A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, rocky cliffs, and houses on the cliffside.

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Check prices for these dates

Tonight
21 Aug - 22 Aug
Tomorrow
22 Aug - 23 Aug
This weekend
21 Aug - 23 Aug
Next weekend
28 Aug - 30 Aug

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Our top choices for Cowell's Beach hotels

1. Bella Notte

Bella Notte
Eastside Santa Cruz, 2.9 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Andrea
SAR 460
SAR 759 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Sep - 9 Sep
Bella Notte

2. Mission Inn

Mission Inn
Westside Santa Cruz, 2 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Jerry
SAR 415
SAR 508 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Aug - 25 Aug
Mission Inn

3. Pacific Blue Inn

Pacific Blue Inn
Downtown Santa Cruz, 0.7 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Nicole
SAR 334
SAR 400 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Aug - 28 Aug
Pacific Blue Inn

4. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA
Westside Santa Cruz, 2.2 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Monika
SAR 532
SAR 613 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Aug - 28 Aug
Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

5. Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge
Downtown, 0.5 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Beatriz
SAR 335
SAR 433 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sep - 8 Sep
Ocean Pacific Lodge

6. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Westside Santa Cruz, 1.7 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Brenda
SAR 597
SAR 686 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

7. Beachview Inn

Beachview Inn
Westside Santa Cruz, 0.3 km from Cowell's Beach
Canada
Elizabeth
SAR 238
SAR 315 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Aug - 26 Aug
Beachview Inn

8. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North
Westside Santa Cruz, 2.6 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Cecelia
SAR 407
SAR 469 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Sep - 16 Sep
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

9. Rio Vista Suites

Rio Vista Suites
Beach Hill - Beach Flats, 0.8 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Sara
SAR 380
SAR 541 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Rio Vista Suites

10. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG
Westside Santa Cruz, 2.6 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Kristina
SAR 488
SAR 563 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Aug - 27 Aug
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

11. Hitching Post Studios Inn

Hitching Post Studios Inn
Eastside Santa Cruz, 3 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Michelle Renee
SAR 334
SAR 385 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Aug - 25 Aug
Hitching Post Studios Inn

12. National 9 Santa Cruz

National 9 Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz, 2.7 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
James
SAR 297
SAR 341 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Sep - 3 Sep
National 9 Santa Cruz

13. Seaside Inn & Suites

Seaside Inn & Suites
Westside Santa Cruz, 1.6 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Sean
SAR 224
SAR 322 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Aug - 27 Aug
Seaside Inn & Suites

14. Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
Lower Ocean, 1 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Gordon
SAR 287
SAR 333 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Sep - 23 Sep
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

15. Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Islander Motel Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz, 1.6 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Vanessa
SAR 268
SAR 334 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Sep - 4 Sep
Islander Motel Santa Cruz

16. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz

Hampton Inn Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz, 2.6 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Latoya
SAR 512
SAR 590 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Sep - 3 Sep
Hampton Inn Santa Cruz

17. Drift Inn

Drift Inn
Lower Ocean, 1 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Falisha
SAR 287
SAR 322 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sep - 8 Sep
Drift Inn

18. Salt Air Lodge

Salt Air Lodge
Beach Hill - Beach Flats, 0.8 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Monique Marie
SAR 357
SAR 411 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Sep - 21 Sep
Salt Air Lodge

19. Best Western Inn

Best Western Inn
Westside Santa Cruz, 2.7 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Sang
SAR 447
SAR 512 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Sep - 21 Sep
Best Western Inn

20. The Aqua Pacific Hotel

The Aqua Pacific Hotel
Lower Ocean, 1.4 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
virgil
SAR 241
SAR 336 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Aug - 24 Aug
The Aqua Pacific Hotel
View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to Cowell's Beach

Property
Property class
Guest rating
Breakfast included
Pool
Spa
Pet friendly
WiFi included
Family Studio | Premium bedding, memory foam beds, in-room safe, blackout drapes
Bella Notte
9.8
Exceptional
8 reviews
View
Front of property
Mission Inn
9.0
Wonderful
1,032 reviews
View
Terrace/patio
Pacific Blue Inn
9.0
Wonderful
942 reviews
View
Terrace/patio
Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA
9.0
Wonderful
701 reviews
View
Front of property
Ocean Pacific Lodge
8.8
Excellent
1,521 reviews
View

Top Cowell's Beach Hotel Reviews

Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge

8/10 Good
"Deluxe room worth the extra money if you’re staying 3 or more nights. King bed on the hard side and pillows were hard like sandbags, no cushion at all"
Rudy 4-night trip
Posted 3 hours ago
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Carousel Beach Inn

Carousel Beach Inn

10/10 Excellent
"The room and property were clean and the breakfast was great. Parking was inside their courtyard and we felt secure being there."
Tracy 2-night trip
Posted 4 hours ago
Carousel Beach Inn
Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites

8/10 Good
"Our stay was great however parking was horrible and the hot tub was dirt. I tried calling the front desk 4x I was hung up on then never answered. It was an easy walk to the boardwalk and the size of the room with 3 beds was surprisingly comfortable."
Lindsey 2-night trip
Posted 10 hours ago
Surf City Inn and Suites
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent
"Great value. The breakfast buffet was wonderful. The room was spacious. I would definitely stay again"
Dianna 1-night trip
Posted 22 hours ago
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent
"Awesome"
Pardeep 1-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
Beachview Inn

Beachview Inn

10/10 Excellent
"Very nice, quick walk to the beach and boardwalk."
Kirstin 1-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Beachview Inn

Other attractions near Cowell's Beach

A pier extending into the ocean with a roller coaster in the background.

Santa Cruz Wharf

9.0/10 (2,069 reviews)
After visiting Santa Cruz Wharf, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the surfing spots.
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A pier with colorful cable cars, a beach, and a sign that reads "WORLD FAMOUS."
Photo by Adri VDM Photography

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

8.8/10 (6,089 reviews)
Enjoy the thrills at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and find out why people love this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
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A blue door with a metal latch and lock.

Lighthouse Point Park

10.0/10 (1 review)
Explore the lovely green spaces of Lighthouse Point Park and enjoy the surfing in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
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Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

8.0/10 (4 reviews)
You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center during your travels in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the surfing spots.
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Cocoanut Grove

Cocoanut Grove is just one of the places to see in Santa Cruz, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the surfing spots.
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Sky Glider

Enjoy an outing to Sky Glider during your stay in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the surfing spots.
See properties

Santa Cruz Main Beach

9.0/10 (19 reviews)
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Santa Cruz Main Beach during your trip to Santa Cruz? Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
See properties

Neary Lagoon Park

Explore the great outdoors at Neary Lagoon Park, a lovely green space in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
See properties

Find out more about Cowell's Beach

Top reasons to visit Cowell's Beach

  • Surfing Paradise: Cowell's Beach is ideal for surfers of all skill levels, offering surf lessons and board rentals.
  • Stunning Coastal Views: Enjoy breathtaking scenery along the California coast with picturesque jetties and sandy coves.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The beach is welcoming for families, with a relaxed vibe and friendly locals.
  • Outdoor Adventures: Nearby Cowell Ranch State Beach provides opportunities for hiking and exploring nature.
  • Variety of Accommodations: Choose from pet-friendly hotels and resorts with amenities for a comfortable stay.

Find great hotels near Cowell's Beach

Discover the perfect getaway at Cowell's Beach, where a variety of hotels and resorts await to enhance your vacation experience. Enjoy pet-friendly accommodations and family-oriented amenities, all while soaking in the refreshing ocean breeze. With convenient access to sandy coves, water showers, and public restrooms, you'll find everything you need for an adventurous and relaxing stay. Whether you're seeking excitement or tranquility, Cowell's Beach offers a delightful retreat for every traveler.

  • Motel 6 Watsonville, CA - Monterey Area: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers, Motel 6 Watsonville offers a simple and pet-friendly lodging experience just 22.5km from Cowell's Beach. Known for its no-frills approach, this motel allows you to bring your furry friends along, making it a great choice for pet owners. The property features essential amenities including free Wi-Fi and comfortable rooms, ensuring a hassle-free stay. The welcoming atmosphere and proximity to nearby attractions make it a practical choice for those exploring the Monterey area.
  • Ocean Pacific Lodge: Just a short 483m stroll from Cowell's Beach, Ocean Pacific Lodge is a family-oriented motel that caters to both children and pets. This inviting lodge offers child-friendly amenities such as cribs and a welcoming environment for families. The property stands out with its pet-friendly policies, providing food and water bowls and allowing pets with some restrictions. Guests appreciate the location's close proximity to the beach, combined with comfortable accommodations that make it perfect for creating lasting family memories.
  • Continental Inn: Located 1.4km from Cowell's Beach, the Continental Inn is a family-friendly hotel that emphasizes comfort and convenience. With amenities for children including cribs, the hotel is designed to cater to families traveling with little ones. The pet-friendly policy allows guests to bring their pets, with provisions such as food and water bowls available. The welcoming atmosphere and proximity to local attractions make this hotel an excellent choice for families looking to enjoy a relaxing beach getaway.

Where to stay near Cowell's Beach

During your visit to Cowell's Beach, Santa Cruz, you'll immerse yourself in a coastal haven filled with friendly locals and a family-friendly atmosphere. Explore the stunning California coast, enjoy relaxing beach access, and take advantage of the fantastic surf breaks nearby. Whether you're seeking romantic strolls along the shore or exciting excursions, Cowell's Beach offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for every traveler.

  • Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz is a vibrant city known for its stunning coastline and welcoming atmosphere. Cowell's Beach, located here, is a prime spot for sunbathing and water activities. The city's charm lies in its blend of outdoor experiences, family-friendly attractions, and cultural venues. Highlights include the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an amusement park that offers rides and games, and the picturesque Natural Bridges State Beach nearby. The area is perfect for exploring local shops and restaurants, making it a year-round destination for families and beach lovers alike.
  • Westside Santa Cruz: Westside Santa Cruz is a charming neighborhood that offers a laid-back beach vibe and easy access to Cowell's Beach. This area attracts visitors for its outdoor activities and family-centric experiences. The stunning coastline invites leisurely strolls, while local parks and recreational areas provide opportunities for picnicking and hiking. The famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is just a stone's throw away, along with bustling cafes and unique shops. Whether you're looking to relax by the beach or engage in fun activities, Westside Santa Cruz has something for everyone.
  • Capitola: Located a short drive from Cowell's Beach, Capitola is a picturesque seaside city known for its charming village atmosphere and colorful beachfront. This area is popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering beautiful beaches and a scenic pier. Capitola’s vibrant downtown features boutique shops, delightful eateries, and art galleries, making it a perfect spot for leisurely exploration. The city also hosts various events throughout the year, especially during peak seasons in the spring and summer, ensuring a lively experience for visitors.

Things to do near Cowell's Beach

At Cowell's Beach in Santa Cruz, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including walking along the shore and surfing in one of the area’s top surf spots. It's a haven for beach enthusiasts, offering surf lessons for all levels and rental options for surfboards. Whether you're an experienced surfer or a beginner, Cowell's Beach provides a perfect backdrop for an exciting day by the ocean.

Shopping

The nearest shopping areas to Cowell's Beach are Swift Street Courtyard, just 1.6km away, and Ocean Street, 3.2km away, both offering a variety of family-friendly shops. Capitola Mercantile is 6.4km away, featuring a mix of entertainment and local goods. If you're up for a drive, explore more options in nearby towns.

Recreation

Pasatiempo Golf Course offers a scenic golfing experience with outdoor vibes, located 4.8km from Cowell's Beach. For a calming adventure, Treks and Tracks Rock Climbing Trips provides wellness-focused climbing excursions, just 9.7km away. For rejuvenation, Luminescence Healing Haven is a serene body treatment center, situated 19.3km from the beach.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Zip Line at the treeTopWalk, located 11.3km from Cowell's Beach, where you can soar through the treetops. For a scenic hike, explore the Ox Trailhead, 8.0km away, offering beautiful views and a sense of adventure amidst nature.

Nightlife

Experience the fun at Boardwalk Bowl, an arcade adventure zone just 483m from Cowell's Beach. For family-friendly thrills, check out the Sky Glider, 644m away. If you're in the mood for culture and romance, the Flint Center for the Performing Arts is a must-visit, located 40.2km from the beach.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cowell's Beach

To save money on your trip to Cowell's Beach, consider visiting between November and January for lower accommodation rates. Mondays typically offer the cheapest hotel stays, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly options by sorting hotels from lowest to highest prices and filtering for eco-friendly choices. Additionally, you can save by booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities. For affordable transport, explore the area on foot or use public transport when available.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cowell's Beach are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cowell's Beach is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Cowell's Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display hotels from the lowest to the highest prices, allowing you to find the most affordable options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel category—for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will highlight sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Cowell's Beach with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.

Find the best attractions near Cowell's Beach

Cowell's Beach in Santa Cruz offers a delightful mix of attractions for tourists, including stunning beach experiences, scenic national parks, and picturesque jetties. Visitors can enjoy the famous Cowell Beach and explore nearby Cowell Ranch State Beach, perfect for outdoor adventures and cultural immersion. Whether you're looking to relax by the ocean or engage in outdoor activities, Cowell's Beach has something for everyone.

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Enjoy a classic California amusement park experience filled with rides, games, and delicious treats. Located only 966m from Cowell's Beach, this vibrant boardwalk offers fun for the whole family amidst stunning ocean views.
  • Capitola Beach: Just 6.4km away, Capitola Beach is a picturesque spot perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or strolling along the charming beachfront. Its colorful houses and laid-back vibe make it a delightful retreat.
  • Santa Cruz Wharf: Located a mere 161m from Cowell's Beach, the Santa Cruz Wharf is ideal for leisurely walks, enjoying fresh seafood, and mingling with friendly locals while taking in breathtaking views of the coastline.

Best time to go to Cowell's Beach

The best time to visit Cowell's Beach is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
March52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.7°F (12.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May56.7°F (13.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June60.1°F (15.6°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.3°F (17.4°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September63.9°F (17.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October61.5°F (16.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Cowell's Beach

To visit Cowell's Beach, you can fly into three major airports. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is 78.9km away, with nearby hotels like the 5-star Fairmont San Francisco and Palace Hotel, both offering transfers and shuttles. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is 46.7km from Cowell's Beach, with excellent options like the 5-star Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo Alto, just 14.5km away, and the Santa Clara Marriott, 4.8km away. Lastly, OAKland International Airport (OAK) is 54.8km distant, with the 5-star Claremont Resort & Club located 16.1km away, providing easy access to the airport.

Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Cowell's Beach?
Cowell's Beach is located in a walkable area of Santa Cruz known for its beautiful beaches and sporting events. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, check out the 164 hotels and other accommodations you'll find within a mile.
What's the best place to stay near Cowell's Beach?
Adjacent to Cowell's Beach, La Bahia Hotel and Spa is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this hotel offers a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Other good choices within a short distance include Marea Sol Hotel and Ocean Pacific Lodge.
How many hotels should I expect to find near Cowell's Beach?
Expedia has 164 hotels and other accommodations within a mile from Cowell's Beach.
If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Cowell's Beach, will I receive a refund?
Yes! Most room reservations are fully refundable as long as you cancel prior to the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before check in. If you booked a non-refundable reservation, you might still have the option to cancel and get a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Add dates, click "Search", then use the filter option "fully refundable" to get the top deals on offer near Cowell's Beach.
Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip in the area near Cowell's Beach?
To find more details about rescheduling or cancelling your stay near Cowell's Beach, click here.
What can I see and do near Cowell's Beach?
You might want to spend some time browsing the exhibits at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, Lighthouse Point Park, or Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, Mark Abbot Memorial Lighthouse, and Williams-Reynolds House are some of the notable landmarks to see in the area. You can wander around University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum, Pleasure Point Park, or Neary Lagoon Park if you want a dose of fresh air.