With kid-friendly attractions like Roaring Camp Railroads and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, plus enchanting redwood forests and miles of sandy beaches, it’s little wonder Santa Cruz County is favorite destination for families. And while all hotels welcome kiddos, some go the extra mile to delight the smallest members of your party. We’re talking big perks for little people. Offering everything from playgrounds to s’mores parties on the beach, here are the top kid-friendly hotels in Santa Cruz County.
Beach Street Inn
While Beach Street Inn offers families a variety of convenient room options—multiple bedroom suites, murphy beds with chalkboard exteriors—it’s what lies outside the front door that will thrill little ones. The 48-room inn is situated at the heart of Santa Cruz’s beachfront action, a few steps from Main Beach and the Santa Cruz Wharf. And although rides are currently closed, select shops, eateries, and concessions (think cotton candy and caramel apples) are open at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – which is less than a 5-minute stroll away. If that’s too far to walk for a treat, the inn sits directly above The Picnic Basket which scoops up ice cream from the Penny Ice Creamery alongside its menu of healthy takes on kid-friendly classics such as hot dogs and grilled cheese sammies. Plus, little ones can pop into the lobby office for fresh bags of popcorn and cups of hot cocoa and marshmallows. Afterward, work off that sugar rush at the spiffy new pool deck with a warming fire pit.
Seascape Beach Resort
This all-suite, beachfront resort perched on scenic coastal bluffs is a hit with all ages, but a few amenities will especially appeal to families. In addition to condo-like suites with full kitchens and outdoor BBQ grills, the resort features three swimming pools, and a short path down to the beach. The resort’s signature restaurant Sanderlings has kids covered with mac n’ cheese and chicken tenders, yet it’s the evening s’mores bonfires that will melt their hearts. For an additional fee, Seascape staff will set up a private beach bonfire for your family complete with all the fixings, beach chairs, and blankets.
KOA Santa Cruz
If you handed your kids a notebook and asked them to design their perfect overnight experience, they’d likely sketch something akin to the KOA. Situated near Manresa State Beach, this amenity-packed, outdoor resort transcends the usual campground with an option to bed down in comfy cabins and retro-sleek Airstreams. Plus, in addition to the hotel-style amenities such as a swimming pool, the KOA features an outdoor playground, horseshoe pit, craft activities, and basketball and volleyball courts. The fun doesn’t stop once the sun goes down thanks to evening activities such as seasonal outdoor movies and s’mores. During the holidays, they even have a festive light display!
Dream Inn
With colorful retro vibes, the Dream Inn exudes timeless beachfront fun. It sits steps from the Boardwalk and Wharf, yet on warm days, the expansive pool deck overlooking Cowell Beach is the place to be. Kiddos can splash about the year-round heated swimming pool, while parents take five on shaded loungers or cabana beds. When little tummies rumble, the Shorebreak Drink + Dine poolside bar dishes up kid faves such as crispy chicken tenders and a Coney Island hot dog. And, their cooler filled with Marianne’s chocolate-dipped ice cream bars and sandwiches isn’t just limited to kids! Best of all, those views don’t end at the pool. Every room features a commanding, front-row view of Monterey Bay.
Pajaro Dunes
At this beachfront resort, families can spread out in a roomy vacation rental steps from the sand. Choose from a wide range of accommodations, from architecturally striking modern homes to beach cottage-like condos. The shared living spaces and full kitchens are a boon for vacationing families, and an onsite store stocks groceries and beach essentials in case you forget the sand shovel at home. Yet, Pajaro’s biggest draw is the wide, gorgeous stretch of sand located right out your front door.
While kids will dig the five spots listed above, the fun doesn’t end when you check out. Pop on our site for scores of other family-friendly activities in Santa Cruz County.
Updated July 2021