Family-Friendly Hotels in Santa Cruz: Where to Stay, Eat, and Play With Kids
Santa Cruz is a cute seaside town with a boardwalk and town center that has pretty good weather year round. It’s only 1.5 hours from San Francisco, 40 mins from San Jose, and 2.5 hours from Sacramento, making it a nice weekend getaway.
I’ve selected the best VALUE hotels for this list. For example, for comparable location and ocean views, I’ve selected the cheapest option so you get the best bang for your buck.
PRO TIP: Choosing to stay just 5 mins drive or 15 mins walk away from the beach can save you around $200 per night for the equivalent quality of hotel! Both beachfront and great value hotels listed below👇
🤑Don’t forget to use my FREE hack to triple-dip on hotel booking cashback and rewards!🤑
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz With Kids (Family-Friendly Hotels)
Dream Inn Santa Cruz (~$250-$350 per night)
Best beachfront hotel for families
- Oceanfront rooms with private balconies
- Walking distance to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Wharf
- Heated outdoor pool
- Spacious, family-sized rooms
Tip: Splurge here if you want to wake up to the ocean every morning – literally, look at that view! – it’s worth it for older kids who love beach time.
👉 Check prices and availability at Dream Inn Santa Cruz (affiliate link)
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz (~$150-$250)
Best for value and comfort
Stay 5 mins drive (15 mins walk) away from the beach and you get SO much more value! You can even use your credit card points! This is a highly rated Hyatt which is also great value for money.
- Heated pool and hot tub
- Free breakfast
- Larger rooms for kids and parents
- Modern, clean, and quiet
👉 Check current Hyatt Place Santa Cruz rates (affiliate link)
Aqua Breeze Inn (~$100-$190)
Best budget-friendly family hotel near the Boardwalk
Quality-wise, you get what you pay for, but if you don’t need a fancy hotel, this is a great option!
- Directly across from the Boardwalk
- Most affordable option for sleeping 6-8 people
- Walking distance to Firefly Coffee House for your morning coffee and breakfast
Beach Street Inn and Suites (~$120-$350)
Best family-friendly hotel near the Boardwalk with kitchenettes
Beach Street Inn & Suites has many rooms with ocean view at a great price, and the interior is decently modern too.
- Across the street from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Family suites with kitchenettes (great for snacks and easy meals)
- Outdoor heated pool
Hotel Paradox, Marriott Autograph Collection (~$140-$340)
Best for modern style + central location
By staying just 15 mins walk away from the boardwalk, you can stay in an upscale hotel for the same price as beachfront hotels with fewer stars.
- Spacious, modern rooms
- On-site restaurant
- Close to downtown Santa Cruz
Things to Do in Santa Cruz With Kids
Santa Cruz is packed with fun, family-friendly activities. From amusement parks to nature walks, there’s something for every age.
🎡 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
This classic seaside amusement park is a must. From gentle rides for toddlers to roller coasters for teens, plus games, food, and beach access, the Boardwalk is a top spot for family fun.
🔍 The Mystery Spot
A quirky, gravity-defying attraction that kids love. The guided tour is fun, interactive, and entertaining for parents too.
🐠 Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Explore marine life up close with touch tanks, whale skeletons, and interactive exhibits. Perfect for younger kids who love hands-on learning.
🏖️ Natural Bridges State Beach
A top destination for nature-loving families.
- Tide pools and sand play
- Monarch butterfly viewing in season
- Easy beach access for kids
Bring a jacket—it’s often cooler than the main beach area.
🌸 Capitola Village
A short drive from Santa Cruz, Capitola feels like a colorful seaside village. Calm waters, boutique shops, and family-friendly cafes make it perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Santa Cruz
Finding restaurants your kids will love is a vacation essential. Here are a few favorites:
🍦 Marianne’s Ice Cream (Ocean Street)
A local institution for giant scoops and unique flavors. Kids (and adults) love it.
🍕 Pizza My Heart
Quick, casual, and always satisfying. Ideal for post-beach lunches or Boardwalk dinners.
☕ Firefly Coffee House
Great for parents in need of real coffee. Also offers pastries and light meals, and is conveniently near Aqua Breeze Inn.
Tips for Booking a Family Vacation in Santa Cruz
- Book early, especially for summer travel—family-friendly hotels fill quickly. Almost all of the options listed above are fully refundable.
- Look for free breakfast and parking to save money.
- Staying near the Boardwalk reduces stress and maximizes family fun.
🤑Don’t forget to use my FREE hack to triple-dip on hotel booking cashback and rewards!🤑
