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

Julia

NT$2,833

NT$5,249 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 3 - Nov 4

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

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

2. Carousel Beach Inn

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

Nova

NT$2,647

NT$3,121 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

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.

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

NT$4,431

NT$6,536 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

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

4. Seaway Inn

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

Roxanna

NT$4,569

NT$5,260 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

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

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

5. 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

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

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

6. 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 14 - Oct 15

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.

7. Dream Inn Santa Cruz

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

Jiexin

NT$8,269

NT$9,411 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 29 - Oct 30

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

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.

8. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

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

Grester

NT$4,087

NT$4,719 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 3 - Nov 4

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 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.

9. 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 27 - Oct 28

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

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

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 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

Anna

NT$3,772

NT$4,366 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

A living room with a fireplace, a chair, a small table with flowers, and a vase.

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.

11. Pacific Blue Inn

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

Sharon

NT$2,841

NT$3,399 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 22 - Oct 23

The Ocean Pacific Lodge building with a clear blue sky.

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

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".

12. 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

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

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

13. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

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

Brooke

NT$4,310

NT$4,970 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

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.

14. Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages

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

Richard

NT$4,138

NT$4,768 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 14 - Oct 15

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

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

A bathroom with a large mirror, a bathtub, two yellow chairs, and a television on a cabinet.

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

15. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

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

Alan

NT$2,861

NT$3,315 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

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

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

16. West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn

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

Molly

NT$5,843

NT$6,678 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 11 - Nov 12

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

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

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".

17. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

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

Leslie

NT$4,043

NT$4,671 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

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

Jacob

NT$4,055

NT$4,683 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

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 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.

19. 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 15 - Oct 16

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

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

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.

20. 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

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 17 reviews	View
Carousel Beach Inn	9.2 Wonderful 155 reviews	View
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz	9.2 Wonderful 1,350 reviews	View
Seaway Inn	9.2 Wonderful 306 reviews	View
Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA	9.0 Wonderful 715 reviews	View

Top Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Hotel Reviews

The Aqua Pacific Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Great service. Very clean!"

Casablanca On The Beach

10/10 Excellent

"Nice friendly staff. Loved our room 316 which faces main st and has a cute bench to sit and have your coffee in the morning"

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"Great place to stay !!"

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"Pool in pics looks way bigger then the actual and not enough lounge chairs"

Ocean Pacific Lodge

8/10 Good

"Pretty convenient location and a decent price compared with the astronomical price of many other options. Adequate parking and walkable distance to the downtown and plenty of dining options. I would stay again but would make sure my room was not immediately adjacent to the ice machine ( foot traffic of people getting ice) and the pool ( kids birthday parties etc not great if you’re trying to rest). Air conditioning was a bit loud tbh at least in my room - but on the plus side their wasn’t any drama at night or noise and I think they keep a close eye on the place- it’s a motor court arrangement with rooms facing out so could be vulnerable to randoms wandering through but there was no problem."

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"Very nice staff, clean room, affordable. Will come again."

Beachview Inn

10/10 Excellent

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

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"

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$2,958

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. Carousel Beach Inn

3. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

4. Seaway Inn

5. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

6. Mission Inn

7. Dream Inn Santa Cruz

8. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

9. Marea Sol Hotel

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. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

16. West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn

17. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

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

19. Hitching Post Studios 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

The Aqua Pacific Hotel

Casablanca On The Beach

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Ocean Pacific Lodge

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Beachview Inn

Edgewater Beach 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

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