Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz Exterior photoBay Front Inn Santa Cruz Exterior photoBay Front Inn Santa Cruz Exterior photo

BAY FRONT INN, Santa Cruz

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up to 10% cheaper
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Check rooms and rates
From$100 /night
Check-in
20Aug
Check-out
21Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room

About the Hotel

325 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, 95060-
Near Main Beach

Key Highlights

Excellent walkable location near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, wharf, and downtown with many dining options.

Outdoor seasonal heated pool (open 9am-9pm spring/summer).

Pet-friendly for a daily fee, with pet relief area on site.

Most rooms include a kitchenette (microwave, refrigerator, stovetop, oven).

Family-friendly room layout offers spacious family studios with one bedroom and a front room sleeping up to 4.

Affordable price point for its central location.

Hotel Details

Location

Just minutes from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and wharf, with many restaurants within a 0.5 km walk.
Bay Front Inn is located a 5-minute walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the wharf. Downtown Santa Cruz and Pacific Avenue shopping and dining are within a comfortable walking distance. The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is 2 km away, and the University of California Santa Cruz is a 12-minute drive. The immediate area offers a mix of beachfront attractions, casual eateries, and a choice of several cafes and restaurants on Water Street. While the neighbourhood is well-positioned for tourists, the area can feel more lively at night near the Boardwalk. The location is best used by walking or cycling, as parking is limited.

Accommodation

Rooms include hardwood or parquet floors, air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a coffee maker with refrigerator.
Accommodation ranges from standard rooms to spacious family studio suites. Standard rooms have one king or two queen beds and include an en-suite bathroom with shower, a coffee machine, refrigerator, TV, hardwood floors, and wardrobe. The family studios offer a separate sleeping area with a king or queen bed and an additional front room that can sleep up to four more people (accommodating up to six total). The family rooms come with a kitchenette (stovetop, microwave, refrigerator, oven). All rooms are non-smoking, though outside smoking in designated areas is allowed. Room sizes vary, and some are noted to be on the compact side. Road-facing and pool-facing rooms can experience more noise. Cribs are not available, but the property can do its best to place rooms next to each other upon request.

Dining

There is no restaurant on site or breakfast service; the rooms have a kitchenette for self-catering.
Bay Front Inn does not have a restaurant or offer breakfast. The best way to handle meals is to use the in-room kitchenette (available in many rooms) or venture out. A vending machine for snacks and drinks is on site for quick items. The immediate area provides a wide variety of dining options - including Ideal Bar & Grill, Asti Cafe, The Picnic Basket, Casablanca Bistro, Saturn Cafe, Surf Dog Santa Cruz, and Fosters Freeze - all within a 0.5 km walk. A popular coffee and breakfast market is located across the street (cash only). The surrounding area is known for its casual beachside and downtown restaurants, so eating nearby is convenient and easy.

Wellness and Leisure

The property features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, open daily 9am-9pm.
The outdoor pool is a key leisure facility. It is open daily from 9am to 9pm and is heated to about 26.1 °C during spring and summer months. During fall and winter, the pool is not heated. The pool area has loungers and is set in a sunny spot, though it is located near some rooms which can be audible. There is no spa, hot tub, or gym on site. For other recreation, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a short walk away, and bike rental is available at the hotel for exploring the coastal area.

Facilities and Services

Free Wi-Fi, limited free parking for one vehicle, pet-friendly with a fee, and a picnic area with sun terrace.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, though signal strength may vary depending on room location. Parking is free for one vehicle per room but is limited and first-come, first-served - no reservations are taken; overflow metered street parking is available nearby. Pets are allowed on request for a $25 per pet, per night fee, and pets must not be left unattended in rooms. The property is pet-friendly for service animals as well. Reception services include invoice provision and luggage storage can be arranged. The outdoor area includes a garden, sun terrace, and picnic area with outdoor furniture. Laundry service is not available. CCTV is present in common areas and outside the property.
Highly rated by guestsof Bay Front Inn
Quiet areaSafe areaGreat locationComfortable bedsClose to beachOn-site parking
  • Guest Parking

    Parking peace

    “I was happy to find plenty of parking, unlike other places nearby. It made coming and going easy.”

    Ricardo from Brazil
    Review on
  • Room Features

    Extra space!

    “I was surprised to find a separate room in our suite, creating even more space and comfort.”

    Mei from China
    Review on
  • Bedroom

    Comfy beds

    “The beds were great! I slept better than expected, waking up refreshed each morning.”

    Kenji from Japan
    Review on
  • Dining

    Burrito Bliss

    “The burrito shop across the street was amazing. It was perfect for a quick, tasty breakfast.”

    Hans from Netherlands
    Review on

Critical Operational Notes

  • Free parking is very limited - one vehicle per room, first-come, first-served; no reservations or visitor parking.
  • Reception is not 24 hours: open only during check-in/check-out periods; after-hours check-in uses a number posted on the door.
  • A $100 refundable incidentals/damage deposit is required at check-in via credit or debit card (no cash).
  • Early check-in is subject to availability and costs a $15 fee.
  • Check-in runs from 15:00 to 00:00; check-out is until 11:00.
  • Daily housekeeping is not provided. Request towels or replenishment at reception during open hours.
  • The pool is heated only during spring and summer months; it is not heated in fall and winter.
  • No elevator on site; only ground-floor rooms with 2 queen beds or some ADA King rooms are wheelchair-accessible.

Most popular facilities

at Bay Front Inn
Wi-Fi
Food/ Drinks
Swimming pool
Kitchen facilities
Wheelchair access
Pets allowed

Top Strategic Tips

  • 01

    Arrive by car early to secure one of the limited free parking spots; the lot fills up and street parking is metered.

  • 02

    Request a specific ground-floor or ADA room at booking to avoid stairs, as there is no elevator.

  • 03

    Use the walkable location to the Boardwalk and downtown to leave your car parked during your stay.

  • 04

    Bring your own streaming device (Chromecast or Fire Stick) as the TVs are not smart TVs.

Choose your room type

Bay Front Inn — double rooms, family rooms, and suites. Breakfast options and free cancellation available on selected rates
  • King Room
    2 persons
    27 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Queen Room Two Queen Beds
    2 persons
    27 sq. feet
    2 King Size Beds
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Standard Family Room
    2 persons
    53 sq. feet
    3 Double beds
    Air conditioning
    Heating
Show all rooms

Hotel Price Calendar

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August 2026 - August 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

What's included at Bay Front Inn — facilities and services available during your stay
Facilities: Very good
7.2/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Security
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Guest Parking

  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Dining

  • Picnic area/ Tables

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Seasonal outdoor pool
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
Show more

Bay Front Inn Location

325 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, 95060
Explore Santa Cruz
Nearby Fun and Flavor
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
11-minute walk
A vibrant amusement park featuring classic rides, games, and beachside fun, ideal for families and thrill-seekers.
Santa Cruz Wharf
Santa Cruz Wharf
11-minute walk
A scenic pier offering marine views, dining, and opportunities for sea lion spotting, perfect for couples and leisure walks.
Museum of Art and History
Museum of Art and History
11-minute walk
Showcases regional art and history through exhibitions, with rotating features and free admission on select days.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
11-minute walk
An interactive experience about marine life in the sanctuary, perfect for families and educational outings.
Surfing Lessons
5-minute walk
Cowell's Beach Surf Shop offers rentals and surfing lessons for all levels, a thrill-seeker's perfect beach day.
Yoga by the Beach
7-minute walk
Outdoor yoga classes available at nearby locations provide relaxation and rejuvenation with ocean views.
Las Palmas Taco Bar
4-minute walk
Casual spot serving authentic Mexican tacos, known for fresh ingredients and flavorful options suitable for all diets.
Firefly Coffee House
4-minute walk
Cozy café offering delicious coffee and snacks, perfect for a relaxing break or a quick bite before adventures.
Yan Flower
5-minute walk
Savor delicious Chinese delicacies in a warm setting, with popular vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Nickelodeon Theatre
Nickelodeon Theatre
11-minute walk
A charming indie cinema showcasing classic and independent films, providing a unique viewing experience.
Pacific Garden Mall
Pacific Garden Mall
11-minute walk
Bustling outdoor shopping area featuring local shops and street performances, a lively spot for families and friends.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Santa Cruz 10 min  ·  2700 ft
  • Airports
    Mineta San Jose International (SJC) 81 min  ·  33.6 mi
    Monterey Peninsula (MRY) 102 min  ·  42.2 mi
Book early and pay less
See available rates for your dates
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
from 07:00-11:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Year renovated:
2010
Number of rooms:
38

Guest Reviews and Ratings

What guests said after staying at Bay Front Inn
Review score
Based on 761 verified reviews
6.7 /10
Nice
56 %
Recommend
Breakfast
2.5/10
Cleanliness
7.7/10
Comfort
7.7/10
Facilities
7.2/10
Free WiFi
6.5/10
Location
8.6/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.3/10
Staff
7.8/10
Value for money
7.7/10
Pros
Walking distance
Free parking
Nice area
Comfortable room
Cons
Broken door
Dirty bathroom
Poor maintenance
Guest reviews
based on 1222 reviews
7.2/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
FAQs
About Bay Front Inn
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Bay Front Inn?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
How far is Bay Front Inn from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk?
The hotel is 2 km from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
What amenities are available at Bay Front Inn?
The hotel features a seasonal outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, a picnic area, and air conditioning.
What type of room amenities can I expect at Bay Front Inn?
Rooms include a coffee machine, refrigerator, TV with satellite channels, and hardwood floors.
What dining options are available near Bay Front Inn?
Nearby restaurants include Ideal Bar & Grill, Asti Cafe, and The Picnic Basket, all located within 0.5 km.
Is there parking available at Bay Front Inn?
On-site parking is available for guests.
What are the popular attractions near Bay Front Inn?
Nearby attractions include Natural Bridges State Sandy Beach (1 km) and the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum (2 km).
Can guests at Bay Front Inn access business services?
The hotel offers fax and photocopying services for guest use.
What is the distance from Bay Front Inn to the nearest airport?
The hotel is located 55 km from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport.
Does Bay Front Inn provide a swimming pool?
Yes, the hotel features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool.
How far is Bay Front Inn from downtown Santa Cruz?
The Santa Cruz town center is approximately 2 km from the hotel.

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