Family hotels in Santa Cruz

View hotels in Santa Cruz (16)

Santa Cruz boasts a winning combination of sunshine, beautiful beaches and family-focused attractions that make for a memorable holiday. Warm summers, a rich local history and a range of exciting activities ensure you and your family enjoy a magical stay in a popular family destination.

Discover the array of family-friendly hotels available in Santa Cruz, from budget-friendly options and bed & breakfasts to luxurious and modern resorts. Located near the most popular attractions, these accommodations will provide the perfect base for your memorable family holiday.

Things to do

Santa Cruz offers an irresistibly diverse selection of family-friendly attractions and activities! Keep your eyes on this guide to ensure your family experiences the best that Santa Cruz has to offer.

Learn about the natural and cultural history of Santa Cruz at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. This century-old institution offers engaging exhibits and educational programmes for families, inspiring connections between people and nature. For marine enthusiasts, a trip to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center is a must, where families can get up close and personal with marine wildlife.

For a more thrilling experience, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk awaits with its historic rides, such as the Giant Dipper and Looff Carousel, and various family-friendly attractions like Neptune's Kingdom and Casino Arcade. Open to the public without an admission fee, the boardwalk provides a perfect day out for all ages. Make sure to book accommodations near the boardwalk for easy access and join the Big Kahuna Club for exclusive perks.

Of course, a visit to Santa Cruz wouldn't be complete without basking in the sun on its beautiful beaches. Enjoy quality family time, build sandcastles, splash around in the refreshing waters of the Pacific, or even try your hand at surfing. With so much to see and do, your family's Santa Cruz adventure will be one for the memory books!

When to visit

The ideal time for a family holiday in Santa Cruz is during the summer months of June, July, and August. These months offer warm weather and a lower chance of significant rainfall, ensuring that your visit to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and other outdoor attractions is both comfortable and enjoyable.

To avoid the rainy season but still experience pleasant weather, families should consider visiting Santa Cruz from September to November. With a variety of annual events and community services available year round, families are sure to find something for everyone. Remember, it's always best to plan your holidays during the school breaks to avoid fines for taking children out of school during term time.

JAN
15.3°
10.7°
116mm
7 days
FEB
15.7°
10.8°
96mm
5 days
MAR
15.7°
10.9°
84mm
7 days
APR
16.2°
11.3°
36mm
3 days
MAY
16.9°
12°
12mm
2 days
JUN
18.9°
13.4°
2mm
1 days
JUL
19.4°
14.2°
1mm
0 days
AUG
20.4°
15.3°
0mm
0 days
SEP
21.2°
15.8°
5mm
1 days
OCT
20.1°
14.9°
33mm
2 days
NOV
17.4°
12.6°
57mm
5 days
DEC
15.2°
11°
140mm
9 days

Things you'll love...

  • Explore family-friendly exhibits at the century-old Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
  • Discover fascinating marine life at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center
  • Experience the thrill of rides and attractions at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Soak up the sun on family-friendly Santa Cruz beaches during the warm summer months
  • Join the Big Kahuna Club for exclusive perks and discounts on your Santa Cruz adventure
Airplane

Main airports

    • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport,
    • Monterey Regional Airport,
    • San Francisco International Airport,
    • Metropolitan Oakland International Airport
desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
room, 2 queen beds, non smoking | desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States

84
Along with an outdoor pool, this smoke-free hotel has a snack bar/deli and self parking. Free continental breakfast and free WiFi in public areas are also provided. Other amenities include coffee/tea in a common area, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour front desk.
Kids stay free
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premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains

Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola
Santa Cruz, United States

77
This smoke-free hotel features an outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and a bar/lounge. Free continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a snack bar/deli, a 24-hour business center, and coffee/tea in a common area.
Connecting Rooms
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desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing, iron/ironing board
combined shower/bathtub, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing, iron/ironing board
desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing, iron/ironing board
desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing, iron/ironing board
desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing, iron/ironing board

Best Western Plus Capitola By-the-sea Inn & Suites
Santa Cruz, United States

75
This smoke-free hotel features an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a 24-hour business center. Free continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a spa tub, a business center, and a meeting room. Housekeeping is available on request.
Kids stay free
Connecting Rooms
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hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz, United States

75
Along with an outdoor pool, this smoke-free hotel has a 24-hour fitness center and a snack bar/deli. Free on-the-go breakfast and free WiFi in public areas are also provided. Other amenities include a 24-hour business center, a spa tub, and self parking.
Add dates to check price & availability
in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
shower, designer toiletries, towels
in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
shower, designer toiletries, towels
shower, designer toiletries, towels

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States

73
This smoke-free hotel features an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a bar/lounge. Free buffet breakfast and free WiFi in public areas are also provided. Other amenities include a spa tub, valet parking, and a business center.
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in-room safe, desk, free wifi, bed sheets
bathroom sink
superior room, 1 king bed, ocean view (ocean view cloud - king) | in-room safe, desk, free wifi, bed sheets
in-room safe, desk, free wifi, bed sheets
superior room, 1 king bed, ocean view (ocean view cathedral executive - king) | in-room safe, desk, free wifi, bed sheets
in-room safe, desk, free wifi, bed sheets

Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States

70
An outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a bar/lounge are available at this smoke-free resort. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a poolside bar, a snack bar/deli, and a coffee shop/cafe are onsite.
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desk, iron/ironing board, free cots/infant beds, rollaway beds
hair dryer, towels
desk, iron/ironing board, free cots/infant beds, rollaway beds
double room, 2 double beds, non smoking | desk, iron/ironing board, free cots/infant beds, rollaway beds
desk, iron/ironing board, free cots/infant beds, rollaway beds
standard room, 1 king bed, non smoking | desk, iron/ironing board, free cots/infant beds, rollaway beds

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States

70
This smoke-free hotel features an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a spa tub. Free continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a business center, dry cleaning, and laundry facilities.
Kids stay free
Add dates to check price & availability
desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
combined shower/bathtub
desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board

Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA
Santa Cruz, United States

67
This smoke-free hotel features a fitness center, a snack bar/deli, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free buffet breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, dry cleaning, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour front desk are onsite. Housekeeping is available on request.
Connecting Rooms
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abalone room (7), deluxe iii queen - no dogs | pillow-top beds, individually decorated, individually furnished
blue whale room (11), family double - no dogs | bathroom | free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
beachcomber cottage (6), deluxe family cottage - dog friendly | pillow-top beds, individually decorated, individually furnished
driftwood cottage (5), family cottage - no dogs | pillow-top beds, individually decorated, individually furnished
sea breeze room (15), deluxe i queen - dog friendly | pillow-top beds, individually decorated, individually furnished
beachcomber cottage (6), deluxe family cottage - dog friendly | terrace/patio

Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages
Santa Cruz, United States

65
Guests at this beach hotel will appreciate convenient onsite amenities such as barbecue grills and a picnic area. Housekeeping is available once per stay.
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classic room, 1 queen bed | free wifi, bed sheets
signature room, 2 queen beds, partial ocean view | free wifi, bed sheets
signature room, 2 queen beds, partial ocean view | free wifi, bed sheets
signature room, 2 queen beds, partial ocean view, ground floor | free wifi, bed sheets
newly renovated 2 queens, street view | free wifi, bed sheets
signature room, 2 queen beds, partial ocean view | terrace/patio

Casablanca On The Beach
Santa Cruz, United States

64
A restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a rooftop terrace are available at this smoke-free hotel. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, concierge services, tour/ticket assistance, and wedding services are onsite. Housekeeping is available once per stay.
Kids stay free
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premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated
shower, designer toiletries, hair dryer, towels
premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated
premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated
premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated
premium bedding, pillow-top beds, individually decorated

The Aqua Pacific Hotel
Santa Cruz, United States

59
An indoor pool, a spa tub, and a 24-hour front desk are available at this hotel. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a vending machine. Housekeeping is available on request.
Connecting Rooms
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view from room
deep-soaking bathtub, rainfall showerhead, designer toiletries
hypo-allergenic bedding, down duvets, in-room safe, desk
hypo-allergenic bedding, down duvets, in-room safe, desk
2 queen beds, pool view | view from room
hypo-allergenic bedding, down duvets, in-room safe, desk

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Santa Cruz, United States

58
This smoke-free hotel features an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a bar/lounge. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a poolside bar, a snack bar/deli, and a 24-hour business center are onsite. Housekeeping is available on request.
Kids stay free
Connecting Rooms
Add dates to check price & availability
free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
studio, 1 king bed with sofa bed, non smoking | living area | lcd tv, dvd player
desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
free toiletries, hair dryer, towels

Hampton Inn Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States

57
This smoke-free hotel features an indoor pool, a snack bar/deli, and a 24-hour business center. Free on-the-go breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a business center, dry cleaning, and a 24-hour front desk.
Connecting Rooms
Add dates to check price & availability
desk, iron/ironing board, free wifi, bed sheets
hair dryer, towels
desk, iron/ironing board, free wifi, bed sheets
suite, 1 queen bed with sofa bed | desk, iron/ironing board, free wifi, bed sheets
desk, iron/ironing board, free wifi, bed sheets
suite, 1 king bed | desk, iron/ironing board, free wifi, bed sheets

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz, an IHG Hotel
Santa Cruz, United States

57
This smoke-free hotel features a sauna, self parking, and laundry facilities. Free full breakfast and free WiFi in public areas are also provided. Additionally, a 24-hour front desk, express check-out, and free newspapers are onsite. Housekeeping is available on request.
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standard room, 1 king bed, non smoking, ocean view | iron/ironing board, free wifi, bed sheets
panoramic room, multiple beds, non smoking, ocean view | bathroom | shower, hydromassage showerhead, hair dryer, towels
king queen combo | view from room
panoramic room, multiple beds, non smoking, ocean view | view from room
panoramic room, multiple beds, non smoking, ocean view | iron/ironing board, free wifi, bed sheets
standard room, 1 king bed, non smoking, ocean view | iron/ironing board, free wifi, bed sheets

Seaway Inn
Santa Cruz, United States

56
Free self parking and free WiFi in public areas are available at this smoke-free hotel. Housekeeping is available on request.
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