Name: Santa Cruz Hostel
Address: 321 Main St, Santa Cruz, California, CA 95060
Price range: US$40+

About the Hotel

321 Main St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-

Steps from Cowell's Beach

500 metres from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and within walking distance of the beach, wharf, and downtown dining.

Set in a quiet, safe neighborhood with beautifully maintained gardens and historic cottages.

Free Wi-Fi in rooms, a well-equipped shared kitchen, and free coffee and tea available.

Family-run property with a welcoming atmosphere and a dedicated social program around the outdoor fire pit.

Secure bike storage available for bicycle travelers.

Hotel Details

Location

A 500-metre walk to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, minutes from the wharf and downtown dining in a quiet, safe residential neighbourhood.

Santa Cruz Hostel is situated in the Santa Cruz Boardwalk district, just 0.5 km from the beach boardwalk and within walking distance of Pacific Avenue (2 km) and the wharf. The area is known for being safe and quiet, allowing easy access to the ocean and a wide variety of casual restaurants, ice cream shops, and coffee houses all within 0.5 km. The Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse is 2 km away. Mineta San Jose International Airport is 54 km from the property.

Accommodation

A mix of private cottages, private rooms, and dormitories set in historic, well-maintained cottages spread across a garden property.

Accommodation is offered in a variety of configurations. Private cottages with kitchens and private bathrooms, ranging from two to four bedrooms, sleep 5-12 people. Smaller private and family rooms with private or shared bathrooms are available (up to 4 beds). Dormitories offer single beds in female-only or mixed rooms. Rooms feature heating, tea and coffee making facilities, and a patio or terrace with garden views. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, shared kitchen access, and shared lounge/TV areas.

Dining

No restaurant or breakfast service on site. Guests can use the large shared kitchen to prepare their own meals.

The property does not operate a restaurant, bar, or breakfast service. Instead, guests have access to a spacious, well-equipped communal kitchen with a large refrigerator, stove, and ample cooking space - ideal for self-catering. Free coffee and tea are available at all times. The surrounding area has a variety of dining options within a 0.5 km walk, including pizza, Mexican, falafel, and ice cream.

Wellness and Leisure

Free yoga classes, beach access, and a garden with outdoor seating and a fire pit create a relaxing social environment.

On-site leisure options include free yoga classes, and complimentary sun loungers and umbrellas available on the beach nearby. The large garden features a picnic area, outdoor furniture, and a BBQ area. Themed dinner nights and board games are offered, and the outdoor fire pit is a gathering spot for social evenings with fellow travellers.

Facilities and Services

Free Wi-Fi in rooms, a shared kitchen, laundry (for a fee), and luggage storage. Wheelchair accessible. Not pet-friendly.

Wi-Fi is free and available in the rooms. Guests can use the shared kitchen and enjoy free coffee and tea. Laundry facilities are available for a small fee ($2). Luggage storage is free, and lockers (small in dorms, larger outside) are provided; guests must bring their own locks. The property is accessible for wheelchair users with features such as a lower bathroom sink, raised toilet, and grab rails. Services include express check-in/out and a shared lounge/TV area. Only service animals are allowed.

“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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8.8/10

Great

Guests were satisfied with their stay and would gladly return.

Helpful staffClean kitchenGreat locationComfy stayOrganized fridge

Dining
Coffee perks
“I really appreciated that coffee was provided. It's great to start the day.”
Kenji from Japan
Review on

Check-in is from 16:00 to 22:00; check-out is by 11:00. Self check-in is available for arrivals after 22:00.
No on-site parking. Street parking is free from October to mid-May; paid daily permits are sold for $10/day the rest of the year.
Pets are not allowed. Only service animals are permitted.
There is no restaurant, bar, spa, or swimming pool on the property.
No airport shuttle service is available.
A cleaning fee applies and is non-refundable.

Free Wi-Fi

Kitchen facilities

Laundry

Food/ Drinks

Check-in/ Check-out

01
Bring your own lock for the dorm lockers and the larger luggage lockers available outside.
02
Purchase a $10 daily parking permit from the hostel between May and October to use meter spots nearby.
03
Use the luggage storage if arriving before the 16:00 check-in time or leaving after the 11:00 check-out.

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
120 sq. feet
1 Bunk bed
Shower
room details
Bed 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
2 persons
120 sq. feet
1 Bunk bed
Shower
room details
Family Room
2 persons
120 sq. feet
1 Double bed and 3 Single beds
Shower
room details

Show all rooms

Hotel Price Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates

Facilities

What's included at Santa Cruz Hostel — facilities and services available during your stay

Facilities: Perfect

9.3/10Review 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

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

Santa Cruz Hostel Location

321 Main St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Map view

City landmarks

Mall

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

2500 ft

Harbour

Santa Cruz Wharf

5200 ft

Museum

Museum of Art and History

3300 ft

Museum

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

4600 ft

Landmark

Nickelodeon Theatre

3500 ft

Landmark

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

4000 ft

Shopping Area

Pacific Garden Mall

2500 ft

Museum

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

1.1 mi

Landmark

Sky Glider

2500 ft

Theatre

Rio Theatre

1.0 mi

Store

Cowell's Beach

4700 ft

Landmark

Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse

1.2 mi

Landmark

To Honor Surfing Monument

4100 ft

Park

Neary Lagoon Park

1.1 mi

Spa Centre

Well Within Spa

2100 ft

Spa Centre

Tea House Spa

2100 ft

Nearby

Store

Cowell's Beach Surf Shop

1400 ft

Raymond St

Beach Flats Community Garden

1700 ft

Restaurants

Las Palmas Taco Bar

1200 ft

55 Front St

Firefly Coffee House

2000 ft

131 Front St # A # A

Coaster's Bar and Grill

1500 ft

115 Cliff St

El Hermoso Mar

1500 ft

313 Beach St

Tacos Moreno

1300 ft

303 Beach St

Fire Fly Cafe

1600 ft

131 Front St # A # A

Surf City Grill

2200 ft

400 Beach St Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Fosters Freeze

2200 ft

229 Laurel St

De La Hacienda Taqueria

2900 ft

354 Washington St

Explore Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Experiences

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