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 $80

Name: Casablanca On The Beach
Price range: $151 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

$125 nightly

$144 total

Feb 9 - Feb 10

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! (1,001 reviews)

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

Travelers say...

Such a great hotel, would stay there again for longer!

Reviewed on Jan 27, 2026

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

175 W Cliff Dr Santa Cruz CA

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

$239 nightly

$272 total

Feb 12 - Feb 13

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! (1,007 reviews)

Travelers like: on the beach, outdoor pool

Travelers say...

Just nothing beats those views - literally on the beach, you wake up

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2026

Casablanca On The Beach

101 Main St Santa Cruz CA

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

$131 nightly

$151 total

Feb 17 - Feb 18

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! (1,191 reviews)

This was my second time here and this time we had a beach view. Once again everything was nice from staff to room. The shared balcony overlooking the beach and wharf was lovely

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2026

Ocean Pacific Lodge

301 Pacific Avenue Santa Cruz CA

$81 nightly

$95 total

Mar 1 - Mar 2

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. ...

8.6/10 Excellent! (1,297 reviews)

Travelers like: close to beach, outdoor pool

Travelers say...

Staff was super friendly and the room was ready and very clean!

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026

Beachview Inn

50 Front St Santa Cruz CA

$85 nightly

$97 total

Feb 8 - Feb 9

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! (1,001 reviews)

Check in was easy & fast. Great customer service. I was asked if second floor was ok. I asked if there was an elevator which there isn’t. I told them we have heavy luggage so they moved us to the bottom level. Very quiet here.

Reviewed on Jan 23, 2026

Aqua Breeze Inn

204 Second Street Santa Cruz CA

$68 nightly

$80 total

Feb 10 - Feb 11

Total with taxes and fees

This motel doesn't skimp on freebies - guests receive free WiFi and free self parking. A terrace and laundry facilities are also provided.

8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)

The staff members are wonderful. It is an affordable, pleasant place to stay with our dog when we visit relatives in Santa Cruz during Jan or Feb.

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2026

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

325 Pacific Ave Santa Cruz CA

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

$76 nightly

$89 total

Mar 1 - Mar 2

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 ...

7/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)

Travelers like: close to beach, outdoor pool

Travelers say...

Smooth check in. Great service and a great price for the month of January . The 3 bedroom is super spacious

Reviewed on Jan 31, 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

You won’t be disappointed

Me my family and friends have made this hotel our 1st choice when traveling to Santa Cruz, you can’t beat the price and conveniently close to board walk. And the staff is great.

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2023

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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.