| kids stay at no charge with an adult (restrictions apply). close to several casual restaurants, this low-key motel is less than a mile from both the cabrillo highway and the santa cruz museum of art & history. parking is complimentary. there's also an outdoor pool with a sundeck and lounge chairs. check-in time: 12:00 pmcheck-out time: 11:00 am. it's 2 miles from the rides at the santa cruz beach boardwalk. accessed by exterior entrances, the straightforward rooms feature free wi-fi and flat-screen tvs, plus sitting areas, microwaves and minifridges
San Francisco International Airport 1 hr
Seacliff State Beach (10 min)
Versatile state beach offers a variety of outdoor activities such as camping & hiking. Giant Dipper (9 min)
Iconic red & white wooden roller coaster dating to 1924 overlooking the beach & wharf. Roaring Camp (13 min)
Family-friendly park offers train rides amid natural landscapes, seasonal routes & special events. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (7 min)
Featuring a variety of forested areas, this park offers camping, fishing, hiking & picnic spots. Santa Cruz Surfing Museum (12 min)
Rotating exhibits on surfing culture & local history housed in a historic, preserved lighthouse. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (9 min)
Amusement park offers a variety of games & rides right on a mile-long stretch of sandy beach. Santa Cruz Wharf (13 min)
Beach shops, seafood restaurants, sea lions & fishing draw crowds to this landmark bayside pier. Capitola Beach (9 min)
Popular beach located in Capitola Village features gentle surf, swimming & volleyball & shops. Wilder Ranch State Park (14 min)
Natural landscape with diverse activities including hiking trails, picnic areas & horseback riding. Steamer Lane (12 min)
Famous cliffside surfing spot since the 1930s, featuring a surfing museum inside a lighthouse. Santa Cruz Beach (9 min)
Popular beach features a boardwalk with numerous restaurants, amusement park rides & surf shops. The Mystery Spot (8 min)
Opened in 1941, this roadside landmark is a tilt-induced visual illusion with tours & a gift shop. Main Beach (9 min)
Spacious beach with soft sand, waves & close proximity to the boardwalk, amusement rides & eateries. Lighthouse Field State Beach (11 min)
Iconic spot with a lighthouse offers a variety of vistas & pathways for dog walking & strolling. Natural Bridges State Beach (12 min)
Butterflies, park, and surfing | 
