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

A modern kitchen with a dining table, chairs, a microwave, and a coffee maker.

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

1. Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel

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

Andrea

Rp1.899.963

Rp3.290.288 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

A wooden interior with large windows overlooking a beach.

A modern interior with a view of an outdoor patio area.

A dining area with a long table set for a meal, large windows offering a view, and a modern ceiling design.

A row of colorful houses along a waterfront.

2. La Bahia Hotel and Spa

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

paola

Rp4.680.613

Rp6.252.806 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Oct - 19 Oct

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

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

A modern hotel lobby with a round table, yellow chairs, a large potted plant, and a patterned carpet.

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

3. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

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

Frank

Rp2.416.752

Rp2.786.579 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Oct - 8 Oct

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

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

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

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, a nightstand, and a view of the ocean.

4. Dream Inn Santa Cruz

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

Jiexin

Rp4.490.170

Rp5.112.851 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Oct - 22 Oct

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

A balcony with a view of palm trees, a parking lot, and a distant cityscape.

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

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

5. Seaway Inn

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

Roxanna

Rp2.397.976

Rp2.765.513 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Oct - 7 Oct

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

A hotel with a flat facade, multiple windows, and a sign that reads "Champs Ely."

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

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

6. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

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

Ingrid

Rp2.038.190

Rp2.361.851 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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

A hotel room with a bed, a bedside table with a phone, a vase of flowers, a nightstand with a lamp, a mirror, and a painting of a beach scene.

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

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

7. Mission Inn

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

Erin

Rp1.639.064

Rp2.039.263 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Oct - 8 Oct

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

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

A bar area with wooden beams, hanging pendant lights, a wine display, and bar stools.

8. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

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

Grester

Rp2.306.778

Rp2.663.194 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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

A desk with a telephone and a lamp, a chair, and a window with a view of a bridge and a body of water.

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.

9. Marea Sol Hotel

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

Sonia

Rp1.960.761

Rp2.274.948 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

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

A hotel room with two beds, a balcony, and large colorful wall art.

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

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

10. Carousel Beach Inn

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

Nova

Rp1.482.731

Rp1.748.173 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Oct - 7 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 self-service beverage and snack vending area with various brands and types of products.

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

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

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

Natalya

Rp2.112.758

Rp2.445.512 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

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

A multi-story hotel with a blue and white exterior, balconies, and a sign indicating it is a Blue Inn.

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.

12. Pacific Blue Inn

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

Sharon

Rp1.591.498

Rp1.903.718 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Oct - 7 Oct

The Ocean Pacific Lodge building with a clear blue sky.

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

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

A hotel room with a large bed, bedside tables, a desk, and a bathroom visible through an open door.

13. Ocean Pacific Lodge

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

James

Rp1.324.094

Rp1.761.298 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 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 bar area with a marble counter, hanging lights, and green patterned walls.

A hotel room with a bed, a seating area with a table, a desk, and a mirror.

14. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

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

Brooke

Rp2.503.480

Rp2.883.883 total

includes taxes & fees

25 Oct - 26 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 hotel room with a wooden desk, a flat-screen TV, a microwave, a mini-fridge, a chair, a lamp, and a window with curtains.

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

15. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

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

Bertha

Rp1.723.825

Rp1.993.056 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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

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

A two-story house with a white porch, a red umbrella, and a small garden with various shrubs.

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

16. Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages

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

Donald

Rp3.283.135

Rp3.752.216 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Oct - 7 Oct

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

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

A modern hotel lobby with a bar area, seating arrangements, and a counter with coffee machines.

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

17. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

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

Leslie

Rp2.340.754

Rp2.701.313 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Oct - 8 Oct

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

A hotel lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a patterned carpet.

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

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

Rp2.253.132

Rp2.603.005 total

includes taxes & fees

5 Nov - 6 Nov

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

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

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

A room with a bay window, two armchairs, a round rug, and a small table with a lamp.

19. West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn

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

Molly

Rp3.576.579

Rp4.080.872 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Oct - 8 Oct

An outdoor deck with wicker furniture and a large umbrella, overlooking a beach and pier.

A beach view with palm trees, a chair, and a railing.

A room with a bed, a window, and a view of the beach.

A beachfront hotel with multiple balconies, beach umbrellas, and a sandy beach area.

20. Casablanca On The Beach

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

Johnnie

Rp1.564.675

Rp2.528.515 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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	9.6 Exceptional 15 reviews	View
La Bahia Hotel and Spa	9.6 Exceptional 543 reviews	View
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz	9.2 Wonderful 1,350 reviews	View
Dream Inn Santa Cruz	9.4 Exceptional 1,035 reviews	View
Seaway Inn	9.2 Wonderful 304 reviews	View

Top Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Hotel Reviews

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

10/10 Excellent

"One of the best hotels in that area, clean, beautiful, comfortable by the ocean and it has two amazing restaurants & great poolside food. We didn’t leave the hotel at all except visiting the park. Both restaurants needs reservations for guests too and are slow style, not a rushed to go type so plan accordingly. I’d come back here frequently for sure."

Marea Sol Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"I was very pleased with my stay it was very clean and it’s at a great location"

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

8/10 Good

"The room was clean, staff was ok. The spa wasn’t working temperature was not warm enough, disappointed."

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"Was an awesome experience. Was happy to see a small food items to order. Wish there was more kid friendly items for dinner to order. Besides that the place was fabulous"

Edgewater Beach Inn

8/10 Good

"Nice clean room, great shower. Nice location."

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

8/10 Good

"I Truly love it here. This place has help me get My R and R just how I need to. I love how it Is single level and your vehicle is close to you. They have an Ice machine and they accept Service Animals. The water is hot and the Cable works and is decent. It's very close to food places and the Beach is just rite there is works"

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 beachside amusement park with a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and a building with a red roof.

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 174 hotels and other accommodation options you'll find within a mile.

What's the best place to stay near Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center?

Adjacent to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, La Bahia Hotel and Spa is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveller data, and this hotel offers a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Other good options within a short distance include La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz and Marea Sol Hotel.

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

Expedia has 174 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.

Search Hotels Near Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, Santa Cruz

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

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

1. Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel

2. La Bahia Hotel and Spa

3. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

4. Dream Inn Santa Cruz

5. Seaway Inn

6. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

7. Mission Inn

8. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

9. Marea Sol Hotel

10. Carousel Beach Inn

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

12. Pacific Blue Inn

13. Ocean Pacific Lodge

14. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

15. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

16. Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages

17. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

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

19. West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn

20. Casablanca On The Beach

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

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Edgewater Beach Inn

Riverside Inn & Suites 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