Book on our site
for up to 10% off
than to Booking.com!
Check rooms and rates
From222US$ /night
Check-in
22Jan2026Select date
Check-out
23Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Hotel Details

175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060
-
Near the beach
Great
8.7
9.0
/10
4.6
4.4
/5

Dream Inn Santa Cruz - A beachfront hotel with oceanfront dining, heated pool, and panoramic views of Monterey Bay

Located directly on Cowell Beach, this iconic Santa Cruz hotel features 165 air-conditioned rooms with private balconies overlooking Monterey Bay. Each accommodation includes iPod docking stations, flat-screen TVs, rainfall showers, laptop-sized safes, and premium coffee makers. The property houses Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge, serving locally-sourced seafood and coastal cuisine. A heated outdoor pool and hot tub provide beachfront relaxation, while complimentary beach cruiser bikes facilitate exploration. Three flexible event spaces span 3500 square feet with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing views of the wharf and coastline. The hotel sits 0.5 miles from Santa Cruz Wharf and 0.5 miles from the Beach Boardwalk, with Pacific Garden Mall 1 mile away.

Pros

Direct beach access with unobstructed ocean views from every room

Three event spaces with panoramic bay vistas and outdoor patio options

Complimentary amenities include beach cruisers, Wi-Fi, and pool access

Walking distance to major attractions including the wharf and boardwalk

Cons

34 miles from Mineta San Jose International Airport

Limited parking options in the immediate area

“The hotel stands out with its impressive floor-to-ceiling windows displaying ocean views, while sustainable, local cuisine at the on-site restaurant enhances the stay; plus, it's Santa Cruz's only beachfront hotel. Its beachfront locale near the boardwalk and flexible event spaces strike me as particularly convenient. This property seems tailored to both leisure and business.”
Hotel logo
Charlotte EvansHead of Editorial at Hotelsdowntown
View all

Select room type

Choose from double rooms, family suites, and premium stays. Enjoy breakfast, flexible cancellations, and exclusive deals.
Ocean View Poolside Two Queen
2 persons
345 sq. feet 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Balcony
Ocean View Poolside King ADA
2 persons
345 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Balcony
Ocean View Suite Tower
2 persons
475 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Balcony
Ocean View Deluxe Two Queen
2 persons
345 sq. feet 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Balcony
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
Show all roomsLess

Check Availability & Prices

Find the best rates for your travel dates now!

Facilities

Hotel has comfortable rooms, premium services, and a prime downtown location

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • On-site car park
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Coffee shop
  • Vending machines
  • Fireplace
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Golf course
  • Fishing

Services

  • Valet parking
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Shops/Commercial services
  • Welcome drink
  • Happy hour

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots

Spa & Leisure

  • Heated swimming pool
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Beach access
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Sun loungers
  • Live entertainment
  • Sun terrace
  • Jacuzzi

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock
Show more

Dining Onsite

Dream Inn Santa Cruz features Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge, a delightful venue where local flavors take center stage. Nestled in a family-friendly atmosphere, it offers an inviting setting ideal for both romantic meals and engaging brunches with loved ones.
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Restaurant photo
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Restaurant photo
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Restaurant photo

Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

Local
Ambiance
A warm and inviting space that is perfect for families or couples, featuring a casual yet cozy interior that encourages relaxation and enjoyment.
Key Offerings
Specializing in fresh seafood and locally-inspired dishes, the restaurant offers breakfast, brunch, and dinner options with a focus on vibrant flavors and seasonal ingredients.
Reservation
Recommended for dinner.
Open for breakfast, brunch, and dinner; specific hours may vary.

Location

175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060
Map view
175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060
Nearby
Harbour
Santa Cruz Wharf
800 ft
35 Pacific Ave
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
900 ft
Lighthouse Point West Cliff Drive
Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse
1900 ft
Store
Cowell Beach
800 ft
Store
Cowell's Beach Surf Shop
1200 ft
Restaurants
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
700 ft
175 West Cliff Drive
Ideal Bar & Grill
900 ft
106 Beach St
The Picnic Basket
1100 ft
125 Beach St
Sawasdee By The Sea
1300 ft
101 Main St Casablanca Inn
Casablanca Bistro
1600 ft
101 Main St
South Beach Pizza Company
1700 ft
303 Beach St
FireFish Grill
2200 ft
25 Municipal Wharf
Riva Fish House
2200 ft
31 Municipal Wharf
Beach Street Cafe
1900 ft
399 Beach St
Splash
2800 ft
49A Municipal Wharf
Stagnaro Bros Seafood
3800 ft
Municipal Wharf
Explore Santa Cruz
Explore Santa Cruz
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
11 minutes' walk
Classic seaside amusement park featuring rides, games, and a beachside atmosphere perfect for family fun.
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
15 minutes' walk
Housed in a historic lighthouse, this museum showcases the area's surfing history with engaging exhibits.
Santa Cruz Wharf
3 minutes' walk
A bustling boardwalk area offering stunning ocean views, shops, dining, and seasonal sea lion sightings.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
4 minutes' walk
Interactive exhibits about marine life in the sanctuary; family-friendly with stunning ocean views.
Surfing Lessons
5 minutes' walk
Local surf shops offer rentals and lessons; perfect for thrill-seekers eager to ride the waves.
Well Within Spa
15 minutes' walk
Relaxation-focused spa offering treatments and wellness services, ideal for guests seeking tranquility.
Pacific Garden Mall
17 minutes' walk
A vibrant shopping area with local boutiques, cafes, and art galleries, suitable for a leisurely stroll.
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
3 minutes' walk
Casual dining with a coastal vibe, offering fresh seafood and signature cocktails in a lively setting.
The Picnic Basket
4 minutes' walk
Farm-to-table eatery with locally sourced ingredients; known for delicious breakfast and lunch options.
Sawasdee By The Sea
5 minutes' walk
Thai cuisine with waterfront views; offers vegetarian options and a relaxed atmosphere for dining.
Cocoanut Grove
10 minutes' walk
Historic venue hosting live music and events; enjoy vibrant nightlife amid a charming artsy decor.
Ideal Bar & Grill
4 minutes' walk
Casual bar with live music; known for its friendly vibe and family-friendly atmosphere on weekend evenings.
Getting around
City Centre
Santa Cruz15 min  ·  4000 ft
Airports
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)83 min  ·  34.0 mi
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)103 min  ·  42.6 mi
Bus
Bus stop2 min  ·  400 ft
Unlock Exclusive Early Booking Rates
Plan ahead and get special discounts now!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site at USD 35 per day.
Internet
is available in for free.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Year renovated:
2008
Number of floors:
10
Number of rooms:
165
Former name
Coast Santa Cruz Hotel
FAQs
About Dream Inn Santa Cruz
What is the distance from Dream Inn Santa Cruz to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk?
The hotel is located just 0.5 km from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
What amenities does Dream Inn Santa Cruz's on-site dining include?
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge offers full ocean views and a menu with locally sourced ingredients.
Are there any nearby restaurants to Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Nearby restaurants include Ideal Bar & Grill (0.5 km), Las Palmas Taco Bar (0.5 km), and The Picnic Basket (0.5 km).
What are the check-in and check-out times at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Check-in is from 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
What services and amenities can guests expect at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
The hotel features a heated swimming pool, hot tub, gym, bar/lounge area, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Does Dream Inn Santa Cruz offer parking facilities?
Private parking is available on-site for 35 USD per day.
What types of rooms are available at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Room types include Ocean View Cathedral Executive King, Ocean View Deluxe Two Queen, and Ocean View Suite.
What is the closest airport to Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
The hotel is located 55 km from Mineta San Jose International Airport.
Are there any activities offered at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
The hotel offers activities such as bicycle rental, fishing, and golf on-site.
What views can guests enjoy from their rooms at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Rooms feature private balconies with stunning views of Monterey Bay.
Does Dream Inn Santa Cruz provide amenities for children's entertainment?
The hotel features cots and family-friendly room options for guests traveling with children.
What wellness amenities are available at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
The hotel features a hot tub, outdoor swimming pool, and wellness programs.
Is Wi-Fi available for guests at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
What entertainment options are available near Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Nearby attractions include the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Natural Bridges State Park.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
22Jan2026Select date
Check-out
23Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Need more options?
Check Top hotels near Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Sea & Sand Inn Santa Cruz Exterior photo
Mobile-only price

Sea & Sand Inn Santa Cruz

8.8
Great244 reviews
42m from property
USD 319USD 287
per night
Seaway Inn Santa Cruz Exterior photo
Mobile-only price

Seaway Inn Santa Cruz

8.2
Great105 reviews
68m from property
USD 99USD 89
per night
West Cliff Inn, A Four Sisters Inn Santa Cruz Exterior photo
Mobile-only price

West Cliff Inn, A Four Sisters Inn Santa Cruz

8.7
Great243 reviews
101m from property
USD 299USD 269
per night