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

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.

1. Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel

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

Andrea

NT$3,569

NT$6,059 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 21 - Oct 22

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 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.

A balcony with a sofa, armchairs, and a table with drinks, overlooking a pool and umbrellas.

2. Dream Inn Santa Cruz

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

Jiexin

NT$9,485

NT$10,775 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

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 modern reception area with a wooden log wall, a beverage refrigerator, and a view of the sea.

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$4,557

NT$5,246 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 28 - Sep 29

A balcony with two chairs, a small table with a vase of flowers, and a view of a parking lot and amusement park.

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.

A restaurant with a wooden dining table, chairs, and a vase of flowers.

4. Carousel Beach Inn

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

Carmen

NT$2,630

NT$3,101 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 30 - Oct 1

A beach with palm trees, waves, and a distant shoreline with buildings.

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

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

A balcony with a view of palm trees, a parking lot, and a distant cityscape.

5. Seaway Inn

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

Roxanna

NT$3,829

NT$4,430 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 24 - Sep 25

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 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.

6. Marea Sol Hotel

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

Lisa

NT$3,748

NT$4,338 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 28 - Sep 29

A modern lounge area with sofas, a coffee table, surfboards on the wall, and a fireplace.

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.

7. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

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

Grester

NT$4,282

NT$4,938 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 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.

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.

8. Mission Inn

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

KimLien

NT$3,207

NT$3,954 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

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 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.

9. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

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

Linda

NT$3,876

NT$4,482 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

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

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

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$3,974

NT$4,592 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

A wooden bench and a small table in a courtyard with potted plants and a building in the background.

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

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$3,140

NT$3,741 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

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 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.

12. Ocean Pacific Lodge

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

Anthony

NT$2,607

NT$3,414 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 14 - Oct 15

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

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

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.

13. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

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

Brooke

NT$4,822

NT$5,543 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

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

A modern kitchen with white cabinets, a sink, and a stove. There is a dining table with chairs and a clock on the wall.

A two-story house with a white porch, a red umbrella, and a small garden with various shrubs.

A blue building with a sign reading "Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages."

14. Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages

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

Donald

NT$6,252

NT$7,136 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 30 - Oct 1

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 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.

15. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

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

Bertha

NT$2,955

NT$3,420 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 19 - Oct 20

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

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

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.

16. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

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

jessika

NT$4,718

NT$5,426 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

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.

17. West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn

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

Molly

NT$6,954

NT$8,277 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 28 - Sep 29

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 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$3,997

NT$4,618 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 21 - Oct 22

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 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.

19. Casablanca On The Beach

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

Madeline

NT$4,059

NT$5,923 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 6 - Oct 7

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

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

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

A reception desk with a sign reading "Rio Vista Suites." There is a clock on the wall and a window with blinds.

20. Rio Vista Suites

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

Shawna

NT$3,459

NT$4,476 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 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	10.0 Exceptional 13 reviews	View
Dream Inn Santa Cruz	9.2 Wonderful 1,037 reviews	View
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz	9.2 Wonderful 1,349 reviews	View
Carousel Beach Inn	9.2 Wonderful 104 reviews	View
Seaway Inn	9.2 Wonderful 301 reviews	View

Top Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Hotel Reviews

Ocean Pacific Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"..."

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"Whenever you are in Santa Cruz, Courtyard Santa Cruz is it ! It’s walking distance to the Pier, and Beach. Unfortunately the pool was closed during our stay, which was a bummer, kids were excited. Other than that great family friendly hotel"

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

10/10 Excellent

"The rooms are beautiful! Staff super attentive, food was excellent! Location can't be beat! Can't wait to return!"

Seaside Inn & Suites

10/10 Excellent

"It was very comfortable and an excellent location right in the middle of santa cruz"

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. 😞"

Casablanca On The Beach

10/10 Excellent

"Have stayed multiple times here! Always clean and great location. Walking distance to the pier and boardwalk."

Surf City Inn and Suites

10/10 Excellent

"It was excellent stay away from home."

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$3,101

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. Carousel Beach Inn

5. Seaway Inn

6. Marea Sol Hotel

7. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

8. Mission Inn

9. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

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. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

17. West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn

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

19. Casablanca On The Beach

20. Rio Vista Suites

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

Top Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Hotel Reviews

Ocean Pacific Lodge

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

Seaside Inn & Suites

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Hotel Solares

Seaway Inn

Casablanca On The Beach

Surf City Inn and Suites

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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