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

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

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

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

NT$3,334

NT$5,798 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 30 - Oct 1

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

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

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

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

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

NT$4,302

NT$4,960 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 28 - Sep 29

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

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

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.

3. Mission Inn

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

KimLien

NT$2,911

NT$3,621 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

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

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

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.

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

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

Natalya

NT$3,840

NT$4,442 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 26 - Oct 27

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

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

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

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

5. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

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

Linda

NT$3,880

NT$4,486 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 5 - Oct 6

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.

6. Pacific Blue Inn

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

Sharon

NT$3,151

NT$3,754 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 28 - Sep 29

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

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

7. Ocean Pacific Lodge

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

Anthony

NT$2,351

NT$3,128 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 26 - Oct 27

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

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

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

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

8. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

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

Brooke

NT$4,584

NT$5,276 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

9. Salt Air Lodge

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

Kyle

NT$2,858

NT$3,295 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

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

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

A compact bathroom with a white sink, a mirror, a microwave, and a small refrigerator.

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

10. Hitching Post Studios Inn

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

Grant

NT$2,544

NT$2,942 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

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

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

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.

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

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

Steve

NT$4,042

NT$4,669 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 4 - Oct 5

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

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

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

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

12. Casablanca On The Beach

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

Madeline

NT$3,546

NT$5,353 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 29 - Sep 30

A hotel room with a large bed, bedside tables, a desk, and a chair.

A room with a grey sofa, two wooden chairs, a small table with papers, and a large window with a view of parked cars and greenery outside.

A row of motel buildings with orange doors and railings, featuring a central staircase and a parking lot.

A conference room with round tables and chairs, a mounted TV, and a bulletin board with pamphlets.

13. Beachview Inn

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

Michael

NT$2,258

NT$2,940 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

A street view with a building featuring a pink fence, a tree, and parked cars.

A hotel room with two beds, a wooden headboard, a nightstand, and a painting on the wall.

A building with a white picket fence, a small bridge, and a bush.

A kitchen with dark cabinets, a microwave, a stove, a sink, and a refrigerator.

14. Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Lower Ocean, 0.8 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Siddharth

NT$2,159

NT$2,512 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

A lobby with a brick wall, a reception desk, a black rug, and a framed picture on the wall.

A hotel room with a bed, a desk with two chairs, a television, a mirror, and a ceiling fan.

Two black chairs and a small table in a room with a carpeted floor and plain walls.

A rectangular swimming pool with a metal ladder on one side, surrounded by a concrete deck.

15. National 9 Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz, 2.5 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

James

NT$2,223

NT$2,563 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 29 - Sep 30

A hotel room with a bed, bedside tables, a chair, and a desk.

A motel with a swimming pool, a sign indicating vacancy, and amenities like cable TV, HBO, AC in rooms, and free WiFi.

A parking lot with a swimming pool, a white car, and a building with a balcony.

A hotel lobby with a reception desk, a coffee machine, a framed picture, a chair, and a window.

16. Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz, 1.4 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Irinea

NT$2,382

NT$2,950 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 5 - Oct 6

A hotel room with a large bed, a sofa, a desk with a chair, a TV, and a small table.

A reception desk with a modern design, a large window offering a view of the street, and a decorative mural on the wall.

A multi-story building with a modern design, featuring a central entrance with glass doors, parking spaces on either side, and a blue-lit facade.

A balcony with a view of a parking lot, a building with multiple floors, and palm trees.

17. Seaside Inn & Suites

Westside Santa Cruz, 1.4 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Justin

NT$1,881

NT$2,714 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 28 - Sep 29

A room with a television mounted on the wall, a window with blinds, a heater, a wooden dresser, and a door.

A motel with a central entrance, multiple rooms, and a covered area with a railing.

A covered corridor with a railing, large windows, and a view of a parking lot.

A compact room with a flat-screen TV, a microwave, a refrigerator, a wooden cabinet, and a red chair.

18. Drift Inn

Lower Ocean, 0.9 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

John

NT$2,229

NT$2,497 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 7 - Oct 8

A hotel room with two beds, a nightstand, a lamp, and a window with curtains.

A reception area with a wooden counter, framed artwork, a clock, and a map on the wall.

A kitchen with a bar area, large windows, and a view of the street.

A building with a mural of animals and a sign indicating an office and internet access.

19. Aqua Breeze Inn

Beach Hill - Beach Flats, 0.5 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Rosa

NT$3,144

NT$3,615 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 7 - Oct 8

A modern reception area with a glass-top table, beige sofas, and a white counter.

A hotel kitchen with a microwave, coffee machine, and a refrigerator.

A covered walkway with doors, windows, and a garden area with plants and a fence.

A Best Western hotel with a clear view of the entrance, parking area, and a sign indicating the hotel's name.

20. Best Western Inn

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

NELSON A.

NT$3,461

NT$3,977 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 7 - Oct 8

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 14 reviews	View
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz	9.2 Wonderful 1,350 reviews	View
Mission Inn	9.0 Wonderful 1,014 reviews	View
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA	9.0 Wonderful 1,001 reviews	View
Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA	9.0 Wonderful 710 reviews	View

Top Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Hotel Reviews

Carousel Beach Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Great balcony , large flat screen TV, 100 feet front Broadwalk . Excellent breakfast"

Marea Sol Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Great location."

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

8/10 Good

"The Hyatt was beautiful and clean and the staff were helpful. It was my mistake to not have checked the location of our second floor suite. Unfortunately our room was above the kitchen, and facing the street where the valet parking took place well into the evening. Lots of music from cars and the noise of car doors shutting. The staff did supply ear plugs so I slept fine after that. Loved the heated salt water pool and hot tub. Lovely guests and amenities. Breakfast was 5 star. Very nice and would stay again"

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

8/10 Good

"It was a nice sized room and clean. Helpful staff. Location was good and walking distance to the pier. Would stay there again."

Ocean Pacific Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"Great location"

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. 😞"

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 biking 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 thrills at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and find out why people love this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking 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 biking 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 biking trails.

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Pacific Garden Mall

7.6/10 (4 reviews)

You can do some window-shopping at Pacific Garden Mall during your stay in 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, check out the 173 hotels and other accommodations you'll find within a mile.

What's the best hotel 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 traveler 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 are there close to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center?

Expedia has 173 hotels and other accommodations 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 refundable provided that you cancel prior to the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which in most cases is within 24 or 48 hours of your check-in date. If your reservation is non-refundable, you might be able to still cancel and be given 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 view top deals close to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.

Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip in the area near Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center?

For additional details about rescheduling or cancelling your stay near Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, head over to our customer service page.

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.

Find hotels near Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, Santa Cruz from NT$2,497

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

Filter by

Star rating

Guest rating

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. Mission Inn

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

5. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

6. Pacific Blue Inn

7. Ocean Pacific Lodge

8. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

9. Salt Air Lodge

10. Hitching Post Studios Inn

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

12. Casablanca On The Beach

13. Beachview Inn

14. Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

15. National 9 Santa Cruz

16. Islander Motel Santa Cruz

17. Seaside Inn & Suites

18. Drift Inn

19. Aqua Breeze Inn

20. Best Western Inn

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

Top Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Hotel Reviews

Carousel Beach Inn

Marea Sol Hotel

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

Ocean Pacific Lodge

Seaside Inn & Suites

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Hotel Solares

Seaway Inn

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

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