Family hotels in Santa Cruz

View hotels in Santa Cruz (11)

Santa Cruz, a lively coastal city in Northern California, boasts a wealth of family-friendly attractions, from its iconic beach boardwalk and nearby nature escapes to idyllic beaches and thriving surf culture. Whether you desire comfort at a budget-friendly hotel or a luxury stay, you'll find the perfect fit for your family in Santa Cruz.

Read on as we provide expert recommendations on the top family hotels in Santa Cruz, exploring a range of locations and budgets. Discover family-friendly neighbourhoods, picturesque seafront resorts, and cosy B&Bs, as well as more contemporary and convenient hotel options.

Things to do

From sun-kissed beaches and vibrant surf culture to family-friendly attractions and stunning vistas, there's a multitude of exciting and fun experiences for families in Santa Cruz. Dive into this mesmerising coastal city and discover everything it has to offer.

A visit to Santa Cruz is incomplete without enjoying its signature attraction, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This historic amusement park features a range of thrill rides, arcade games, and delicious food options that guarantee endless hours of family fun. Don't miss the iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster!

Santa Cruz boasts some of Northern California's most beautiful stretches of coastline, perfect for a day at the beach with your family. Main Beach is a popular spot with plenty of amenities while Natural Bridges State Beach, famous for its arched rock formation and butterfly migration, offers a unique experience.

Embark on a family adventure to explore Santa Cruz's stunning landscapes, such as the towering redwood forests of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, or engage in educational family fun at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. The little ones will also love the opportunity to spot diverse marine life at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Experience the famed surf culture at Steamer Lane or venture into Santa Cruz's rich history by visiting Mission Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. With so much to see and do, your family will cherish the unforgettable memories made in this captivating Californian destination.

When to visit

The best time to visit Santa Cruz with your family is during the summer months, from June to October, when temperatures range from a comfortable 20°C to 26°C. During this time, you can enjoy everything Santa Cruz has to offer, such as its beautiful beaches, walking and cycling trails, and outdoor attractions at their best.

August is the warmest month with an average maximum temperature of 24°C, making it an excellent time for a beach holiday. However, bear in mind that July and August tend to be the busiest months for tourists. To avoid peak season crowds, consider visiting Santa Cruz in late spring or early autumn, when the weather remains pleasant and local attractions are less congested. Planning your family trip during school holidays is always advised to avoid disruption of school attendance.

JAN
18.4°
15.7°
35mm
8 days
FEB
18°
14.8°
44mm
7 days
MAR
18.4°
15.1°
55mm
10 days
APR
19.4°
15.8°
48mm
11 days
MAY
20.9°
17.1°
18mm
7 days
JUN
22.9°
18.8°
19mm
5 days
JUL
24.9°
20.6°
3mm
2 days
AUG
25.9°
21.5°
7mm
3 days
SEP
25.3°
21.4°
20mm
10 days
OCT
23.9°
20.3°
58mm
12 days
NOV
21°
18.2°
50mm
12 days
DEC
19.4°
16.9°
54mm
9 days

Things you'll love...

  • Discover the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, offering amusement park fun for the whole family
  • Explore the natural beauty of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and spot diverse marine life
  • Visit the educational and interactive Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History with the kids
  • Take a scenic hike through the breathtaking redwood forests of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
  • Relax on the pristine beaches, ideal for family picnics and watersports
Airplane

Main airport

    • Madeira Airport
premium sea view with balcony | premium bedding, down duvets, minibar, in-room safe
premium suite, balcony, sea view | balcony
double room in manor house with sea view  | bathroom | free toiletries, hair dryer, dressing gowns, slippers
premium suite, balcony, sea view | premium bedding, down duvets, minibar, in-room safe
junior suite, sea view with balcony | premium bedding, down duvets, minibar, in-room safe
double room in manor house with garden view | premium bedding, down duvets, minibar, in-room safe

Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club
Santa Cruz, Portugal

64
At Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club, relax by one of the 3 outdoor swimming pools or spend the day at the private beach where you can enjoy snorkeling.
Kids stay free
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single room, balcony | view from room
shower, eco-friendly toiletries, hair dryer, towels
view from room
in-room safe, free cots/infant beds, free wifi, bed sheets
single room, balcony | in-room safe, free cots/infant beds, free wifi, bed sheets
in-room safe, free cots/infant beds, free wifi, bed sheets

Hotel Riu Madeira - All Inclusive
Santa Cruz, Portugal

63
Guests at this beach hotel will appreciate convenient onsite amenities such as a complimentary children's club and a children's pool.
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apartment, 1 bedroom (2 people) | premium bedding, free wifi, bed sheets, wheelchair access
spa suite (+16 only)  | premium bedding, free wifi, bed sheets, wheelchair access
spa suite (+16 only)  | bathroom | free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
studio, garden view (double) | premium bedding, free wifi, bed sheets, wheelchair access
premium bedding, free wifi, bed sheets, wheelchair access
premium bedding, free wifi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Quinta Splendida Wellness & Botanical Garden
Santa Cruz, Portugal

62
An attached winery, a full-service spa, and an indoor pool are available at this smoke-free hotel. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, a health club, and a bar/lounge.
Kids stay free
Add dates to check price & availability
in-room safe, desk, soundproofing, free cots/infant beds
shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
junior suite | in-room safe, desk, soundproofing, free cots/infant beds
in-room safe, desk, soundproofing, free cots/infant beds
in-room safe, desk, soundproofing, free cots/infant beds
superior double or twin room | in-room safe, desk, soundproofing, free cots/infant beds

Santa Cruz Village Hotel
Santa Cruz, Portugal

61
An outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a fitness center are available at this hotel. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a bar/lounge, a poolside bar, and a snack bar/deli are onsite.
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twin room, sea view | minibar, desk, blackout curtains, soundproofing
shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
twin room, partial sea view | minibar, desk, blackout curtains, soundproofing
superior twin room | minibar, desk, blackout curtains, soundproofing
studio, sea view | minibar, desk, blackout curtains, soundproofing
minibar, desk, blackout curtains, soundproofing

The Views Oasis - Family Friendy
Santa Cruz, Portugal

60
Catch some rays at the nearby beach or spend the day relaxing at Four Views Oasis Hotel - Family Friendly's full-service spa. Then enjoy a meal at one of the hotel's 2 restaurants.
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combined shower/bathtub, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
view from room
hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
view from room

Vila Galé Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, Portugal

59
Along with 2 restaurants, this smoke-free hotel has a full-service spa and an indoor pool. Free buffet breakfast and free WiFi in public areas are also provided. Additionally, an outdoor pool, 2 bars/lounges, and a fitness center are onsite.
Add dates to check price & availability
twin room, sea view | hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds, minibar, in-room safe
twin room, garden view | bathroom | shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
sentido fitness suite (1 bedroom) | hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds, minibar, in-room safe
twin room, sea view | hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds, minibar, in-room safe
master suite (2 bedrooms)  | hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds, minibar, in-room safe
hypo-allergenic bedding, pillow-top beds, minibar, in-room safe

Sentido Galosol
Santa Cruz, Portugal

58
Catch some rays at the beach or spend the day relaxing at Sentido Galosol's full-service spa. Then enjoy a meal at one of the hotel's 3 restaurants.
Kids stay free
Add dates to check price & availability
minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
bathtub, free toiletries, hair dryer, bidet
minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains

Hotel Solar do Bom Jesus
Santa Cruz, Portugal

58
This hotel features an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a fitness center. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a bar/lounge, a snack bar/deli, and a meeting room.
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superior double room | view from room
bathtub, free toiletries, hair dryer, dressing gowns
view from room
minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
superior double room | minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains
minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains

PortoBay Serra Golf
Santa Cruz, Portugal

58
An indoor pool, a restaurant, and a fitness center are available at this smoke-free hotel. Free buffet breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a sauna, spa services, and dry cleaning.
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blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free wifi, bed sheets
hair dryer, towels
studio sea view royal orchid | blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free wifi, bed sheets
studio land view royal orchid | blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free wifi, bed sheets
superior twin room, sea view (rocamar) | blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free wifi, bed sheets
blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free wifi, bed sheets

Rocamar Lido Resort
Santa Cruz, Portugal

53
3 restaurants, 2 outdoor pools, and an indoor pool are available at this smoke-free hotel. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include 3 bars/lounges, a fitness center, and a beach bar.
Add dates to check price & availability