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

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Check prices for these dates

Tonight
28 Aug - 29 Aug
Tomorrow
29 Aug - 30 Aug
This weekend
28 Aug - 30 Aug
Next weekend
4 Sep - 6 Sep

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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 385
SAR 675 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Aug - 1 Sep
Bella Notte

2. Mission Inn

Mission Inn
Westside Santa Cruz, 2 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Terry
SAR 351
SAR 436 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Sep - 2 Sep
Mission Inn

3. Hitching Post Studios Inn

Hitching Post Studios Inn
Eastside Santa Cruz, 3 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Michelle Renee
SAR 304
SAR 352 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Sep - 30 Sep
Hitching Post Studios Inn

4. 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
7 Sep - 8 Sep
Rio Vista Suites

5. Seaside Inn & Suites

Seaside Inn & Suites
Westside Santa Cruz, 1.6 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Sean
SAR 212
SAR 309 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Sep - 30 Sep
Seaside Inn & Suites

6. 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
Silvia
SAR 488
SAR 563 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Aug - 1 Sep
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

7. Best Western Inn

Best Western Inn
Westside Santa Cruz, 2.7 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
NELSON A.
SAR 447
SAR 512 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Best Western Inn

8. Continental Inn

Continental Inn
Westside Santa Cruz, 1.5 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
KAREN
SAR 248
SAR 331 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Sep - 21 Sep
Continental Inn

9. Drift Inn

Drift Inn
Lower Ocean, 1 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
John
SAR 287
SAR 322 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Sep - 3 Sep
Drift Inn

10. Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites
Lower Ocean, 1 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Heather
SAR 238
SAR 299 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Sep - 4 Sep
Surf City Inn and Suites

11. Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach

Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach
Beach Hill - Beach Flats, 0.9 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Jorge
SAR 351
SAR 404 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Sep - 21 Sep
Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach

12. Hotel Solares

Hotel Solares
Lower Ocean, 1 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
oscar
SAR 297
SAR 419 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Sep - 2 Sep
Hotel Solares

13. Capri Motel

Capri Motel
Beach Hill - Beach Flats, 0.9 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Daniel
SAR 240
SAR 297 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Sep - 10 Sep
Capri Motel

14. SureStay Hotel by Best Western Santa Cruz

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz, 2.1 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Jose
SAR 351
SAR 405 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sep - 8 Sep
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Santa Cruz

15. Motel 6 Santa Cruz, CA

Motel 6 Santa Cruz, CA
Westside Santa Cruz, 2.3 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Vicente
SAR 325
SAR 375 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Sep - 14 Sep
Motel 6 Santa Cruz, CA

16. Motel Santa Cruz

Motel Santa Cruz
Lower Ocean, 1.4 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Justin
SAR 330
SAR 404 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sep - 8 Sep
Motel Santa Cruz

17. Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola

Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola
5.3 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Aprille
SAR 523
SAR 602 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Sep - 2 Sep
Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola

18. Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
10.3 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Lee
SAR 515
SAR 593 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Sep - 23 Sep
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

19. Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea

Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea
6.6 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Loretta
SAR 412
SAR 473 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Sep - 24 Sep
Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea

20. Inn At Pasatiempo

Inn At Pasatiempo
4.2 km from Cowell's Beach
United States
Tabatha
SAR 447
SAR 514 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Inn At Pasatiempo
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
9 reviews
View
Front of property
Mission Inn
9.0
Wonderful
1,038 reviews
View
Garden
Hitching Post Studios Inn
8.6
Excellent
455 reviews
View
Room 5: Deluxe Queen | Iron/ironing board, bed sheets
Rio Vista Suites
8.6
Excellent
1,015 reviews
View
2 Queen Bed + Sofa Bed | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, WiFi (free)
Seaside Inn & Suites
8.2
Very Good
1,103 reviews
View

Top Cowell's Beach Hotel Reviews

Beachview Inn

Beachview Inn

10/10 Excellent
"Great location. Clean room and the property manager is very friendly and accommodating."
Jesus 3-night trip
Posted 3 hours ago
Beachview Inn
Marea Sol Hotel

Marea Sol Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"Extremely family-friendly and clean/maintained property. The staff was friendly and engaging and there was always someone available to assist with questions and requests. Super close to the beach and boardwalk with an added bonus of having a cute cafe there!"
Omar 1-night trip
Posted 5 hours ago
Marea Sol Hotel
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent
"Great location"
richard 2-night trip
Posted 6 hours ago
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz
La Bahia Hotel and Spa

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

10/10 Excellent
"Fantastic"
Jessica 2-night trip
Posted 10 hours ago
La Bahia Hotel and Spa
Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge

10/10 Excellent
"My husband only stayed for one night. The room was clean, grounds looked kept and it was within a 5 minute walk to the wharf and boardwalk. Close to many shops and restaurants. I would stay again. They have a pool and jacuzzi as well that looked clean, although we didn't use it."
Melissa 1-night trip
Posted 11 hours ago
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites

10/10 Excellent
"Great place to stay for work would not recommend for families with children lots of unsavory traffic"
Kelsey 3-night trip
Posted 21 hours ago
Surf City Inn and Suites
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

8/10 Good
"The hotel had a very quirky feel about it. From the outside of the building, it looks akin to a nightclub. The rooms were a decent size and tastefully decorated. Starbucks coffee pods were a nice treat. The pool & jacuzzi were first rate. The pool did get overtaken by children screeching and screaming from quite early in the day through til late afternoon, but that’s not a criticism of the hotel. But it would have been nice to have had a swim without the children dive bombing into the pool constantly. Perhaps an adult only swim time before 10am and after 5pm would be welcomed. The staff were very friendly and helpful. They were first rate. I enjoyed my stay very much. Recommended."
Jason 2-night trip
Posted 22 hours ago
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent
"Gym very good Pool was not busy and well Maintained Velvet service for parking were helpful and always willing to offer advice on places to see/ eat"
Khari 3-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent
"It was ok"
Rebecca 1-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

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.
See properties
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.
See properties
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.
See properties

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.
See properties

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.
See properties

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.