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SANTA CRUZ HOSTEL, Santa Cruz
Book here — the same hotel, at a lower price
up to 10% cheaper
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Key details
About the Hotel
321 Main St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060,
-
Steps from Cowell's Beach
Perfect
9.0
/10
5.0
/5
Highly rated by Santa Cruz Hostel guests
Helpful staff
Clean kitchen
Great location
Comfy stay
Organized fridge
"Everything was nice and modern I am from Europe and we have a really good hostel culture and these felt really close to hostel in Europe."
Menéndez from United States
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"After a long West Coast road trip, this place hit like a home cooked meal."
Ben from United States
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"This is really a good place for solo travellers, people are friendly and quiet here."
Yuan from United States
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"Location was close to my event."
Rossah from United States
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"This is one of the cutest hostels I've ever been to!"
Richi from Germany
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Rooms and Cottages
The Santa Cruz Hostel provides accommodations for travelers with a single bunk bed in a shared dorm. Bed assignments operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Private rooms are available with ensuite bathrooms or shared bathroom access. Private ensuite rooms include a queen and twin bed, linens, towels, and free Wi-Fi. Rooms with shared bathrooms offer a queen and twin bed, linens, towels, and free Wi-Fi with shared bathroom access down the hall. One of the six historic Carmelita Cottages, the Dame Cottage, features two porches with garden views.
Amenities On-Site
Guests have access to a full kitchen, free Wi-Fi, a garden patio, a ping pong table, a fire pit, and a BBQ grill. The property includes a garden patio with an ocean view. Weekly bonfires, potlucks, and porch music occur. Coin-operated laundry machines are available for guest use outside of cleaning hours, costing $2 to wash and $2 to dry. Lockers are available, but guests must provide their own locks.
Activities and Events
The Santa Cruz Hostel offers several activities and events. These include leading tours of the area, organizing cultural outings, hosting hostel events, and teaching travel or skill-based classes. Free monthly storytime and craft events take place in the garden. Live music events, raffles, and food are offered at the hostel. The hostel is available for groups up to 48 people, and is suited for school groups, corporate travel, and family vacations.
Location and Transport
Located at 315-321 Main Street in Santa Cruz, the hostel is near the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk. It is two blocks from the beach and four blocks from downtown. The main bus depot is a 10-minute walk; the number 19 bus drops passengers two blocks from the hostel. Metered parking is available on 1st, 2nd, and Front Streets surrounding the hostel. Seasonally free street parking is available out front of the hostel between September 30th and May 15th. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport is 55 km away.
Services Offered
The Santa Cruz Hostel provides affordable lodging and promotes intercultural exchange. Guests are required to clean up after themselves and participate in light chores. Linens, a pillow, a duvet, and one shower towel are provided. Additional towels are available for $1. The hostel can accommodate groups up to 48 people. It does not accommodate long-term stays; guests can stay a maximum of 6 consecutive nights and up to 14 days per calendar year. There is Wi-Fi throughout the hostel.
Must-do experiences
Stroll through the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for fun rides.
Savor the classic 'local burrito' at Taqueria Los Pericos.
Discover hidden art at the Museum of Art & History on Pacific Ave.
Explore the lush trails of Natural Bridges State Beach at dawn.
Visit the Downtown Farmers Market for fresh local produce every Friday.
Choose your room type
Santa Cruz Hostel — double rooms, family rooms, and suites. Breakfast options and free cancellation available on selected rates
Bed 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
2 persons
11 sq. feet
1 Bunk bed
Shower
room details
Bed 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
2 persons
11 sq. feet
1 Bunk bed
Shower
room details
Family Room
2 persons
11 sq. feet
3 Single beds
Shower
room details
Show all rooms
Hotel Price Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates
July 2026 - July 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
What's included at Santa Cruz Hostel — facilities and services available during your stay
Facilities: Perfect
9.4/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Security
Luggage storage
Locker room
Fireplace
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Sports & Fitness
Yoga class
Guest Parking
Shared kitchen
Services
Laundry
Dining
Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables
Dinner
Children
Cots
Board games
Facilities for people with disabilities
Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
Beach access
Beach umbrellas
Sun loungers
Sun terrace
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Leisure/ TV room
Room features
Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Heating
Patio
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Self-catering
Shared kitchen
Show more
Santa Cruz Hostel Location
321 Main St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060,
Explore Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
9 minutes' walk
Amusement park with classic rides and games, featuring the iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster and free beach access.
Santa Cruz Wharf
19 minutes' walk
Bustling pier with shops and restaurants, perfect for whale watching and enjoying fresh seafood with stunning ocean views.
Museum of Art and History
12 minutes' walk
Local art and cultural exhibitions in an engaging atmosphere with occasional free admission days and guided tours.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
15 minutes' walk
Interactive exhibits focusing on marine life and conservation, featuring live sea otters and educational programs.
Cowell's Beach Surfing
5 minutes' walk
Surf rentals and lessons offered at this popular beach, making it a favorite spot for both beginners and seasoned surfers.
Well Within Spa
10 minutes' walk
Relaxation spa offering various treatments and wellness options, perfect for a rejuvenating escape after adventures.
Tacos Moreno
5 minutes' walk
Authentic Mexican food served with flair, known for its tacos and casual atmosphere, just a short stroll from the hostel.
Twin Lakes State Beach
5 minutes' drive
Scenic beach ideal for picnics and play, featuring soft sand and gentle waves, great for family outings or couples.
Las Palmas Taco Bar
5 minutes' walk
Casual eatery offering fresh, vibrant tacos with bold flavors and vegetarian options, a local favorite with lively ambiance.
Firefly Coffee House
8 minutes' walk
Cozy café with a books-and-brew atmosphere, specializing in artisan coffee and baked goods-perfect for a casual meet-up.
Coaster's Bar and Grill
6 minutes' walk
Affordable dining with a relaxed vibe, offering burgers and local beers, plus outdoor seating with ocean views.
El Hermoso Mar
6 minutes' walk
Charming seafood restaurant known for its fresh catch and ocean-side views, with ample choices for all diets.
Cocoanut Grove Banquet and Conference Center
9 minutes' walk
Historic venue offering various events, from concerts to dance nights, blending nostalgia with vibrant nightlife.
Pacific Garden Mall
10 minutes' walk
Open-air shopping mall featuring local shops, street performances, and cafes, making it a lively spot for families.
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
4 minutes' drive
Small museum detailing the history of surfing with vintage memorabilia, located in a picturesque lighthouse setting.
Neighborhood Comedy Shows
15 minutes' walk
Local venues hosting weekly comedy nights, ensuring laughs and entertainment suitable for all ages.
Getting around
City Centre
Santa Cruz 10 min · 2700 ft
Airports
Mineta San Jose International (SJC) 82 min · 33.9 mi
Monterey Peninsula (MRY) 103 min · 42.5 mi
Bus
Bus stop 2 min · 400 ft
Book early and pay less
See available rates for your dates
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-22:00
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
32
Guest Reviews and Ratings
What guests said after staying at Santa Cruz Hostel
Review score
Based on 75 verified reviews
8.9 /10
Great
91 %
Recommend
Breakfast
7.5/10
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
9.3/10
Facilities
9.4/10
Free WiFi
9.5/10
Location
9.4/10
Paid Wi-Fi
2.5/10
Staff
9.5/10
Value for money
9.0/10
Pros
Great location
Helpful staff
Clean rooms
Good atmosphere
Perfect installations
Cons
Poor page
Sharing dorm
Guest reviews
based on 159 reviews
9.0/10
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.
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FAQs
About Santa Cruz Hostel
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Santa Cruz Hostel?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is Santa Cruz Hostel from Mineta San Jose International Airport?
The hostel is located 54 km from Mineta San Jose International Airport.
What amenities are available in the rooms at Santa Cruz Hostel?
Rooms include an adjoining terrace, dining area, and views of the patio.
Is there on-site dining available at Santa Cruz Hostel?
The hostel offers a shared kitchen for self-catering.
What nearby restaurants are available to guests of Santa Cruz Hostel?
Nearby restaurants include Ideal Bar & Grill, Tacos Moreno, South Beach Pizza Company, Falafel Hut, A Slice of Kianti's, Las Palmas Taco Bar, Loard's Ice Cream, and Firefly Coffee House, all located within 0.5 km.
What recreational facilities does Santa Cruz Hostel provide?
Guests can enjoy beach access, a sun terrace, picnic area, a fire pit, and a ping pong table.
Is parking available at Santa Cruz Hostel?
Metered parking is available on 1st, 2nd, and Front Street surrounding the hostel.
Does Santa Cruz Hostel provide any accessibility features?
The hostel has wheelchair access available.
How close is Santa Cruz Hostel to the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk?
The hostel is located 500 meters from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
What services are provided for guests at Santa Cruz Hostel?
The hostel offers baggage storage, express check-in/out, locker room, and laundry services.