Best Budget Hotels in Santa Cruz

Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks its list of the best budget hotels in Santa Cruz, including hotels near the Boardwalk, the Wharf, state parks, and the beach.

Best Budget Hotels in Santa Cruz

1. Sea & Sand Inn

A charming budget-friendly hotel just steps from the beach, Sea & Sand Inn offers cozy rooms with ocean views, free Wi-Fi, and continental breakfast. Its prime location near the Santa Cruz Wharf makes it ideal for beach lovers.
Address: 710 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 427-3400
Website: seaandsandinn.com

2. Bay Front Inn

Bay Front Inn, Santa Cruz

Located near the Santa Cruz Harbor, Bay Front Inn offers affordable rooms with microwaves, fridges, and free parking. Guests love the waterfront location and easy access to kayaking, whale watching, and beach walks.
Address: 325 3rd St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 423-8566
Website: bayfrontinn.com

3. Ocean Gate Inn

Ocean Gate Inn, Santa Cruz

Ocean Gate Inn offers affordable ocean-view rooms with microwaves and fridges. Located near the Santa Cruz Wharf, it’s ideal for beach lovers. The retro charm and friendly service make it a top pick among the best budget hotels in Santa Cruz.
Address: 111 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 429-3161
Website: santacruzoceangateinn.com

4. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz

Comfort Inn, Santa Cruz

Recently renovated budget hotel offering free breakfast, outdoor pool, and modern rooms. Conveniently located near downtown attractions.
Address: 314 Riverside Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 426-4330
Website: choicehotels.com

5. Best Western Plus All Suites Inn

Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, Santa Cruz

Great value with kitchenettes, free breakfast, and outdoor pool. Near Boardwalk.
Address: 500 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 425-8555
Website: bestwestern.com

6. Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Super 8 provides budget accommodations with free breakfast and pet-friendly rooms. Near Highway 1, it’s a practical choice for road trippers and families looking for cheap hotels in Santa Cruz.
Address: 1763 Wrigley Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Phone: (831) 476-0518
Website: wyndhamhotels.com

7. Santa Cruz Inn Motel

Santa Cruz Inn Motel

Budget motel with pool, free parking, and microwaves/fridges. 5-minute walk to the Boardwalk.
Address: 600 Riverside Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 423-2361
Website: santacruzinnmotel.com

8. Quality Inn Santa Cruz

Quality Inn Santa Cruz

This budget-friendly hotel features an outdoor pool, free breakfast, and spacious rooms. Near Capitola Village, it’s a great base for exploring Santa Cruz’s beaches and attractions.
Address: 1101 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 423-3181
Website: choicehotels.com

9. Pacific Blue Inn

The Pacific Blue Inn, Santa Cruz

Boutique budget option with eco-friendly rooms, free breakfast, and walking distance to downtown.
Address: 636 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 600-8880
Website: pacificblueinn.com

10. Santa Cruz Hostel

The Santa Cruz Hostel

For ultra-budget travelers, this hostel offers dorm-style and private rooms. Just steps from the beach, it’s perfect for backpackers and solo adventurers exploring Santa Cruz on a shoestring.
Address: 321 Main St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 423-8304
Website: santacruzhostel.org

Final Thoughts

These best budget hotels in Santa Cruz provide comfort, convenience, and affordability. Whether you're visiting the Boardwalk, beach, or the redwoods, these options ensure a pleasant stay without breaking the bank.

Best Guide Covering Santa Cruz

Recent Articles

• 
• 
• 

1. Closed portion of PCH to ‘soft’ reopen Monday after mudslide cleanup

   Apr 29, 25 11:16 AM

   Crews are making “good progress” in cleaning up the mudslides on Pacific Coast Highway, according to Caltrans, and the roadway is expected to open back up shortly. The closed area is expected to be ac…

   Read More

2. 7 Best State Parks in California—Including a ‘Mini Yosemite’ and an Ancient Redwood Forest

   Apr 28, 25 11:04 AM

   The Golden State may be famous for its national parks, but its state park system is worthy of praise, too.

   Read More

3. Five-mile stretch of PCH closed by mudslide in Malibu

   Apr 27, 25 12:30 PM

   Laurie Perez reports from Malibu, where a five-mile stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway was closed on Saturday due to yet another mudslide that prevented residents from reaching their homes.

   Read More

FTC Disclosure:  If you make a purchase via a link on this site, we may receive a small commission on the transaction - at no added cost to you. Thank you! 

LATEST BOOKS

Take a look at our latest books: 101 Best Things to Do on the Pacific Coast Highway and 101 Budget Hotels along the Pacific Coast Highway. Click on the covers to learn more.

LATEST NEWS

Recent Articles

• 
• 
• 

1. Closed portion of PCH to ‘soft’ reopen Monday after mudslide cleanup

   Apr 29, 25 11:16 AM

   Crews are making “good progress” in cleaning up the mudslides on Pacific Coast Highway, according to Caltrans, and the roadway is expected to open back up shortly. The closed area is expected to be ac…

   Read More

2. 7 Best State Parks in California—Including a ‘Mini Yosemite’ and an Ancient Redwood Forest

   Apr 28, 25 11:04 AM

   The Golden State may be famous for its national parks, but its state park system is worthy of praise, too.

   Read More

3. Five-mile stretch of PCH closed by mudslide in Malibu

   Apr 27, 25 12:30 PM

   Laurie Perez reports from Malibu, where a five-mile stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway was closed on Saturday due to yet another mudslide that prevented residents from reaching their homes.

   Read More

Buy an inexpensive journal to record your own Pacific Coast Highway adventure!

If you're planning a PCH road trip, take a look at our guide to hotels along the way:

FOLLOW OUR PCH VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE

The Best PCH Guide
We've read lots of guides to the Pacific Coast, and easily the best one is the Moon Handbook. You can read our review here, or buy it through the Amazon link below.