Santa Cruz has hotels for those more picky about where they lay their head. But because of the bohemian-ish, surfing town feel of this area, many of the accommodations in Santa Cruz are very affordable motels, inns or bed and breakfasts. It's the best bang for your buck as some of these motels and inns are near the water, near quiet wooded areas, or the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.  Located between Monterey, CA and San Jose, CA, it can be a great pit stop on your coastal drive or if you need to satisfy your surfing fix. Find your stay here if you are visiting the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC).

Most hotels here are conveniently located around the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Santa Cruz is a small city but the friendliness here is like a small town. The eclectic groups of locals here enjoy health food, healthy living and the redwoods. Pesto pizza is one of the locally famous foods.  There is not much in the way of budget options, but there is a hostel.

The hostel in Santa Cruz, California is The Carmelita Cottages. Up to 45 people can stay here so it is ideal for groups. Each dorm room sleeps 5 or 6 people and can be single gender or mixed gender. There are also private rooms but all rooms share bathroom facilities.  Prices per person are inexpensive but not under $20.

For budget accommodations, look for the distinctively pink building of the Carousel Motel on Riverside Ave. This hotel has a great location directly across from the boardwalk, bar, restaurants, convenience store and a bowling alley. It’s not glamorous and not in the best part of town, but it is clean. If your expectations are not high, you will be satisfied.

Another distinctive building in town is the blue hues of the Pacific Blue Inn on Pacific Ave. This is a modern, not Victorian, Bed & Breakfast; there is none of the usual patchwork quilts and bric a brac. You are just a few blocks from downtown in an up and coming neighborhood. Mike and Marija serve up an amazing breakfast that includes popovers and omelets.

Adobe on Green Street Bed and Breakfast is a wonderful place to stay. The prices are not too expensive if you consider the prices of all the hotels in the area. Breakfast includes delicious granola and savory eggs; there are even Lindt chocolates for you in the common area lounge. The gardens are well maintained and drinking a glass of wine outside is luxurious. At this B&B you won’t feel as if you are on top of other guests, there is plenty of space.

The boutique beachfront Dream Inn on W. Cliff Drive offers luxury accommodations. The location is close to the pier and UC Santa Cruz. Every room has an amazing view of Monterey Bay from private balconies. Enjoy romantic sunsets and be lulled to sleep by ocean waves. This is the only beachfront hotel in town. There is a swimming pool, hot tub and a restaurant (that does not get the best reviews).