Cheap Hotels & Resorts in Santa Cruz from NZ$171

Santa Cruz has a variety of cheap accommodation options and things to do, making it a great getaway spot for budget travellers. In addition to its well-known attractions such as Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, this destination is home to University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum and Pleasure Point Park, which you can enjoy while spending very little.

Based on our traveller reviews, Ocean Pacific Lodge is a top choice for a less expensive stay. Other choices to stay on the cheap include Beachview Inn and Torch Lite Inn.

Choose a hotel that suits your wallet from Expedia’s 16 budget hotels in Santa Cruz.

Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Santa Cruz, but bear in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn’t as good. The hottest months are usually September and August, with an average temperature of 17°C, while the coldest months are February and March, with an average of 11°C. Average annual precipitation for Santa Cruz is 677 mm.

Santa Cruz is known for its sporting events and surfing, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the top local attractions that interest you most, such as Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, and then look for sights and activities that cost little or nothing at all. Enjoy the outdoors at Main Beach and Santa Cruz Main Beach, or hunt for bargains with some shopping at Ocean Street.

Scoping out the transportation options in Santa Cruz is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The most convenient airport is 13.4 mi (21.6 km) from the centre in Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal). However, if that doesn’t suit your budget, you can look into flights to San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.), which is 27.6 mi (44.3 km) away. Santa Cruz might not have very many public transport options so renting a car could be a reasonable alternative to see more of the area.