Santa Cruz pairs rugged coastline with redwood forests, and a hotel with a hot tub makes the most of both. Whether you want to soak steps from the sand at Main Beach or retreat into the mountain quiet near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, these 16 properties put a heated soak within reach. Expect outdoor pools, spa baths in select rooms, and a laid-back surf-town atmosphere that carries into the evenings.
Budget-conscious travelers can book Surf City Inn & Suites (from around $129/night) with its indoor hot tub and free parking, just a 10-minute walk from the Boardwalk. Mid-range picks like Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North offer spa baths in select rooms plus a heated outdoor pool. For a splurge, La Bahia Hotel & Spa delivers beachfront access, a rooftop pool, and a full spa-guest scores hit 91/100. Dream Inn Santa Cruz sits directly next to the Boardwalk with an ocean-view deck and hot tub. Book early for summer weekends, as rooms near the wharf fill fast.