Family Friendly Hotels in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz family-friendly hotels: 22 options near boardwalk & beach. Compare pools, free breakfast, and family suites. Book now for exclusive rates!

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 room
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Sat, 27 Jun
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Check-out
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 room
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1-22 out of 22
Sort by: high popularity
  • Price: low to high
  • Price: high to low
  • Guest rating: high to low
  • Popularity: high to low
8.8
Great974 total reviews
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1514 yd from City Center201 yd from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
Beach AccessOutdoor PoolHot Tub
  • Only beachfront hotel in Santa Cruz
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows with ocean views
  • Complimentary Beach Cruisers for guests
FromUS$ 222 /nightSelect
9.2
Perfect96 total reviews
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1441 yd from City Center272 yd from Santa Cruz
Rooftop PoolSpa & WellnessBeach Access
  • Five-star beachfront hotel
  • Rooftop pool with ocean views
  • Full-service spa and wellness
FromUS$ 484 /nightSelect
8.6
Great834 total reviews
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1147 yd from City Center684 yd from Pacific Avenue
Heated PoolHot TubConference Facilities
  • Flexible conference space for 100
  • Heated outdoor pool all year
  • Sun-drenched patio and hot tub
FromUS$ 127 /nightSelect
7.7
Very good333 total reviews
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3.1 mi from City Center1198 yd from Dominican Hospital
Heated PoolTennis CourtRopes Course
  • Mountaintop resort with Monterey Bay views
  • Two heated pools including adults-only
  • On-site hiking trails and nature walks
FromUS$ 199 /nightSelect
8.7
Great1326 total reviews
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1224 yd from City Center144 yd from Santa Cruz
Outdoor PoolFitness CenterBusiness Center
  • On-site Boardwalk wristband sales
  • Pacific Ocean view rooms
  • Heated outdoor pool and spa
FromUS$ 186 /nightSelect
8.9
Great315 total reviews
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1557 yd from City Center259 yd from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
FireplaceJacuzziHappy Hour
  • Fireplace and ocean view in every room
  • Free wine and cheese social hour
  • Jacuzzi tubs in select rooms
FromUS$ 354 /nightSelect
6.9
Nice1789 total reviews
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1148 yd from City Center486 yd from Pacific Garden Mall
Indoor PoolHot TubKitchenette
  • Extensive ADA-accessible rooms
  • Pets allowed in select rooms
  • Walk to Santa Cruz Boardwalk
FromUS$ 77 /nightSelect
8.5
Great913 total reviews
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1450 yd from City Center238 yd from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Outdoor PoolPrivate ParkingBusiness Center
  • Year-round outdoor pool
  • Private on-site parking
  • In-room coffee machine
FromUS$ 199 /nightSelect
7.8
Very good530 total reviews
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1187 yd from City Center711 yd from Pacific Avenue
Fitness CenterHot TubBusiness Center
  • Multiple suite configurations
  • Bright indoor atrium
  • Covered garage parking
FromUS$ 134 /nightSelect
8.9
Great1599 total reviews
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1366 yd from City Center108 yd from Santa Cruz
Heated PoolBeach AccessOn-site Café
  • Oceanfront with stunning bay views
  • On-site café The Picnic Basket
  • Semi-private decks overlooking bay
FromUS$ 279 /nightSelect
8.7
Great311 total reviews
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1609 yd from City Center1103 yd from Veterans Memorial Building
Indoor PoolBusiness CenterFitness Center
  • 24/7 security guard patrol
  • Signature Cloud Nine beds
  • 24/7 lobby coffee and tea
FromUS$ 219 /nightSelect
Seaway InnMotel
8.5
Great254 total reviews
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1443 yd from City Center156 yd from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
Free ParkingBeach ChairsFamily Rooms
  • Pet-friendly policy for dogs under 50 lbs
  • Two-bedroom family suites available
  • Steps to Santa Cruz Boardwalk
FromUS$ 99 /nightSelect
8.5
Great2023 total reviews
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1615 yd from City Center130 yd from Sky Glider
Free ParkingContinental BreakfastPrivate Balcony
  • Two-minute walk to Boardwalk
  • Private balconies in all rooms
  • Select rooms with spa baths
FromUS$ 109 /nightSelect
8.6
Great289 total reviews
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1.8 mi from City Center1.2 mi from UCSC Arboretum
Heated PoolHot TubFire Pit
  • Balcony suites with ocean views
  • Gas fire pit outdoor lounge
  • Eco-friendly pump toiletries
FromUS$ 216 /nightSelect
7.9
Very good285 total reviews
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1.3 mi from City Center1.1 mi from UCSC Arboretum
EV ChargingFitness CenterGuest Laundry
  • On-site EV charging stations
  • Digital key room access
  • Pet-friendly with policies
FromUS$ 210 /nightSelect
7.2
Very good760 total reviews
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1323 yd from City Center785 yd from Pacific Garden Mall
Heated PoolHot TubBBQ Area
  • Indoor heated pool and hot tub
  • Pet-friendly hypoallergenic rooms
  • Unique Mediterranean architecture
FromUS$ 114 /nightSelect
8.8
Great341 total reviews
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1411 yd from City Center127 yd from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
Gourmet BreakfastWine ReceptionJacuzzi Tubs
  • Complimentary wine and cheese hour
  • Historic Victorian architecture
  • Gourmet breakfast by on-site chef
FromUS$ 299 /nightSelect
6.2
Nice470 total reviews
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1362 yd from City Center402 yd from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Free ParkingLocker RoomMini Golf
  • Walk to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Free on-site parking available
  • Locker room for surfers
FromUS$ 68 /nightSelect
7.1
Very good277 total reviews
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1660 yd from City Center1139 yd from Veterans Memorial Building
Outdoor Hot TubFitness CenterBusiness Center
  • Select rooms with Jacuzzi
  • Extended breakfast hours
  • Near Highway 17 ramp
FromUS$ 144 /nightSelect
7.7
Very good1198 total reviews
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1300 yd from City Center112 yd from Santa Cruz
Hot TubMini GolfArt Gallery
  • Ocean views near Boardwalk
  • On-site temporary art galleries
  • On-site mini golf course
FromUS$ 108 /nightSelect
8.6
Great498 total reviews
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893 yd from City Center217 yd from Pacific Garden Mall
CourtyardFire PitsBike Hire
  • Exceeds California green standards
  • Private courtyard with fire pits
  • In-room electric fireplaces
FromUS$ 159 /nightSelect
8.3
Great237 total reviews
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1316 yd from City Center90 yd from Santa Cruz
Heated PoolBarbecue FacilitiesBoard Games
  • Heated pool open year-round
  • Select rooms with sea-view balcony
  • Barbecue facilities in garden
FromUS$ 339 /nightSelect

Santa Cruz offers a wide range of family-friendly hotels near the beach and boardwalk, with rates starting around $69 per night at budget motels and going up to $250+ for resorts with full amenities. Most properties include free parking, Wi-Fi, and breakfast, while many feature pools, hot tubs, and kitchenettes. The best areas to stay are along Beach Street for direct boardwalk access, or in the Westside near the wharf for quieter beachfront stays.

Top-rated options include the Dream Inn Santa Cruz, a beachfront hotel with an ocean-view pool and private balconies, and the Hampton Inn Santa Cruz with its indoor pool and Cloud Nine beds. For extra space, the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn offers suites with separate seating areas and free hot breakfast. Budget-conscious families can try Surf City Inn & Suites with an indoor pool and walkable boardwalk access, while the Chaminade Resort & Spa provides a mountain retreat with outdoor pools, a spa, and on-site dining.