The Best Sands motel for families in Santa Cruz, California

Located at 116 Aptos Beach Drive in Aptos, California, the Rio Sands Hotel is a top-ranked lodging option near Rio Del Mar and Seacliff State Beaches. Offering the best accommodations for a budget-friendly stay in Aptos, this hotel boasts comfortable rooms with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and refrigerators. Some suites even come with full kitchens. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast in the banquet room, take a dip in the outdoor pool, and relax by the sparkling pool with their family. The hotel's prime location off Highway 1 makes it an ideal base for exploring popular attractions in Santa Cruz and beyond. Just a short walk from Rio Del Mar and Seacliff State Beaches, guests can soak up the sun and ocean breeze while whale watching or dolphin spotting. The University of California Santa Cruz is also nearby, along with the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Roaring Camp Railroad, and Downtown Santa Cruz.

Located at 1025 Laurel Street in Santa Cruz, California, the Babbling Brook Inn is a charming and romantic oasis nestled among the pine and redwood trees of Santa Cruz. Originally built as a corn grist mill in 1796, our boutique inn offers a unique and enchanting sanctuary in the heart of this vibrant beach-side community. Our prime location on Laurel Street provides immediate access to the white-sand beaches of Santa Cruz and the bustling downtown area, with its restaurants, museums, and shops. The University of California Santa Cruz is just 3.5 miles away, making our inn a convenient choice for students and their families. Guests can also enjoy nearby attractions such as Pasatiempo Golf Club and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.