Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

On Santa Cruz’s shoreline, a compact beachfront motel puts you steps from the Boardwalk and Main Beach. It’s an easy stroll to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, Santa Cruz Wharf, Pacific Avenue and the nearby lighthouse.

This small, 27-room property keeps things simple and surf-town casual. Rooms are air-conditioned and non-smoking, with refrigerators, flat-screen/LCD TVs, microwaves, desks and in-room safes; bathrooms include hair dryers and complimentary toiletries.

Soak in a hot tub, take a dip in the pool, or unwind at the on-site spa and garden. Active guests can sign up for diving, kayaking, windsurfing and snorkeling, plus nearby hiking, horse riding and fishing. Free Wi‑Fi, a vending machine and on-site laundry keep stays fuss-free.

Complimentary high-speed (wired) internet and a business center are available, with dry cleaning/laundry and self parking onsite.

A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily. There’s a convenience/grocery store on-site, and waterfront seafood and local eateries are a short walk away.