Santa Cruz, California, is close to 14 state parks, redwood forests, museums and wineries, but the beaches are the city's biggest draw. This central California coastal town has nearly 30 miles of shoreline fit for swimming, surfing, sightseeing, fishing and camping. For the best deals, book your room well in advance and take advantage of the off-season.
The Pacific Blue Inn, on Pacific Avenue, is within walking distance of Santa Cruz's Beach Boardwalk. The nine guestrooms at this small hotel feature king-sized pillow-top beds, private baths, eco-friendly fireplaces and décor from local artists. Amenities include 37-inch high-definition televisions with cable, DVD players, wireless Internet access, iPod connections, alarm clocks and irons with ironing boards. The Pacific Blue serves a complimentary breakfast of yogurt, granola, oatmeal and fresh fruit. Onsite, visitors can spend time in the ocean-side bamboo courtyard, stay warm at the fire pit, check out DVDs at the library or take a ride to the beach on a complimentary rental bike. The Pacific Blue Inn accepts reservations online or over the phone.
Pacific Blue Inn
636 Pacific Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-600-8880
pacificblueinn.com
The Comfort Inn Beach Boardwalk, on Riverside Avenue, is a larger chain-style hotel. This hotel is one block from the ocean, boardwalk and harbor and offers access to Ano Nuvo Park, Bonfante Gardens and Ocean Speedway. Guestrooms feature cable television, refrigerators, microwaves and coffee makers. Deluxe have fireplaces, sofas and hot tubs. For beach goers, Comfort Inn's Beach Boardwalk Package includes unlimited boardwalk ride coupons. The Surfing Package features a 10 percent discount on surfing rentals.
Comfort Inn Beach Boardwalk
314 Riverside Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-471-9999
thesantacruzinn.com
The Mediterranean-style Bella Notte, or "The Inn on the East Cliff," highlights a quieter side of Santa Cruz. The hotel is within walking distance of the Twin Lakes Beach, the yacht harbor and several restaurants. The hotel offers rooms with king-sized pillow-top mattresses, heated bathroom floors, remote controlled fireplaces, DVD players, LCD televisions, coffee makers, refrigerators and wet bars. Amenities include an onsite massage therapist, free phone calls and free wireless Internet.
Bella Notte
21305 East Cliff Dr.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
831-600-0001
bellanotteinn.com
