Best Family Hotels in Santa Cruz CA
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 found the cheapest option so you get the best bang for your buck, or luxury vibes for a decent price.
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.
Quick Picks: Best Family Hotels in Santa Cruz at a Glance
🏄♂️ Dream Inn Santa Cruz — 💰💰💰 — Beachfront, West Cliff — Check availability →
🏄♂️ Hyatt Place Santa Cruz — 💰💰 — Near Boardwalk — Check availability →
🏄♂️ Aqua Breeze Inn — 💰 — Across from Boardwalk — Check availability →
🏄♂️ Beach Street Inn and Suites — 💰💰 — Beachfront, near Boardwalk — Check availability →
🏄♂️ Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection — 💰💰 — Downtown Santa Cruz — Check availability →
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz With Kids (Family-Friendly Hotels)
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Best beachfront hotel for families
💰💰💰 Splurge – from ~$260/night; peak summer and weekends regularly $400+
- 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.
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Best for value and comfort
💰💰 Mid-Range — from ~$150/night; includes free breakfast
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
Aqua Breeze Inn
Best budget-friendly family hotel near the Boardwalk
💰 Budget — from ~$70–$90/night off-season; higher in summer
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
Best family-friendly hotel near the Boardwalk with kitchenettes
💰💰 Mid-Range — from ~$140/night; ocean-view suites run higher (~$220–$300)
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
Best for modern style + central location
💰💰 Mid-Range — from ~$150/night weekdays; weekends and peak season $300–$380+
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.
Some lines can be long, just like any other boardwalk or fun fair. For example one of the main attractions is the boat with a big drop. But most others rides and attractions, especially the rides for younger kids, do not have long lines.
🔍 The Mystery Spot
A quirky, gravity-defying attraction that kids love. I didn’t do the guided tour but it was fun to explore by ourselves!
🐠 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.
There is a stretch of restaurants near to Capitola village, and it’s right on the beach. We spent a whole afternoon just here on the beach with the colorful village in the background.
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.
