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2-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Stay near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk at Howard Johnson by Wyndham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast, parking, hot tub, and beach access at this 3.4-star hotel.

130 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States View on map
6.8/10
Average Based on 536 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Free parking Accessible Air-conditioned
What recent guests emphasize

Balanced comfort steps from the beach

Guests recognize the convenient location near popular attractions, alongside basic but functional amenities. While some appreciate the included perks, others note the hotel’s modest condition and lack of certain services.

Guests often praise

  • Close proximity to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and nearby shops and restaurants
  • Complimentary breakfast and free parking included with the stay
  • Reliable free Wi-Fi and air-conditioned rooms
  • Helpful and accessible service with a business center on-site
  • Relaxing hot tub amenity appreciated after a day of sightseeing

Worth knowing

  • The hotel does not have a swimming pool or airport shuttle service
  • Some rooms feature kitchens, but availability may vary
  • Not pet-friendly and smoke-free throughout the property
  • The overall rating reflects a modest, low-key hotel with mixed reviews on room quality
  • Beach access is available, enhancing the location’s appeal for visitors

Best for

  • Travelers seeking an affordable stay near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Visitors wanting easy access to local attractions like the Wharf and Mystery Spot
  • Families looking for kid-friendly accommodations with breakfast included
  • Guests desiring basic amenities with convenient parking and Wi-Fi
  • Those who appreciate a quiet, smoke-free environment close to the beach
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About this property

Welcome to Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers a straightforward, low-key lodging option just a short walk from the vibrant Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. With a rating of 3.4 from nearly 500 reviews, the hotel provides essential amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, free parking, and a hot breakfast to support a comfortable stay without unnecessary frills.

The property features air-conditioned rooms, some equipped with kitchens, catering to families and longer-stay visitors looking for practical conveniences. Additional facilities include a business center and a hot tub, while the smoke-free environment and accessibility features make it suitable for a broad range of guests. Although pets are not allowed and there is no pool or airport shuttle, the hotel’s proximity to the beach and local attractions adds to its appeal.

Guests benefit from a convenient location approximately nine minutes on foot from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a popular amusement park along a sandy shoreline. Other nearby points of interest include the Santa Cruz Wharf, filled with shops and seafood restaurants, and Natural Bridges State Beach, known for its unique rock formations and wildlife sightings. Transportation to regional airports like San Jose Mineta International Airport is manageable by car within about 45 minutes.

While the overall guest feedback is mixed, many appreciate the hotel’s accessible location and practical amenities, making it a reasonable choice for travelers prioritizing easy access to the beach and local attractions over luxury. Its kid-friendly environment and on-site dining option further contribute to its suitability for families and casual visitors exploring Santa Cruz.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Free parking
Accessible
Air-conditioned
Business center
Beach access
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Kitchens in some rooms
Hot tub
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Pet-friendly
Airport shuttle
Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Santa Cruz, California, USA

A 9-minute walk from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this modest hotel is 4 miles from the Mystery Spot attraction, and a mile from the shops and restaurants of Santa Cruz Wharf.

  • Pacific Ave & Front (Wharf) 2 min Walk
  • Pacific Ave & Viaduct Ln (Wharf) 1 min Walk
  • Pacific & Center 4 min Walk
  • San Francisco International Airport 1 hr 11 Car · 3 hr 2 Transit
  • San Jose Mineta International Airport 45 min Car · 1 hr 33 Transit
  • Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport 1 hr 17 Car · 3 hr Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in California. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 49,424 reviews

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

4.6 · Amusement Park
Natural Bridges State Beach 2,326 reviews

Natural Bridges State Beach

2531 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

4.7 · Park
Santa Cruz Wharf 15,294 reviews

Santa Cruz Wharf

21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

4.6 · Fishing Pier
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