I’ve always thought of Santa Cruz as dreamy. Nestled by Monterey Bay along the world-famous western coastline, California’s original surf town is a mellow blend of breezy and historic coolness. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous outdoor excursion, a trip to the museum, a delicious seafood meal, or a relaxing day by the beach – Santa Cruz has something to offer everyone. From towering redwood forests to the iconic amusement Boardwalk, this town has many cool things to see and do. If you’re planning a trip to Santa Cruz, stay at the only hotel on the beach – Dream Inn.
The Dream Inn boasts a unique and welcoming connection with the land and sea, and rightfully so – it is on the opposite side of the Wharf to the Broadwalk. Steeped in history, this dreamy hotel is a local landmark that offers family-friendly amenities, accessibility to the heart of Santa Cruz, and incomparable views of Monterey Bay. On its property is the Jack O’Neill restaurant, a highly-rated eatery that pays homage to marine conservationist Jack O’Neill, who headquartered O’Neill Wetsuits in Santa Cruz in the 1950s and whose company is credited with pioneering the modern wetsuit. Want to hang loose? Learn how to surf just outside of Dream Inn with Club Ed on Cowell’s Beach.
This full-service beachfront hotel features 165 guest rooms, modern services and amenities, an outdoor pool, seasonal cuisine, and state-of-the-art meeting and event space for up to 200 guests. The hotel lobby exuberates beachy vibes, with a retro-chic motif underlying a casual coffee bar and snack bar, a gift shop featuring locally made apparel, a working jukebox, a surfboard gallery, and more. We loved our Infinity Room’s semi-private patio that extends straight out to the pool deck, with a panoramic view of the Santa Cruz coastline. Our room was equipped with a mini fridge, a TV, an a/c unit, a beverage bar, and a fully stocked bathroom with a bathtub housing a detachable rainwater shower head.
We recommend taking a stroll downtown for some of the best breakfast/brunch options California has to offer – yes, I said it. Check out the boutique shops and watch the beach volleyball games throughout the day. Located just steps away from Dream Inn, the Monterey Bay Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) Exploration Center features state-of-the-art exhibits and interactive displays highlighting the sanctuary. An interesting note is that the Exploration Center is a model for sustainable, environmentally sensitive design, construction, and operation, meeting the U.S. Green Building Council’s GOLD standards for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Admission is FREE!
After learning about the importance of the sanctuary’s unique and fascinating coastal and marine environment, cross the street to the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, also known as the longest pier on the West Coast. It offers traditional seaside attractions and has everything from seafood restaurants to pier fishing, whale-watching tours, and other marine novelties to admire. Maybe you’ll even see some sea lions playing about! Temperatures dip during Santa Cruz evenings, so you may want to opt to end the evening by cozying up with a blanket at the firepits under the stars on the hotel pool deck.
Be sure to save at least half a day to visit the ever-popular Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, located just on the other side of the Wharf. As the country’s oldest amusement park, the Broadwalk has been operating continuously since 1915. It houses a still-running 1924 wooden Giant Dipper roller coaster (celebrating its 100th anniversary!) and a 1911 Charles I.D. Looff Carousel. For those who love railroads and team trains, hop onboard the Roaring Camp Steam Train up to Bear Mountain to see the majestic redwoods. Pro tip: Stop by the front desk to take advantage of discounted offers to local attractions. With teens, you can take a 2-hour Gazelle Electric bike ride up West Cliff for the day. For those looking for more of a thrill, defy gravity and discover the wonder of the Mystery Spot.
If you drive an electric vehicle, Dream Inn now has 4 on-site EV charging stations with all the adapters, and the friendly valet team will ensure you are ready to hit the road according to your itinerary! Valet is $35 + tax per night with a maximum of 4 hours charge time at $5 per hour. It only makes sense to take the scenic route home after such a dreamy getaway!
