Find hotels in Santa Cruz from $43

Top reasons to visit Santa Cruz

• Stunning Beaches: Santa Cruz boasts beautiful beaches like Playa Conchal, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing.
• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy activities such as golfing, hiking in national parks, and exploring local wildlife.
• Rich Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture by visiting historic churches and engaging with friendly locals.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Santa Cruz offers a variety of accommodations and activities suitable for family vacations.
• Vibrant Downtown: Explore the lively downtown area filled with shops, restaurants, and local markets.

Find great hotels near Santa Cruz

Discover the charm of Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, where a variety of accommodations await you. From cozy bed and breakfasts to adventurous hotels, you'll find options perfect for family vacations or beach getaways. Whether you're seeking affordable stays or more luxurious options, Santa Cruz has something to suit every traveler's needs. Enjoy the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes while enjoying the comforts of your chosen hotel in this beautiful region.

• The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa: This 4.5-star resort, with an impressive guest rating of 9.0, offers a luxurious all-inclusive experience. Nestled 18 miles from Santa Cruz, it boasts direct beach access and a stunning golf course. Guests can indulge in unlimited food and drinks, participate in various activities such as yoga, aerobics, and snorkeling, and enjoy evening entertainment. The resort's diverse amenities cater to both relaxation and adventure, making it perfect for beach lovers and golf enthusiasts alike.
• Wyndham Tamarindo: With a 3.5-star rating and a guest score of 8.4, Wyndham Tamarindo is a charming hotel located 17 miles from Santa Cruz. Known for its spa and beach-themed getaways, guests can unwind with full spa services, including massages and manicures, or take a refreshing dip in the pool. Its prime location offers direct beach access, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation in a picturesque coastal setting.
• Jardín del Edén Boutique Hotel - Adults Only: This 4-star hotel, rated 9.4 by guests, is situated 18 miles from Santa Cruz and caters exclusively to adults. With a focus on adventure and business travel, it features direct beach access and offers exciting activities like hiking and biking both onsite and nearby. The hotel's intimate atmosphere and well-appointed amenities make it a popular choice for couples and adventurous travelers looking to explore the natural beauty of Costa Rica.

Where to stay near Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is a charming destination perfect for outdoor and family vacations. Visitors can explore the vibrant downtown area, enjoy the warm hospitality of friendly locals, and unwind on nearby beautiful beaches. From relaxing excursions to engaging activities, Santa Cruz offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility. Experience the essence of Costa Rican culture while creating unforgettable memories in this welcoming city and its picturesque surroundings.

• Diriá: Located 4 miles from Santa Cruz, Diriá is a charming city popular among travelers seeking outdoor adventures and family experiences. The area is known for its attractive resorts, rejuvenating spas, and well-maintained golf courses. Visitors can explore nearby attractions including stunning beaches and the scenic national state park, perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting. The best time to visit is from January to March, when traveler numbers peak, offering a vibrant atmosphere filled with activities and events.
• Veintisiete de Abril: Situated 9 miles from Santa Cruz, Veintisiete de Abril is an enchanting city that caters to beach lovers and those looking for a romantic getaway. Its proximity to beautiful beaches and majestic mountains makes it an ideal destination for relaxation and adventure alike. The area boasts several golf courses and upscale resorts, making it perfect for families and couples. As with Diriá, the peak travel season runs from January to March, ensuring a lively experience with plenty of opportunities for exploration and fun.
• El Guapote: El Guapote is a quaint village located 10 miles from Santa Cruz, appealing to families and business travelers alike. The village’s beach offers a serene escape with opportunities for sunbathing and water activities. While it may not be as bustling as its neighboring cities, El Guapote provides a tranquil atmosphere perfect for unwinding. Visitor numbers remain steady throughout the year, with peak times coinciding with the January to March season, making it a lovely spot for a quick getaway.

Things to do in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, Guanacaste is perfect for outdoor and family vacations, offering a variety of activities like golfing at local courses and enjoying nearby resorts. For relaxation, there are spas near Playa Conchal, and the area boasts excellent surfing spots with favorable conditions. It's an ideal weekend getaway destination for those looking to soak up the sun and explore the vibrant beach culture.

Shopping

In Santa Cruz, explore the vibrant local market, Mercado Municipal, for authentic souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit the Plaza Santa Cruz and discover more shops and boutiques. Check out Paseo del Mar Mall for a mix of local and international brands, all within a short distance.

Recreation

In Santa Cruz, the Harmony Hotel boasts holistic wellness services, including yoga classes and organic meals. Nearby, the Blue River Resort & Hot Springs offers rejuvenating thermal waters and rainforest hikes, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure in Costa Rica's lush landscape.

Adventure

In Santa Cruz, explore the lush landscapes on a thrilling zip-line tour through the canopy, experiencing breathtaking views and adrenaline rushes. Alternatively, take a surf lesson at nearby Playa Tamarindo, where gentle waves create the perfect environment for beginners to catch their first wave.

Nightlife

Santa Cruz offers vibrant nightlife, with lively spots like Bar La Plaza, where you can enjoy local music and dancing. For a more laid-back vibe, check out Restaurante La Fonda for delicious food and drinks. Don't miss the lively atmosphere at La Perla for late-night fun.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Cruz

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Santa Cruz are May and September to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and December, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Santa Cruz is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Santa Cruz is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Santa Cruz is Monday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the most affordable prices and special offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Santa Cruz hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, is perfect for outdoor and beach family vacations, offering a variety of attractions that cater to travelers seeking adventure and cultural experiences. Popular points of interest include stunning beaches, national parks, and historic churches, making it an ideal destination for exploring the natural beauty and rich culture of Costa Rica. Whether you’re looking to relax on the shore or immerse yourself in local traditions, Santa Cruz has something for everyone.

• Tamarindo Beach: Located 18 miles from Santa Cruz, Tamarindo Beach offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for sunbathing, surfing, and enjoying beachside dining. Its stunning sunsets and lively nightlife make it a must-visit destination.
• Monkey Park: Situated 11 miles away, Monkey Park is an engaging sanctuary where you can interact with rescued monkeys and other wildlife. The friendly staff and relaxing environment provide a unique opportunity for excursions and learning about conservation efforts.
• Nicoya Colonial Church: Just 12 miles from Santa Cruz, this historic church showcases beautiful colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage. It's a peaceful spot to reflect and appreciate the local history and traditions.

Best time to go to Santa Cruz

The best time to visit Santa Cruz is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. April is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. November is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	78.1°F (25.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Moderately High	Average
February	80.1°F (26.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
March	81.7°F (27.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	82.9°F (28.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	81.1°F (27.3°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
June	78.6°F (25.9°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
July	78.1°F (25.6°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Average
August	77.7°F (25.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
September	77.5°F (25.3°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
October	76.5°F (24.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
November	76.1°F (24.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	76.6°F (24.8°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Santa Cruz

When planning a visit to Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, you have a few airport options. San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) is 96 miles away, with nearby hotels like the 5-star InterContinental Costa Rica and the 4.5-star Costa Rica Marriott Hotel, both offering shuttle services. Liberia (LIR-Daniel Oduber Intl.) is much closer at 24 miles, featuring luxurious stays such as the 5-star Four Seasons Resort and the 4.5-star Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, which provide scheduled shuttles. Lastly, Cóbano Airport (ACO), located 51 miles away, has top-rated hotels like Hotel Nantipa. Each airport offers varying transportation services to ensure your arrival is seamless.