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

1. Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel

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

Andrea

NT$3,020

NT$5,449 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 3 - Nov 4

A wooden interior with large windows overlooking a beach.

A row of colorful houses along a waterfront.

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

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

2. La Bahia Hotel and Spa

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

Josh

NT$8,317

NT$11,110 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

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 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.

3. Dream Inn Santa Cruz

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

Jiexin

NT$8,865

NT$10,079 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 29 - Oct 30

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

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

4. 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$4,537

NT$6,648 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

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

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

5. Seaway Inn

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

Roxanna

NT$4,118

NT$4,754 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 13 - Oct 14

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

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

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

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

6. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

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

Ingrid

NT$3,622

NT$4,197 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

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

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

7. Mission Inn

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

Erin

NT$2,912

NT$3,624 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 8 - Oct 9

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

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

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 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.

8. Marea Sol Hotel

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

Sherlyn

NT$3,484

NT$4,042 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 26 - Oct 27

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

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

9. Carousel Beach Inn

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

Nova

NT$2,636

NT$3,108 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

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

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

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

Natalya

NT$3,754

NT$4,345 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 29 - Oct 30

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

11. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

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

Grester

NT$4,037

NT$4,663 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

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

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

12. Pacific Blue Inn

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

Sharon

NT$3,463

NT$4,112 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 12 - Oct 13

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

13. Ocean Pacific Lodge

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

James

NT$2,353

NT$3,130 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

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

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

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

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

14. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

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

Brooke

NT$4,448

NT$5,124 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

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

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.

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

15. West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn

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

Molly

NT$6,387

NT$7,287 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 8 - Oct 9

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

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 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.

16. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

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

Bertha

NT$3,062

NT$3,540 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

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

An outdoor patio with a table set for two, a white fence, and a 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.

17. Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages

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

Donald

NT$5,977

NT$6,827 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 8 - Oct 9

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

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

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

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

NT$4,004

NT$4,625 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 5 - Nov 6

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

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

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

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

19. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

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

Leslie

NT$4,159

NT$4,800 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

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

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.

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

20. Hitching Post Studios Inn

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

Grant

NT$2,545

NT$2,944 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

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	9.8 Exceptional 16 reviews	View
La Bahia Hotel and Spa	9.6 Exceptional 549 reviews	View
Dream Inn Santa Cruz	9.4 Exceptional 1,038 reviews	View
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz	9.2 Wonderful 1,354 reviews	View
Seaway Inn	9.2 Wonderful 304 reviews	View

Top Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Hotel Reviews

Beachview Inn

8/10 Good

"My single room was pretty clean, no roaches or anything, the shower water pressure and nozzle feel was very nice, gentle and the lighting was a lot better than I would have expected, the privacy window curtains sufficiently covered the windows, which a lot of places at these price points can't match."

Ocean Pacific Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"Great inexpensive clean place, abit old but clean"

Carousel Beach Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Great place to stay. Clean and breakfast and staff especially FANTASTIC !!!. Would recommend."

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"Friendly and helpful staff as always. Beach view is amazing (you’re on the beach). Love the pool/hot tub. Pool bar great (male bartender)."

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"The staff and reception was great and welcoming. The hotel and room was clean and spacious. Valet staff was also friendly. Definitely would stay again"

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

8/10 Good

"The property is close enough to the Boardwalk to walk. The staff were pleasant and helpful. The room was clean but dated, but if you need a kitchen, you have one although no utensils of any kind. So if you plan to cook, you'll need to bring your own pots, pans, utensils, etc. I took a griddle and food that could be microwaved as we had three children with us. Most other hotels I looked at, we would have needed to reserve two rooms to accomodate all of us. We had two bedrooms but only one TV, would have been better to have one in each room."

Casablanca On The Beach

8/10 Good

"It was not a bad place to stay. Just do not stay in room 204 if someone is above you. First night was the absolute worst I have ever experienced listening to people until 4am. Calling office and complaining. Second night was great! Owen was very helpful and reassured us that nobody was in that room our second night. I would stay again just mindful of the room location. Maybe a top floor"

Marea Sol Hotel

10/10 Excellent

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

Edgewater Beach Inn

8/10 Good

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

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 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 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 174 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 174 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$2,944

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 Bahia Hotel and Spa

3. Dream Inn Santa Cruz

4. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

5. Seaway Inn

6. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

7. Mission Inn

8. Marea Sol Hotel

9. Carousel Beach Inn

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

11. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

12. Pacific Blue Inn

13. Ocean Pacific Lodge

14. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

15. West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn

16. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

17. Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages

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

19. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

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

Beachview Inn

Ocean Pacific Lodge

Carousel Beach Inn

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Casablanca On The Beach

Marea Sol Hotel

Edgewater Beach 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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