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

Change your mind
Book hotels with free cancellation
Treat yourself
Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
Sign in
Be picky
Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Tonight

Tomorrow

Next weekend

In two weeks

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 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.

1. Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel

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

Andrea

NT$3,266

NT$5,729 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 26 - Oct 27

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

2. Dream Inn Santa Cruz

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

Jiexin

NT$8,889

NT$10,107 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 21 - Oct 22

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

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

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$4,171

NT$4,813 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 7 - Oct 8

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 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.

4. Mission Inn

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

Erin

NT$2,920

NT$3,633 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 5 - Oct 6

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.

5. Seaway Inn

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

Roxanna

NT$4,416

NT$5,088 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 5 - Oct 6

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."

6. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

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

Ingrid

NT$3,632

NT$4,208 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

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

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

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

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

Natalya

NT$3,764

NT$4,357 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 26 - Oct 27

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

NT$4,110

NT$4,745 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 neatly made bed in a room with light blue walls, wooden flooring, and two bedside tables with lamps.

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

9. Pacific Blue Inn

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

Sharon

NT$2,836

NT$3,392 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 5 - Oct 6

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

10. Marea Sol Hotel

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

Donna

NT$3,494

NT$4,053 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 26 - Oct 27

The Ocean Pacific Lodge building with a clear blue sky.

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.

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

11. Ocean Pacific Lodge

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

James

NT$2,359

NT$3,138 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 hotel room with a bed, a seating area with a table, a desk, and a mirror.

A modern bar area with a marble counter, hanging lights, and green patterned walls.

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

12. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

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

Brooke

NT$4,461

NT$5,138 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

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

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.

13. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

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

Bertha

NT$3,073

NT$3,553 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

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 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 wooden desk, a yellow chair, a flat-screen TV, a microwave, a coffee machine, and a mini-fridge.

14. 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$4,142

NT$4,781 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 6 - Oct 7

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 glass door with a poster board displaying various travel brochures.

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

15. Hitching Post Studios Inn

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

Grant

NT$2,552

NT$2,952 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

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 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.

16. Casablanca On The Beach

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

Madeline

NT$2,788

NT$4,505 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

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

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

17. National 9 Santa Cruz

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

Michael

NT$2,230

NT$2,571 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 5 - Oct 6

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

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.

A reception area with a counter, a desk, and a chair. There are framed pictures on the wall and a small shelf with magazines.

18. Beachview Inn

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

Michael

NT$2,151

NT$2,821 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

19. Salt Air Lodge

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

Monica

NT$2,867

NT$3,306 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 5 - Oct 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 modern office space with cubicles, seating areas, and a large TV screen.

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

20. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

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

Leslie

NT$4,171

NT$4,813 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 5 - Oct 6

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
Dream Inn Santa Cruz	9.4 Exceptional 1,034 reviews	View
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz	9.2 Wonderful 1,347 reviews	View
Mission Inn	9.0 Wonderful 1,001 reviews	View
Seaway Inn	9.2 Wonderful 303 reviews	View

Top Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Hotel Reviews

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

10/10 Excellent

"Gorgeous location. Delicious food. Room cleaning was immaculately done. Great lobby for coffee and the woman who made coffee in the am was a joy! Delicious breakfast treats. Has an amazing dinner also"

Marea Sol Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Nice hotel!"

Surf City Inn and Suites

8/10 Good

"Clean room, daily room cleaning."

Carousel Beach Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Great stay at Carousel Beach! Literally next door to the Boardwalk. Rooms were well maintained and spotlessly clean. Breakfast was simple but more than enough for our need. Would happily recommend this hotel to anyone planning a visit to Santa Cruz."

Casablanca On The Beach

8/10 Good

"We really enjoyed out time at this hotel. We had a room with a great balcony and view of the beach and the ocean. Very relaxing and enjoyable time. If I had a couple minor complaints, it would be: 1.) the Wifi is terrible. I had to use my phone instead. Fortunately I have unlimited data on my phone, but if that were not true it might have been an issue, 2.) the coffee in the lobby is not good. Coffee pods in the rooms are better, but they don't give you enough, and (like many hotels) they don't give you enough water bottles. We had to bring our own. Otherwise, great stay. We will likely be back!"

Edgewater Beach Inn

8/10 Good

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

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"We had a great stay here. Everything was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the staff was friendly and helpful. Overall, everything was great and we really enjoyed our stay. We would definitely stay here again!"

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"

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"The location and view were awesome . All the front staff and valet guys were friendly and helpful . Loved it .. Cheers"

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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$2,571

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. Dream Inn Santa Cruz

3. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

4. Mission Inn

5. Seaway Inn

6. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

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

8. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

9. Pacific Blue Inn

10. Marea Sol Hotel

11. Ocean Pacific Lodge

12. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

13. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

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

15. Hitching Post Studios Inn

16. Casablanca On The Beach

17. National 9 Santa Cruz

18. Beachview Inn

19. Salt Air Lodge

20. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

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

Surf City Inn and Suites

Carousel Beach Inn

Casablanca On The Beach

Edgewater Beach Inn

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Dream 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

Explore a world of travel with Expedia