Santa Cruz Hostel Exterior photoSanta Cruz Hostel Exterior photoSanta Cruz Hostel Exterior photo

SANTA CRUZ HOSTEL, Santa Cruz

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up to 10% cheaper
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Check rooms and rates
From$40 /night
Check-in
20Aug
Check-out
21Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room

About the Hotel

321 Main St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-
Steps from Cowell's Beach

Key Highlights

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.
Highly rated by guestsof Santa Cruz Hostel
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

Critical Operational Notes

  • 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.

Most popular facilities

at Santa Cruz Hostel
Free Wi-Fi
Kitchen facilities
Laundry
Food/ Drinks
TV
Check-in/ Check-out

Top Strategic Tips

  • 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
    11 sq. feet
    1 Bunk bed
    Shower
  • Bed 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    2 persons
    11 sq. feet
    1 Bunk bed
    Shower
  • Family Room
    2 persons
    11 sq. feet
    3 Single beds
    Shower
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 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

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
9.0/10
Comfort
9.2/10
Facilities
9.3/10
Free WiFi
9.5/10
Location
9.4/10
Paid Wi-Fi
2.5/10
Staff
9.4/10
Value for money
8.9/10
Pros
Great location
Helpful staff
Clean rooms
Good atmosphere
Perfect installations
Cons
Poor page
Sharing dorm
Guest reviews
based on 155 reviews
8.7/10
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 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.

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