18+ Hotels In Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz brings together surf culture, quirky vibes, and a lively boardwalk scene that keeps the young crowd coming back. With these 18+ hotels nearby, you can dive into the fun without any check-in headaches.
We’ve rounded up the best hotels and stays in Santa Cruz that welcome guests 18 and up - no need to wait for 21.
The list 23 hotels for 18- to 20-year-olds in Santa Cruz
-
1 West Cliff Inn, A Four Sisters Inn Westside Santa Cruz $$$
Guest Rating 9.0
Nestled on a bluff across from Cowell's Beach, this 3-story Victorian home is a restful bed and breakfast that offers unique guestrooms and thoughtful amenities just steps from the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk.
West Cliff Inn features luxurious rooms with fireplaces and marble-tile bathrooms. Guests will also appreciate technological amenities such as free high-speed internet access, MP3 players and a flat-panel, wall-mounted TVs.
Wake up with West Cliff Inn's delicious breakfast buffet. In the afternoon, enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres, then rent a bicycle to explore Santa Cruz.
Address 174 W Cliff Drive Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Free parking available.
-
2 Fern River Resort Felton $$$
Guest Rating 8.9
Featuring access to the private River Beach, this Felton resort is 8 miles away from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. A campfire and game areas are featured.
A terrace with barbecue facilities is featured in all cottages. Featuring a river view, each cottage provides free WiFi, a seating area, cable TV and an private bathroom. Natural wood accents are featured in all rooms at Fern River Resort. Select cabins offer a fully equipped kitchen or a fireplace.
Surrounded by a majestic forest, this resort offers barbecue facilities with picnic tables. A game room is also offered at Felton Fern River Resort.
Guests can take advantage of the cabins to host weddings, private parties, and corporate events.
Monterey Bay Aquarium is 1 hours’ drive away. Mineta San Jose International Airport is 35 miles away from Fern River Resort.
Address 5250 Highway 9 Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Ping pong tables.
- Private beach area.
- Free parking available.
-
3 Santa Cruz Hostel Westside Santa Cruz $$$
Guest Rating 8.8 Featuring barbecue facilities and a garden, Santa Cruz Hostel is located in Santa Cruz, 1640 feet from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This property also provides guests with a sun terrace. Set in the Santa Cruz Boardwalk district, the hostel is within 0. 9 mi of Pacific Avenue. Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse is 1.3 mi from the accommodations. The nearest airport is Mineta San Jose International Airport, 34 mi from the property.
Address 321 Main St Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Ping pong tables.
-
4 La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz Westside Santa Cruz $$$
Guest Rating 8.7
Stay in the heart of Santa Cruz.
Well situated in the centre of Santa Cruz, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz offers air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre and free WiFi. This property is set a short distance from attractions such as Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, and Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Private parking is available on site.
The units in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. At La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz every room includes a private bathroom.
An American breakfast is available every morning at the accommodation.
Popular points of interest near La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz include Cowell's Beach, Santa Cruz Beach and Seabright State Beach. The nearest airport is Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, 51 km from the hotel.
Address 550 2nd Street Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Heated pool.
- There's a water sports facility here.
- Gym / fitness center.
- Right on the beach.
- Pets are welcome.
-
5 Dream Inn Santa Cruz Westside Santa Cruz $$$
Guest Rating 8.7
This beachfront hotel is located next to Santa Cruz’s famous boardwalk and steps from the center of the city, making it an ideal destination for a weekend escape, corporate event, family vacation or romantic getaway.
The Dream Inn features a natural, laid back atmosphere inspired by the ocean. All guest rooms and suites include private balconies or patios with spectacular views of Monterey Bay. Enjoy the memorable sunsets, watch the surfers and let the ocean waves lull you to sleep.
The hotel's spacious deck features a pool and hot tub. With a great location and luxurious amenities, the Dream is a great choice for business or pleasure.
Address 175 West Cliff Drive Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Heated pool.
- Right on the beach.
-
6 Carousel Beach Inn Westside Santa Cruz $$$
Guest Rating 8.3
Located 2 minutes’ walk away from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Carousel Beach Inn offers rooms equipped with a private balcony. It serves a daily continental breakfast.
A flat-screen TV with cable channels is featured in each room as well as a private patio, a microwave, a refrigerator, a hairdryer and an alarm clock. Free WiFi is available in every room. Select rooms offer a spa bath for two or views of the amusement park.
Guests are greeted by a 24-hour front desk at the Carousel Beach Inn. Free guest parking is available. Vending machines featuring snacks and drinks are offered on-site.
Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf is less than 2 mi away. A variety of activities are nearby, such as golf, water sports, fishing, sailing, and state parks. The University of Santa Cruz is 5 mi away. Shopping and dining opportunities in Santa Cruz town center are 6 minutes’ drive away.
Address 110 Riverside Avenue Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Free parking available.
-
7 National 9 Motel Westside Santa Cruz $$$
Guest Rating 8.3
This motel is off the Santa Cruz Highway One and is 2 miles from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The motel offers an outdoor pool and rooms with free Wi-Fi.
National 9 Motel rooms include a private bathroom. The rooms are also equipped with cable TV with HBO.
The National 9 offers guests daily coffee in the lobby. The motel also offers air conditioning.
The Henry Cowell Redwood State Park is 5 miles from the National 9 Motel. The University of California – Santa Cruz is 3 miles from the motel.
Address 130 Plymouth Street Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Swimming pool.
- Free parking available.
-
8 Seaway Inn Westside Santa Cruz $$$
Guest Rating 8.3
A short walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Municipal Wharf in California, the Seaway Inn offers easy beach access and comfortably furnished rooms with free WiFi.
Featuring cable TV with extended channels, each room at the Seaway Inn is equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and microwave. All air-conditioned rooms boast beach inspired décor.
Steamer Lane, a popular surfing location, is 1.5 miles from this hotel. Mystery Spot is 14 minutes’ drive away.
Address 176 West Cliff Drive Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Right on the beach.
- Pets are welcome.
- Free parking available.
-
9 Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea Capitola $$$
Guest Rating 8.2
This motel, just 10 minutes' walk from Capitola beach and village, offers free Wi-Fi. A seasonal outdoor swimming pool and guest launderette are available for guest use.
A flat-screen cable TV and balcony are included in each room at Quality Inn & Suites Capitola. A microwave, compact fridge, ironing facilities and hairdryer are are also provided.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and University of California at Santa Cruz are within 7 miles away of Capitola Quality Inn & Suites. Cabrillo College is 2 miles away.
Address 720 Hill Street Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Heated pool.
- Free parking available.
-
10 Comfort Inn Westside Santa Cruz $$$
Guest Rating 8.2
The Comfort Inn Santa Cruz is conveniently located where Highway 1 and Highway 17 meet. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
All rooms offer a coffee machine, a hairdryer, ironing facilities, a refrigerator, and a microwave. Select rooms offer a spa bath.
A grab-n-go style vegetarian breakfast is included with your stay. There are also four 24-hour restaurants within walking distance.
This hotel also features an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, and business center services. The Comfort Inn Santa Cruz has a 24-hour front desk. Ample parking is available.
Local attractions like Santa Cruz Beach, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Wharf, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Roaring Camp Railroads are close by. The beach, boardwalk, giant redwood trees, scenic Capitola, several shops and the wharf are less than 0.9 mi away. The University of California, Santa Cruz is 2 mi away.
Address 110 Plymouth Street Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Swimming pool.
- Gym / fitness center.
- Free parking available.
-
11 The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains Brookdale $$$
Guest Rating 8.2
Located in Brookdale, The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains provides 3-star accommodations with private balconies. Featuring a bar, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodations features karaoke and a 24-hour front desk.
At the hotel, the rooms have a desk and a flat-screen TV. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge.
Santa Cruz is 13 mi from the accommodations. The nearest airport is Mineta San Jose International Airport, 34 mi from The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains.
Address 11570 Highway 9 Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Karaoke.
- Pets are welcome.
- Free parking available.
-
12 Drift Inn, LLC Westside Santa Cruz $$$
Guest Rating 8.1
This central Santa Cruz hotel is just an 8-minute walk from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It features guest rooms with free Wi-Fi access and a cable TV.
A microwave and mini-fridge are furnished in all rooms at Drift Inn, LLC. A telephone and wake-up service are also available.
The University of California Santa Cruz and Lighthouse Field State Beach are each within 3 miles of Santa Cruz Budget Inn. Cooper Street Plaza Shopping Center is just a 3-minute drive away.
Address 110 San Lorenzo Boulevard Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Free parking available.
-
13 Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG Westside Santa Cruz $$$
Guest Rating 8.0
Located in Santa Cruz, California, 10 minutes from Lighthouse Field State Beach, this hotel features an outdoor pool, a sauna, and bright, contemporary rooms with a 42-inch flat-screen TV.
The Santa Cruz East Holiday Inn Express offers rooms with hardwood furniture, including a work desk with ergonomic chair. Guests can browse the internet with the free Wi-Fi or make a snack with the microwave and refrigerator.
This Santa Cruz hotel’s on-site gym boasts floor-to-ceiling mirrors and a mounted flat-screen TV. The business center is open 24 hours a day and a hot continental breakfast is served in the mornings.
The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is 2.8 miles from Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz East. The Rio Theater is less than a 5-minute drive away.
Address 1410 Ocean Street Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Heated pool.
-
14 Harbor Inn Eastside Santa Cruz $$$
Guest Rating 8.0
Within 10 minutes’ drive of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Pleasure Point, this Santa Cruz inn offers accommodations with charming décor and free WiFi in all rooms. Kayaking, boating and fishing opportunities are available nearby.
Equipped with a flat-screen cable TV, every room provides a seating area. Antique furnishings are featured throughout this quaint inn.
Nestled by trees, this inn features a backyard garden for guests to enjoy. A sun terrace is also available in the backyard at Inn Harbor.
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is 5 minutes’ drive away. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport is 45 minutes’ drive away from Harbor Inn.
Address 645 7th Avenue Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Free parking available.
-
15 Beachview Inn Westside Santa Cruz $$$
Guest Rating 7.8
Located less than 5 minutes’ walk from the beach, this hotel is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 10 minutes’ drive from University of California -Santa Cruz. Free Wi-Fi is provided in all rooms.
A flat-screen cable TV, a seating area and an private bathroom are provided in each room at Beachview Inn. Rooms are styled in light colored wood furniture and bright linens. Select rooms offer ocean views.
Monterey Bay Aquarium is 1 hours’ drive away. San Jose International Airport is 45 minutes’ drive away from Beachview Inn.
Address 50 Front Street Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Free parking available.
-
16 Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz Westside Santa Cruz $$$
Guest Rating 7.8
Located within 10 minutes' walk of the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk, Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz offers free WiFi.
All rooms include a private bathroom with a hair dryer. All rooms also include a TV with cable channels. All rooms offer a microwave and a refrigerator.
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is less than 1.2 mi from the Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz . The hotel is within 4 mi of the Capitola Mall, which features shopping.
Address 505 Riverside Avenue Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Free parking available.
-
17 Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley Scotts Valley $$$
Guest Rating 7.6
Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley offers accommodations in Scotts Valley. The hotel has a sun terrace and views of the river, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Free private parking is available on site.
The rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some rooms have a seating area to relax in after a busy day. A balcony or patio are featured in certain rooms. The rooms come with a private bathroom fitted with a bath. Extras include free toiletries and a hairdryer. Four Points Santa Cruz Scotts Valley features free WiFi throughout the property.
There is a 24-hour front desk at the property.
San Jose is 21 mi from Four Points Santa Cruz Scotts Valley, while Santa Cruz is 6.2 mi away. The nearest airport is Mineta San Jose International Airport, 25 mi from the property.
Address 5030 Scotts Valley Drive Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Gym / fitness center.
- Pets are welcome.
- Free parking available.
-
18 Comfort Inn Beach Boardwalk Westside Santa Cruz $$$
Guest Rating 7.6
This California hotel is one block from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It features a seasonal outdoor heated pool and rooms include a flat-screen cable TV with HBO.
Guest rooms at the Comfort Inn Boardwalk contain a microwave and a refrigerator for extra convenience. Free local telephone calls can be made from every room.
Santa Cruz Comfort Inn Boardwalk offers a deluxe continental breakfast. Free Wi-Fi is available in the public areas of the hotel and a 24-hour front desk is on site.
Local bus stops are a short walk from the Boardwalk Comfort Inn Santa Cruz. Cowell Beach is within a 10 minute walk away.
Address 314 Riverside Avenue Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Swimming pool.
- Right on the beach.
- Free parking available.
-
19 Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Westside Santa Cruz $$$
Guest Rating 7.6
Located a short walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features beautiful ocean views and a hot tub. Free WiFi and a grab-and-go breakfast are included in all guest rooms.
All rooms at the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk include a flat-screen TV with cable. Comfortably furnished, the bright rooms feature a fridge and microwave.
For added convenience, laundry facilities are available. Vending machines offering snacks and beverages are located on site.
The University of California Santa Cruz is 12 minutes’ drive from Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The Santa Cruz Wharf is a short walk away.
Address 130 West Cliff Drive Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Right on the beach.
- Free parking available.
-
20 The Aqua Pacific Hotel Westside Santa Cruz $$$
Guest Rating 7.2
Situated in Santa Cruz, within 1.2 km of Santa Cruz Beach and 1.2 km of Seabright State Beach, The Aqua Pacific Hotel features accommodation with a garden and free WiFi as well as free private parking for guests who drive. This 4-star hotel offers a concierge service. The property is non-smoking and is located 1.6 km from Cowell's Beach.
All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, a coffee machine, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. The rooms have a private bathroom, a hairdryer and bed linen.
The hotel offers 4-star accommodation with an indoor pool and hot tub.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is 1.3 km from The Aqua Pacific Hotel, while San Jose Convention Center is 49 km from the property. The nearest airport is Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, 50 km from the accommodation.
Address 330 Ocean Street Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Heated pool.
- Pets are welcome.
- Free parking available.
-
21 Quality Inn Santa Cruz Downtown Area Westside Santa Cruz $$$
Guest Rating 6.9
In Santa Cruz town center, this hotel is one mile from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It features a deck and seasonal outdoor pool. All rooms offer free Wi-Fi.
A flat-screen satellite TV with HBO movie channels and a large work desk are included in all of the classically furnished rooms at the Quality Inn Santa Cruz. A refrigerator, a microwave and a coffee maker are provided in each room.
This family-friendly hotel offers a daily continental breakfast and a free weekday newspaper. Business travelers have access to fax and copy services and free on-site parking is available.
Pasatiempo Golf Course and Santa Cruz Surfing Museum are within 2.5 miles from Santa Cruz Quality Inn. The University of California Santa Cruz is a 10 minute drive away.
Address 1101 Ocean Street Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Swimming pool.
- Pets are welcome.
- Free parking available.
-
22 Best Western Inn Santa Cruz Westside Santa Cruz $$$
Guest Rating 6.9
Offering a fitness center, Best Western Inn is set in Santa Cruz in the California Region, 1.5 mi from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property.
Pacific Avenue is 0.8 mi from Best Western Inn, while University of California Santa Cruz is 1.7 mi from the property. The nearest airport is Mineta San Jose International Airport, 27 mi from the property.
Address 126 Plymouth St Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Gym / fitness center.
- Free parking available.
-
23 Capri Motel Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Westside Santa Cruz $$$
Guest Rating 6.0
Located a short walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Capri Motel Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers free parking and easy access to a variety of local attractions. Free WiFi is available in all rooms and free parking is available as well.
Featuring a flat-screen TV with cable channels, all rooms with attached bathroom include a refrigerator and a microwave. Each air-conditioned unit is bright and simply furnished.
Fax and photocopying services are available at Capri Motel Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for added convenience, as well as a vending machine.
The Bonny Doon Winery Tasting Room is 2 mi from this motel. Offering great surfing spots, Main Beach is just steps away. San Jose Airport is 45 minutes' drive away from the Capri Motel Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Address 337 Riverside Avenue Show on map- The minimum age for check-in at this hotel is 18
- Free parking available.