This is a small state park at the northern end of Santa Cruz' scenic West Cliff Drive and a little over a mile from the Boardwalk, wharf and Main Beach. A couple of times a year you can see Monarch butterflies during their migration. They are not in the numbers of years past, but you'll still see some.

If you walk north towards the rocks during low tide you will find some amazing tidepools full of sea anenomes, sea urchins, starfish, crabs, hermit crabs, and all sorts of marine life. The tidepools are on a ledge, so the tide needs to be quite high (>4 ft?) to reach them.

The beach is absolutely stunning at sunset.

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Explore beach hotels in Westside Santa Cruz, CA from $89

Name: Casablanca On The Beach
Price range: $227 total
Rating: 8.6

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Top Westside Santa Cruz Beach Resorts & Hotels

Beach Street Inn and Suites

125 Beach Street Santa Cruz CA

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

$213 nightly

$243 total

Apr 23 - Apr 24

Total with taxes and fees

This motel features an outdoor pool and a hot tub. WiFi in public areas is free. Self parking, a coffee shop, and a terrace are also offered.

9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,006 reviews)

Travelers like: close to beach, beach towels, outdoor pool

Travelers say...

N/a

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2026

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

175 W Cliff Dr Santa Cruz CA

$249 nightly

$284 total

Apr 21 - Apr 22

Total with taxes and fees

A full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant are all featured at this smoke-free resort. Relax with a drink at the bar/lounge and enjoy perks like free ...

9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)

Travelers like: on the beach, outdoor pool

Travelers say...

Room was clean, but areas around was decent. I loved that the hotel is right in front of the beach. Stuff was helpful.

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2026

Ocean Pacific Lodge

301 Pacific Avenue Santa Cruz CA

$99 nightly

$115 total

Apr 19 - Apr 20

Total with taxes and fees

This motel's 2 hot tubs and outdoor pool are among the featured amenities. Guests will appreciate free perks like free self parking and WiFi in public areas. ...

8.8/10 Excellent! (1,317 reviews)

Travelers like: close to beach, outdoor pool

Travelers say...

Will definitely return- great location, pet friendly, spacious room and helpful staff.

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2026

Casablanca On The Beach

101 Main St Santa Cruz CA

$199 nightly

$227 total

Apr 12 - Apr 13

Total with taxes and fees

This hotel features free WiFi in public areas, concierge services, and self parking. A terrace, a lobby fireplace, and express check-out are also on offer.

8.6/10 Excellent! (1,195 reviews)

Very nice place. Our room was clean and bright. We also had the beach Veiw. Great girls trip.

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2026

Beachview Inn

50 Front St Santa Cruz CA

$79 nightly

$91 total

Apr 22 - Apr 23

Total with taxes and fees

This motel doesn't skimp on freebies - guests receive free WiFi and free self parking. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can provide around-the-clock ...

8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)

Hotel Close to Pier and board walk, 5 Minute walk to either, Food not far, Floor to the room was dirty, Strands of hair in the bed and shower

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2026

Torch Lite Inn

500 Riverside Ave Santa Cruz CA

$84 nightly

$98 total

Apr 12 - Apr 13

Total with taxes and fees

Free self parking is available and the motel's front desk is staffed around-the-clock. WiFi in public areas is free. A terrace is also provided.

7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)

Ac worked great and really nice to be so close to the boardwalk

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2026

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

325 Pacific Ave Santa Cruz CA

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

$76 nightly

$89 total

Mar 30 - Mar 31

Total with taxes and fees

A seasonal outdoor pool is featured at this motel, along with free WiFi in public areas and a terrace. A garden, a picnic area, and express check-out are also ...

7.2/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)

Travelers like: close to beach, outdoor pool

Travelers say...

It was cheap and close to beach. Plus. Plus.

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2026

Salt Air Lodge

510 Leibrandt Ave Santa Cruz CA

An outdoor pool is featured at this motel, along with free self parking. WiFi in public areas is free. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can provide around-the-clock ...

Travelers like: close to beach, outdoor pool

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.