The Best Hotels Closest to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz - 2026 Updated Prices

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Our top choices for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center hotels

A bedroom with a large bed, a desk, a dresser, and a view of the outdoors through a sliding door.

A modern kitchen with a microwave, refrigerator, and wooden cabinets. There is a round dining table with two chairs and a potted plant.

A kitchen counter with a stainless steel container, a white appliance, and wicker baskets.

A multi-story hotel with a central entrance, balconies, and outdoor seating areas.

1. Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel

Eastside Santa Cruz, 2.9 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Andrea

2.991.725 ₫

5.041.707 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

21 Oct - 22 Oct

A modern lobby with a wooden floor, seating area, large windows, and a plant.

A hotel room with two beds, a stone wall, a mural of a pier, and a window.

A spacious lobby with a wooden reception desk, a large wall mural, and a modern chandelier.

A modern reception area with a wooden log wall, a beverage refrigerator, and a view of the sea.

2. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Beach Hill - Beach Flats, 0.1 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Frank

3.737.055 ₫

4.302.052 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

28 Sept - 29 Sept

A balcony with two chairs, a small table with a vase of flowers, and a view of a parking lot and amusement park.

A restaurant with a wooden dining table, chairs, and a vase of flowers.

A red popcorn machine with a large container of popcorn, a pot, and a phone receiver.

A roller coaster at a seaside amusement park with a beach and pier in the background.

3. Carousel Beach Inn

Westside Santa Cruz, 0.6 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Carmen

2.157.099 ₫

2.543.268 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

30 Sept - 1 Oct

A beach with palm trees, waves, and a distant shoreline with buildings.

A modern cafe with wicker pendant lights, a mural of mountains, and large windows offering a view of palm trees.

A modern bedroom with a bed, a bench, a TV, and a window.

A view from a balcony overlooking a street with palm trees, a parking lot, and a building with a balcony.

4. Seaway Inn

Westside Santa Cruz, 0.2 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Roxanna

3.137.409 ₫

3.629.279 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

24 Sept - 25 Sept

A spacious indoor area with wicker furniture, large windows offering a view of the beach and ocean, and a surf shop sign.

A balcony with a sofa, armchairs, and a table with drinks, overlooking a pool and umbrellas.

A balcony with a view of the beach, a sofa with cushions, a glass table with a tray of food and drinks, and a potted plant.

A modern building with multiple dining areas, large windows, and a view of the beach and palm trees.

5. Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz, 0.2 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Jiexin

7.778.485 ₫

8.836.335 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

24 Sept - 25 Sept

A beach view with a sign for Marea Sol Hotel, palm trees, and a pier with boats.

A modern living room with a grey sectional sofa, a round coffee table, and a blue ottoman. There is a desk with a chair, a framed picture on the wall, and a large window with curtains.

A balcony with a table and chairs, overlooking a beach and pier with palm trees.

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a painting on the wall.

6. Marea Sol Hotel

Westside Santa Cruz, 0.3 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Lisa

3.073.672 ₫

3.557.811 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

28 Sept - 29 Sept

A Hyatt Place hotel entrance with a covered walkway, a clear sky, and a well-lit facade.

A modern kitchen with a large island, bar seating, and built-in appliances.

A modern lounge area with sofas, a coffee table, surfboards on the wall, and a fireplace.

7. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz, 1.2 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Grester

3.512.025 ₫

4.049.580 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

7 Oct - 8 Oct

A building with a yellow facade, a covered outdoor area with a palm tree, and a large flowering bush.

A hot tub with two people, a wooden deck, and a lattice wall with hanging flower baskets.

A residential building with a tiled roof, a covered patio area, and a palm tree.

A kitchen with a water dispenser, a coffee machine, and a view of pink flowers through the window.

8. Mission Inn

Westside Santa Cruz, 2 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

KimLien

2.630.377 ₫

3.242.510 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

27 Sept - 28 Sept

A covered outdoor seating area with stone pillars, a metal fence, and a table with chairs.

A modern kitchen with a central island, bar stools, and pendant lighting.

A snack and beverage section with refrigerated display cases and shelves stocked with snacks and drinks.

A reception desk with a "Welcome to the Golden State" sign, a "Treats" sign, and two refrigerated display cases.

9. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

Westside Santa Cruz, 2.2 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Linda

3.178.513 ₫

3.675.395 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

1 Oct - 2 Oct

An outdoor patio with round tables and chairs, a stone fireplace, and a railing.

A hotel reception area with two reception desks, a digital check-in kiosk, a wall with a 'Less Monday More Summer' sign, and a blue decorative wall.

A modern hotel lobby with a long reception desk, bar seating, and artwork on the walls.

A modern lobby with a stone fireplace, a sofa, a round table, and a reception desk.

10. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA

Westside Santa Cruz, 3.1 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Natalya

3.259.159 ₫

3.765.876 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

1 Oct - 2 Oct

A wooden bench and a small table in a courtyard with potted plants and a building in the background.

A modern living room with a fireplace, a mounted TV, and a wooden dining table with a chair.

A neatly made bed in a room with light blue walls, wooden flooring, and two bedside tables with lamps.

A room with a wooden floor, a black leather chair, a small table with a laptop, and a window with blinds.

11. Pacific Blue Inn

Downtown Santa Cruz, 0.5 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Sharon

2.575.485 ₫

3.068.209 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

24 Sept - 25 Sept

The Ocean Pacific Lodge building with a clear blue sky.

A building with a blue and yellow facade, a sign indicating no vacancies, and the name "Ocean Pacific Lodge".

A hot tub with a metal ladder, surrounded by greenery and a concrete deck.

A reception area with two sofas, a plant, a map display, and a view of the outside.

12. Ocean Pacific Lodge

Downtown, 0.3 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Anthony

2.137.601 ₫

2.799.420 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

14 Oct - 15 Oct

An outdoor seating area with round tables and chairs, string lights overhead, and a large tree in the center.

A building entrance with a large illuminated sign reading "SOLAIR".

A modern lobby with a large wooden sculpture, seating area, and a bar.

A modern bar area with a marble counter, hanging lights, and green patterned walls.

13. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Westside Santa Cruz, 1.5 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Brooke

3.954.280 ₫

4.545.768 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

27 Sept - 28 Sept

A beach with rocky cliffs and a clear view of the ocean.

A modern kitchen with white cabinets, a sink, and a stove. There is a dining table with chairs and a clock on the wall.

A blue building with a sign reading "Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages."

An outdoor patio with a table set for two, a white fence, and a view of the ocean.

14. Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages

Eastside Santa Cruz, 3.2 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Donald

5.127.556 ₫

5.852.126 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

28 Sept - 29 Sept

A Courtyard by Marriott hotel with outdoor seating, a fire pit, and potted plants.

A modern lounge area with a sectional sofa, a glass coffee table, and a bar with stools.

A modern office space with cubicles, seating areas, and a large TV screen.

A multi-story hotel entrance with a central staircase, surrounded by planters and a sign reading "Courtyard by Marriott".

15. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

Beach Hill - Beach Flats, 0.6 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

jessika

3.754.485 ₫

4.321.608 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

11 Oct - 12 Oct

A hotel room with a large bed, a bathroom with a bathtub, and a wooden floor.

A reception area with a receptionist desk, a large potted plant, a sofa with a colorful cushion, and a view through the glass doors.

A wooden pergola with climbing plants, a central fountain, and a paved walkway leading to a building entrance.

A hotel room with a wooden desk, a flat-screen TV, a microwave, a mini-fridge, a chair, a lamp, and a window with curtains.

16. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

Westside Santa Cruz, 2.4 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Bertha

2.423.557 ₫

2.804.959 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

19 Oct - 20 Oct

A hotel room with a large bed, a fireplace, a television, and a view of the city.

A beach with people walking and swimming, a lifeguard tower, and houses in the background.

A large, two-story building with a balcony and a porch, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn.

A table with a book, two glasses of wine, a plate of fruit, and a straw hat.

17. West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn

Westside Santa Cruz, 0.1 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Molly

5.905.665 ₫

7.014.975 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

28 Sept - 29 Sept

A modern hotel room with a kitchenette, a bed, a desk, and a view of the outdoors.

A modern hotel room with a blue sofa, a painting, a floor lamp, a wooden cabinet, and a built-in sink.

A modern hotel room with a wooden desk, a yellow chair, a flat-screen TV, a microwave, a coffee machine, and a mini-fridge.

A modern living room with a blue sofa, a floor lamp, a large window with a view of trees, and a radiator.

18. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

Westside Santa Cruz, 2.3 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Steve

3.277.890 ₫

3.786.893 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

21 Oct - 22 Oct

A modern bedroom with a four-poster bed, a walk-in shower, and a large mirror.

A building with a sign that reads "RIO VISTA LUXURY SUITES" indicating a hotel or resort.

A grand staircase with intricate woodwork, leading to a second floor. A cozy seating area with a sofa and armchairs is visible on the first floor.

A reception desk with a sign reading "Rio Vista Suites." There is a clock on the wall and a window with blinds.

19. Rio Vista Suites

Beach Hill - Beach Flats, 0.6 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

2.836.415 ₫

3.670.456 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

1 Oct - 2 Oct

A landscaped garden with palm trees, flowering shrubs, and a gravel path.

A glass door with a poster board displaying various travel brochures.

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a nightstand, and a lamp.

A hotel entrance with a sign for 'Hitching Post Studios Inn' indicating availability and amenities like daily kitchen studios and free Wi-Fi.

20. Hitching Post Studios Inn

Eastside Santa Cruz, 2.8 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Grant

2.083.801 ₫

2.410.601 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel	10.0 Exceptional 13 reviews	View
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz	9.2 Wonderful 1,349 reviews	View
Carousel Beach Inn	9.2 Wonderful 107 reviews	View
Seaway Inn	9.2 Wonderful 301 reviews	View
Dream Inn Santa Cruz	9.2 Wonderful 1,037 reviews	View

Top Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Hotel Reviews

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

10/10 Excellent

"You pay $55 per night for valet parking and Santa Cruz adds on a tourism fee of $50 so it adds up pretty quickly"

Marea Sol Hotel

8/10 Good

"Right across from boardwalk, but they were actively painting doorways on the floor we where staying so the smell of paint was coming through the door!"

Ocean Pacific Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"Great location"

Casablanca On The Beach

8/10 Good

"We had a beautiful large room, with sunroom. We felt like we were in a bit of a fishbowl, but we chose that room, since we needed the three beds. There was a fantastic view of the beach and the volleyball courts from our room, so no one noticed us. The walkable wharf to the right provided a nice variety of restaurants, although very pricey. The hotel staff were friendly and helpful. There was not much ventilation in the room, I would have appreciated more, as there was a bit of a stale smell. I would suggest you take your own pillow, as the ones they provide are small and lumpy. Those are just small nit picky things, that can be overlooked, as we had a delightful stay and wished we could have stayed longer."

Seaside Inn & Suites

10/10 Excellent

"It was a bit over cast but it was good and clean beds was comfy"

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"It was a true suite. We were pleased with the cleanliness of the rooms in this friendliness of the staff."

Hotel Solares

8/10 Good

"Room is clean"

Seaway Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Room was great. I wish they would clean up the lobby. They use it as a storage space. Extra chairs, refrigerators, lamp shades, and the tv is never on. Can’t sit there and relax. Three days I went there in morning there was no coffee made or hot water for tea. Looks like counter space for snacks but it is cluttered. I love this little hotel but the lobby space has never been finished. 😞"

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"I have stayed here every time I go to Santa Cruz. It's close to the boardwalk and it's very well maintained"

Other attractions near Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

A pier extending into the ocean with a roller coaster in the background.

Santa Cruz Wharf

9.0/10 (2,069 reviews)

After visiting Santa Cruz Wharf, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the surfing spots.

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A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, rocky cliffs, and houses on the cliffside.

Cowell's Beach

9.0/10 (6 reviews)

During your trip to Santa Cruz, enjoy the surf and sand at Cowell's Beach along with the surfing. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

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A pier with colorful cable cars, a beach, and a sign that reads "WORLD FAMOUS."

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

8.8/10 (6,089 reviews)

Enjoy the exciting rides at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and see why everyone loves this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

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Cocoanut Grove

Cocoanut Grove is just one of the places to see in Santa Cruz, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the surfing spots.

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Sky Glider

Enjoy an outing to Sky Glider during your stay in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the surfing spots.

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Santa Cruz Main Beach

9.0/10 (19 reviews)

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Santa Cruz Main Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

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Neary Lagoon Park

Explore the great outdoors at Neary Lagoon Park, a lovely green space in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

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Pacific Garden Mall

7.6/10 (4 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Pacific Garden Mall during your visit to Santa Cruz. Stroll along the seaside or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center?

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center is located in a walkable area of Santa Cruz known for its beautiful beaches and sporting events. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, take a look at the 173 hotels and other accommodation options you'll find within a mile.

How many hotels can I expect to find close to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center?

Expedia has 173 hotels and other accommodation options within a mile from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, will I receive a refund?

Yes! You'll find that most hotel room reservations are fully refundable as long as you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of your check-in date. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, you may still be able to cancel and get a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Enter your dates, click on "Search", then you can use the "fully refundable" filter to review the best deals available near Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.

What can I see and do near Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center?

You might want to spend some time browsing the exhibits at Lighthouse Point Park, Santa Cruz Surfing Museum or Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Laboratory. Williams-Reynolds House, Mark Abbot Memorial Lighthouse and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park are some of the notable landmarks to see in the area. Consider spending a leisurely afternoon outside at University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum, Pleasure Point Park or Neary Lagoon Park.

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Treat yourself

Be picky

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Our top choices for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center hotels

1. Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel

2. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

3. Carousel Beach Inn

4. Seaway Inn

5. Dream Inn Santa Cruz

6. Marea Sol Hotel

7. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

8. Mission Inn

9. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

10. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA

11. Pacific Blue Inn

12. Ocean Pacific Lodge

13. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

14. Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages

15. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

16. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

17. West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn

18. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

19. Rio Vista Suites

20. Hitching Post Studios Inn

Compare popular hotels close to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Top Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Hotel Reviews

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

Marea Sol Hotel

Ocean Pacific Lodge

Casablanca On The Beach

Seaside Inn & Suites

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Hotel Solares

Seaway Inn

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Other attractions near Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Santa Cruz Wharf

Cowell's Beach

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Cocoanut Grove

Sky Glider

Santa Cruz Main Beach

Neary Lagoon Park

Pacific Garden Mall

Frequently asked questions

Explore a world of travel with Expedia