Anchors aweigh! Learn about fascinating stories of maritime exploits and exploration at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center. From interesting exhibits to marine curios and artifacts, a visit to this museum will have you feeling shipshape.

This display of maritime artifacts is on the to-do lists of many travelers to Westside Santa Cruz. But Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center isn't the only drawcard in the area. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, University of California, Santa Cruz, and Natural Bridges State Park are some other worthwhile attractions nearby.

Plan a trip to see Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

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Aqua Breeze Inn

Westside Santa Cruz

per person

Sep 26 - Sep 29

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)

8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)

This was a good place for a quick trip to Santa Cruz. We stayed with our family of 5 for one night. There was plenty of space for all of us. They only have stairs so if you need an elevator you would need to request the first floor. The place is a bit run down however, if the only thing you need is a clean place with a bed to sleep in then this will work for you. The walking distance to the boardwalk was great. It made it easy for us to come and go as needed. Our room was right by the patio on the second floor where people would hang out and smoke. I wasn’t a fan of that because we could smell it in the room. The beds were not super comfortable but you get what you get for the price.

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Chaminade Resort & Spa

Save 100% on your flight

per person

Sep 26 - Sep 29

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)

8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)

Great location. Great people. Relaxing and peaceful.

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Motel 6 Santa Cruz, CA

Westside Santa Cruz

Save 100% on your flight

per person

Oct 2 - Oct 6

found 5 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Portland (PDX) to San Jose (SJC)

5.8/10 (521 reviews)

This was a very clean room and they had just done improvements on the location and the room. Only thing that was bad was our room did not have shampoo or conditioner and per other guests asking at the front office they did not have any either. The one gentleman was told at 0715 am that he would have to wait til 0900 to get shampoo. I walked the couple blocks down the road and bought some at the gas station.

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

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