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

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.

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.

1. Mission Inn

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

KimLien

NT$2,926

NT$3,641 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 12 - Oct 13

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 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.

2. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

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

Ingrid

NT$3,639

NT$4,217 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

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

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

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.

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

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

Anna

NT$3,772

NT$4,366 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 26 - Oct 27

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

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

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.

4. Marea Sol Hotel

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

Sherlyn

NT$3,707

NT$4,293 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 26 - Oct 27

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

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

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

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

5. Hitching Post Studios Inn

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

Grant

NT$2,557

NT$2,958 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

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

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

6. 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$4,055

NT$4,683 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

The Ocean Pacific Lodge building with a clear blue sky.

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".

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

7. Ocean Pacific Lodge

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

James

NT$2,364

NT$3,145 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

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

A motel sign with a neon 'NO VACANCY' message.

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

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

8. National 9 Santa Cruz

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

John

NT$2,235

NT$2,576 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 14 - Oct 15

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

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

A modern living room with a fireplace, wooden flooring, a black leather sofa, and a small round table.

9. Rio Vista Suites

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

Shawna

NT$3,267

NT$4,265 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 8 - Nov 9

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

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

10. Islander Motel Santa Cruz

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

Irinea

NT$2,394

NT$2,966 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 12 - Oct 13

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 beach view from a window with palm trees, a pier, and beach umbrellas.

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

11. Casablanca On The Beach

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

Johnnie

NT$2,794

NT$4,514 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

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 Pepsi vending machine with various drink options.

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

12. Seaside Inn & Suites

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

Carlos

NT$1,983

NT$2,830 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

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

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

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

A motel with outdoor seating and umbrellas, a sign indicating 'No Diving', and a view of a parking lot and distant buildings.

13. Aqua Breeze Inn

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

Aaron

NT$2,841

NT$3,277 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 22 - Oct 23

14. Salt Air Lodge

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

Julio

NT$2,873

NT$3,312 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

A hotel room with two beds, a kitchenette, a sliding glass door to a balcony, and a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall.

A hotel with a covered parking area, a sign for the Torch Late Inn, and a building with a stone facade.

A patio with outdoor seating, red umbrellas, and potted plants.

A room with two teal chairs, a small table with a vase of flowers, and a potted plant on a wooden side table.

15. Torch Lite Inn

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

Holly

NT$2,497

NT$2,902 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

A two-story house with a balcony, a staircase, and a garden with various plants and flowers.

A two-story house with a balcony, a staircase, and a garden with various plants.

A reception area with a counter, a desk, and a chair. There is a painting of a beach scene on the wall, a potted plant, and a door leading to another room.

A hotel room with a white bed, two bedside lamps, a bedside phone, and a digital clock on the nightstand.

16. Continental Inn

Westside Santa Cruz, 1.3 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Linh

NT$1,975

NT$2,668 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 9 - Nov 10

An indoor swimming pool with lounge chairs and a high ceiling with a balcony.

A hotel room with a bathroom, a desk, a bed, and a window.

A yellow building with a pergola, a statue, and a parking lot.

A hotel lobby with a yellow color scheme, a double staircase, and a person pushing a luggage cart.

17. The Aqua Pacific Hotel

Lower Ocean, 1.2 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Herman

NT$2,051

NT$2,853 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

A rectangular swimming pool with clear water, marked lanes, and a metal ladder.

An outdoor patio with red umbrellas, wicker chairs, and a stone wall.

A hotel room with three beds, a desk, and a chair.

A compact kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, microwave, and wooden cabinets.

18. Surf City Inn and Suites

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

Amra

NT$1,940

NT$2,444 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a desk lamp, and a framed picture on the wall.

A hotel lobby with a seating area, a reception desk, and a view of the street.

A hotel reception area with a counter, a sign indicating 'Quality by Choice Hotels', and a glimpse of a dining area with a table and chairs.

A patio area with a round table and chairs, surrounded by a green railing and a staircase.

19. Quality Inn Santa Cruz Downtown Area

Westside Santa Cruz, 2.1 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Melanie

NT$3,146

NT$3,624 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 20 - Oct 21

A hotel room with two beds, a large painting, a TV, and a view of the outdoors.

A hotel with a pool, lounge chairs, and balconies with potted plants.

A motel with a prominent 'Super 8' sign, a two-story structure with balconies, and a well-maintained garden area.

A modern kitchen with a built-in island, a window with a view of the street, and a bench by the window.

20. Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach

Beach Hill - Beach Flats, 0.7 km from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

jennifer

NT$2,443

NT$2,831 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 5 - Nov 6

View all properties

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

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Mission Inn	9.0 Wonderful 1,000 reviews	View
Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA	9.0 Wonderful 715 reviews	View
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA	9.0 Wonderful 1,002 reviews	View
Marea Sol Hotel	9.0 Wonderful 1,623 reviews	View
Hitching Post Studios Inn	8.6 Excellent 481 reviews	View

Top Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Hotel Reviews

Surf City Inn and Suites

8/10 Good

"Simple & adequate, very minimalist. Conveniently located. Keep expectations in check."

Beachview Inn

10/10 Excellent

"So close to everything in Santa Cruz.. especially the beach. Eateries are walkable too. Good view from the room."

Ocean Pacific Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"Easy, central, clean, quiet, and pool was nice touch. Sweet people at the front managing it."

Carousel Beach Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Very clean room & bedding, & updated spacious bathroom. Nice view of the Boardwalk from our balcony. The breakfast was a great way to start our day. Friendly, helpful staff."

Edgewater Beach Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Beautiful room, great location. Very friendly staff. Only thing I’d mention is that it had a huge deep tub that was challenging to get into and out of as a shorter person but I imagine it would be dangerous for someone older or less abled. We’d definitely go back!"

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"Great location, good for the price basic, a bit modest but perfect for beach and boardwalk accessibility"

Marea Sol Hotel

8/10 Good

"Do not pull in the driveway to check in, it's extremely small and hard to maneuver you car. I almost got stuck trying to leave because the driveway is so narrow. I stayed at Marea Sol and had a wonderful time, just park in the lot around the corner. Location is great, directly across from Main Beach."

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"All the staff were outstanding! The hotel and my room were spotless. I was able to do laundry. The breakfast was the best hotel breakfast I've ever had. Valet was friendly, knowledgeable, and made great recommendations for travel, dining, and entertainment. This location was a last minute decision and what a great decision it was. The hotel was very suitable for kids. I highly recommend this Hyatt location!"

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

10/10 Excellent

"Pool is amazing ! Staff amazing !! Food excellent Only thing was the ac was just ok so the room felt alittle humid, but we propped the door open for some fresh air and it went away !! Rooms are small but not to small and it’s the perfect location. Everything felt safe and secure"

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$2,444

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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. Mission Inn

2. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

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

4. Marea Sol Hotel

5. Hitching Post Studios Inn

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

7. Ocean Pacific Lodge

8. National 9 Santa Cruz

9. Rio Vista Suites

10. Islander Motel Santa Cruz

11. Casablanca On The Beach

12. Seaside Inn & Suites

13. Aqua Breeze Inn

14. Salt Air Lodge

15. Torch Lite Inn

16. Continental Inn

17. The Aqua Pacific Hotel

18. Surf City Inn and Suites

19. Quality Inn Santa Cruz Downtown Area

20. Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach

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

Top Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Hotel Reviews

Surf City Inn and Suites

Beachview Inn

Ocean Pacific Lodge

Carousel Beach Inn

Edgewater Beach Inn

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Marea Sol Hotel

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

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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