downtown is the best area to stay for a more budget-friendly visit to Santa Cruz. Pacific Blue Inn is conveniently located between downtown and the beach. And if you still want to visit the beach, the Santa Cruz Shuttle can take you there for free. Or, take a walk — it’s only about 20 minutes away. 

Pros of Staying in Downtown Neighborhood:

• Most options for restaurants and bars 
• Tons of live music and nightlife 
• More affordable accommodation 
• Museums, markets, and more 

Cons of Staying in Downtown Neighborhood:

• Beach is 20+ min walk away
• Not much to do for families with little kids

Pleasure Point

👉 Best Area For Surfing | ✨ Best Pleasure Point Hotels: Best Western Plus – Capitola • Fairfield Inn & Suites – Capitola 

Santa Cruz is known for having some of the best surf spots in California, and many of these spots are in Pleasure Point. Besides being a hotspot for surf culture, Pleasure Point is marked by its quaint downtown, ritzy beachfront houses, and gorgeous natural settings.

The beaches between 30th and 41st Avenue are known for producing some epic breaks. It’s not beginner-friendly, so expect to have a basic knowledge of surf etiquette before heading out. Full disclosure, it’s also not the best place to go swimming — the beaches are quite small, and the waves usually come right up to the cliffs in high tide. 

Even if you don’t surf, Pleasure Point is still an awesome spot to hang out. It’s quieter, more relaxed, and less crowded than other areas of Santa Cruz.

Take a walk along the gorgeous cliffs and look out over miles of ocean. Or, explore the boutiques, surf shops, and juice bars along the main street.

Accommodation in Pleasure Point is mostly vacation rentals, but there are a few great hotels just a short walk from the main drag. Fairfield Inn & Suites is my top choice — it’s affordable, in a safe area, and just a 10-minute walk from the ocean. 

Pros of Staying in Pleasure Point Neighborhood:

• Most picturesque views over the ocean 
• Epic surf breaks 
• Safe, quiet, and super relaxed area of Santa Cruz 
• Tons of vacation home rentals available
• Great food and drink along the main drag 

Cons of Staying in Pleasure Point Neighborhood:

• Not a lot of hotel options 
• Beaches are not good for swimming  

Capitola

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Capitola Hotels: Capitola Hotel • Inn at Depot Hill • Quality Inn & Suites

Capitola is one of my favorite spots in Santa Cruz! If I was picking a place to live, it would be here. 

It’s super small, meaning that everything is very walkable. There’s a small creek to splash around in or kayak on, and there’s a great beach for swimming or surfing. The whole place has a very European feel — from the waterfront restaurants to the colorful beach cottages, aptly named the Venetian Court.

Capitola is great for families with kids of all ages. Restaurants look right out onto the beach, meaning that adults can grab a few drinks on the patio while watching the kids build sand castles. It’s the perfect spot for families who don’t want the crowds of the Boardwalk.

Because Capitola is so small, you’ll want to stay in the middle of the action. Capitola Hotel is right in the heart of downtown, just steps from the beach and waterfront restaurants. 

Pros of Staying in Capitola Neighborhood:

• Quaint and safe downtown area 
• Live music in many restaurants or bars
• Fantastic beach for swimming or suntanning 
• Waterfront restaurants 
• Very walkable

Cons of Staying in Capitola Neighborhood:

• Few attractions besides the beach and restaurants 
• Not a lot of hotel options 
• Pricier than other neighborhoods 

Aptos

👉 Best Area For Luxurious Relaxation | ✨ Best Aptos Hotels: Rio Sands Vacation Rentals • Seascape Beach Resort • Seacliff Inn Aptos

Aptos is best for those seeking a more relaxing beachfront vacation away from the hustle and bustle. It’s the furthest town from the main attractions — but it also has the least crowded beaches, the best variety of leisure activities, and the best luxury accommodation. 

Dine at upscale restaurants specializing in Californian cuisine. Or, chow down on barbecue ribs while listening to blues music at Aptos St. BBQ, my absolute favorite restaurant in Aptos! 

You can also go wine tasting at hilltop wineries, play a round of golf at Seascape Golf Club, or hike to waterfalls and redwood trees in the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. The list goes on!

For a truly luxurious vacation, stay at Seascape Beach Resort. This resort features a spa, tennis courts, two gourmet restaurants, and expansive views over Rio Del Mar State Beach. 

Pros of Staying in Aptos Neighborhood:

• Long, uncrowded beaches 
• More upscale dining options 
• Wineries nearby  
• Quiet and relaxed 
• Great hiking to waterfalls and redwoods 

Cons of Staying in Aptos Neighborhood:

• Far from main Santa Cruz attractions 
• Not a lot of activities for kids 
• Definitely need a car to get around 

Tips for Staying in Santa Cruz

Consider which activities you want to do

You’ll want to choose a hotel next to the Boardwalk if your main goal in Santa Cruz is to hit the Beach Boardwalk every day. 

If you’re here for an epic surfing trip, Pleasure Point is your go-to. Want to relax and immerse yourself in Santa Cruz’s gorgeous natural settings? Then consider staying in Aptos. 

Rent a car

You will need a car to take advantage of everything Santa Cruz has to offer, from exploring the different beaches to hiking in the Santa Cruz mountains. 

Explore the redwoods

Santa Cruz’s main claims to fame may be its surf spots and the beach, but don’t forget to explore the Santa Cruz mountains! They’re laden with coastal redwoods and gorgeous waterfalls. Roaring Camp Railroads and the Mystery Spot are the most popular attractions. 

Come with an open mind

Santa Cruz struggles with a lot of the same problems as other cities in California. There are several homeless encampments, especially close to downtown Santa Cruz. Please come with an open mind and a compassionate heart. 

Eat at Pizza My Heart

Pizza My Heart is one of the most famous Santa Cruz eateries. It started in Capitola and has expanded to locations around Santa Cruz, Aptos, and beyond. Be sure to try one of their award-winning pizzas — my favorite is the Big Sur. 

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz for first-timers?

Santa Cruz’s Boardwalk and Downtown are the best areas to stay for first-timers. Both areas have the bulk of Santa Cruz’s top attractions, plus great dining options and many of the best hotels.

What are safe areas to stay in Santa Cruz?

Pleasure Point, Capitola, and Aptos are the safest parts of Santa Cruz to stay. However, most of Santa Cruz is pretty safe. 

What are the best parts of Santa Cruz to stay with kids?

The Boardwalk area and Capitola are the best parts of Santa Cruz to stay with kids. The Boardwalk area is home to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an incredible amusement park with plenty of rides and games for families. It also has Cowell Beach, which has gentle waves for swimming.

Capitola is great for families with kids of all ages. It’s safe and walkable, has a large family-friendly beach, and is less crowded than the Boardwalk area.

What are the best parts of Santa Cruz to stay on a budget?

Downtown Santa Cruz is the best place in Santa Cruz to stay on a budget. There is a good variety of hotels and restaurants in this area at a range of price points. You can get to the beach easily by walking or taking a free shuttle.

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I hope this article helped you discover where to stay in Santa Cruz. Enjoy your beach vacation!

Santa Cruz locals, do you agree with this list? Let me know in the comments! 

If you’re planning to explore further north, make sure to check out my guide to Where to Stay in San Francisco next.