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
business centre
free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
room, 2 queen beds, non smoking | desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board

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

84
Family-friendly hotel near Santa Cruz beach and boardwalk with spacious rooms, a pool, and a good breakfast. Perfect for a family holiday!
kids stay free
close to the beach
close to attractions
spacious family room
summary generated by AI from verified family reviews
Add dates to check price & availability
premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
32-inch lcd tv with satellite channels, tv, ipod dock
premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
free toiletries, hair dryer, towels

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

77
Spacious rooms, friendly staff, great breakfast, heated pool, and convenient location make this hotel perfect for families.
connecting rooms
spacious family room
onsite restaurant
kids restaurant menu
childrens pool
close to the beach
summary generated by AI from verified family reviews
Add dates to check price & availability
desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing, iron/ironing board
combined shower/bathtub, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing, iron/ironing board
combined shower/bathtub, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing, iron/ironing board
combined shower/bathtub, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels

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

75
Spacious family rooms, delicious breakfast, refreshing pool and jacuzzi, and welcoming staff make this hotel perfect for a family getaway.
kids stay free
connecting rooms
spacious family room
onsite restaurant
good value
summary generated by AI from verified family reviews
Add dates to check price & availability
hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
designer toiletries, towels
hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
designer toiletries, towels
hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
property amenity

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
Family-friendly hotel with a great breakfast, clean rooms, friendly staff, and a pool. Fire pits are perfect for family s'mores!
good for families
onsite restaurant
summary generated by AI from verified family reviews
Add dates to check price & availability
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
beach views
outdoor pool, a heated pool, open 7:30 am to 9:00 pm, pool umbrellas

Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States

70
Beachfront location, heated pool, friendly staff, and close to Santa Cruz attractions. Perfect for family getaways!
close to the beach
childrens pool
onsite restaurant
good for young families
summary generated by AI from verified family reviews
Add dates to check price & availability
desk, iron/ironing board, free cots/infant beds, rollaway beds
lobby
hair dryer, towels
lobby
desk, iron/ironing board, free cots/infant beds, rollaway beds
room, 2 queen beds, accessible, non smoking | accessible bathroom

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States

70
Clean rooms, convenient parking, a refreshing pool and a quiet atmosphere make this hotel perfect for families visiting Santa Cruz.
kids stay free
convenient parking
childrens pool
good for young families
good value
summary generated by AI from verified family reviews
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
combined shower/bathtub
desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
bathroom shower

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

67
Spacious family rooms, delicious complimentary breakfast, and a fantastic location near the beach and local attractions.
connecting rooms
spacious family room
onsite restaurant
close to the beach
close to attractions
summary generated by AI from verified family reviews
Add dates to check price & availability
gull cottage (1), family cottage - dog friendly | private kitchenette | microwave, coffee/tea maker, paper towels
sea breeze room (15), deluxe i queen - dog friendly | private kitchenette | microwave, coffee/tea maker, paper towels
sand piper room (8), deluxe i king - no dogs | private kitchenette | microwave, coffee/tea maker, paper towels
abalone room (7), deluxe iii queen - no dogs | pillow-top beds, individually decorated, individually furnished
gull cottage (1), family cottage - dog friendly | living area | 30-inch flat-screen tv with cable channels, tv, ipod dock
blue whale room (11), family double - no dogs | bathroom | free toiletries, hair dryer, towels

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.
Add dates to check price & availability
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
classic king - private balcony | free wifi, bed sheets

Casablanca On The Beach
Santa Cruz, United States

64
Enjoy a fantastic beachfront location, spacious rooms, and easy access to the boardwalk and beach. Perfect for families!
kids stay free
close to the beach
spacious family room
summary generated by AI from verified family reviews
Add dates to check price & availability
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
Newly renovated rooms, comfy beds, adjoining rooms available, welcoming staff, and convenient location near downtown Santa Cruz and the boardwalk.
connecting rooms
connecting rooms
good value
summary generated by AI from verified family reviews
Add dates to check price & availability
lounge
view from room
deep-soaking bathtub, rainfall showerhead, designer toiletries
hypo-allergenic bedding, down duvets, in-room safe, desk
37-inch flat-screen tv with cable channels, tv, netflix
deep-soaking bathtub, rainfall showerhead, designer toiletries

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
Family-friendly hotel with a great free breakfast and indoor pool. Close to downtown and the boardwalk.
connecting rooms
onsite restaurant
kids restaurant menu
childrens pool
close to the beach
close to attractions
summary generated by AI from verified family reviews
Add dates to check price & availability
desk, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free wifi
hair dryer, towels
desk, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free wifi
room, 2 queen beds | desk, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free wifi
desk, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free wifi
suite, 1 king bed | desk, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free wifi

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.
Add dates to check price & availability
shower, hydromassage showerhead, hair dryer, towels
king queen combo | living area | 40-inch flat-screen tv with cable channels
mini suite | iron/ironing board, free wifi, bed sheets
shower, hydromassage showerhead, hair dryer, towels
mini suite | iron/ironing board, free wifi, bed sheets
panoramic room, multiple beds, non smoking, ocean view | bathroom | shower, hydromassage showerhead, hair dryer, towels

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.
Add dates to check price & availability