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Hyatt Place Santa Cruz Review: A Great Family Hotel Near the Boardwalk
Planning a Santa Cruz family vacation? See our Hyatt Place Santa Cruz review, including breakfast, pool, rooms, and nearby attractions.
We were looking for a family-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz and the Hyatt Place Santa Cruz ended up being a great fit for our trip.
Location: 407 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
We used our annual free night certificate from our Hyatt credit card, which honestly felt like a pretty great redemption.
The hotel had spacious rooms, free breakfast, a heated pool, and was close to so many toddler-friendly activities around Santa Cruz.
➡️ CHECK ROOM RATES HERE: HYATT PLACE SANTA CRUZ
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz had a very nice lobby to lounge in
Why We Chose Hyatt Place Santa Cruz for Our Family Trip
Traveling with toddlers means our hotel checklist looks a little different these days.
We wanted:
✔ Space for toddler beds
✔ Free breakfast
✔ Pool for downtime
✔ Close to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
✔ Easy access to family activities
The Hyatt Place Santa Cruz checked all of those boxes.
A fridge is always handy for leftovers or holding yogurts! The Hyatt Place Santa Cruz had a nice sized mini fridge.
My biggest complaint is the powdered milk for creamer in the room, but I just went downstairs and grabbed a freshly brewed coffee with cream in the morning.
Open mini fridge (empty) in Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz Amenities for Families
Free Breakfast that is included with Hyatt Santa Cruz room - eggs, French toast, sausage, potatoes
Free Breakfast Included
The hotel includes complimentary breakfast in the lobby area every morning.
When you have toddlers, quick food options are a lifesaver and while this wasn’t the best hotel breakfast we’ve ever had, it absolutely worked for busy mornings.
Breakfast options during our stay included:
Fruit Loops and Cheerios for the kids
Eggs
Breakfast potatoes (hash browns or diced potatoes depending on the day)
Sausage or bacon
French toast, waffles, or pancakes
Donut holes
Bagels and toast
Yogurt and granola
Fresh fruit
Sometimes you just need food immediately with little ones and this definitely made mornings easier.
Pool at the Hyatt Place in Santa Cruz is perfect for kids
Heated Pool, Spa & Fire Pits
The pool area was another big hit for families.
Amenities included:
Heated pool
Spa / hot tub
Outdoor rinse shower before heading back to your room
Evening fire pits
S’mores kits available for purchase
One note for families with little swimmers: the pool appeared to be under 5 feet deep, which felt very kid-friendly.
Large rooms at the Hyatt Place Santa Cruz - perfect for families
Spacious Rooms Make a Huge Difference with Toddlers
One thing we loved most was how spacious our room felt.
Our boys are in that awkward phase where they’re too big for cribs but we don’t trust them on tall hotel beds yet, so we travel with our Rigalo Toddler Inflatable beds.
Sometimes hotel rooms feel cramped once we set them up, but our room at Hyatt Place Santa Cruz felt huge.
We stayed in Room 331, which had a wider layout (some rooms appear longer and narrower).
The extra width gave us room for:
Two toddler beds
Walking space around them
Storage space when not in use
Enough open floor area that the boys could literally do cartwheels
We also had a slight view of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and even a small peek of the ocean in the distance.
My favorite part of the room was the cozy couch nook! there is an “L” shaped pull out couch sofa with a lamp overhead creating a cute little nook where we sat and read bedtime stories. I had the boys snuggle up and we read a few of our favorite books we packed including The Trucks that Saved the Park!
Cozy nook at the Hyatt Place Santa Cruz - perfect for reading books to kids
Bathroom in hotel room at Hyatt Place Santa Cruz did not have a bath tub for kids
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz is a great central location
We loved the location of the Hyatt Place Santa Cruz because it was close to the boardwalk while also being within easy driving distance of several toddler activities.
Serpent Slide at San Lorenzo Park - walking distance from Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Things to Do Near Hyatt Place Santa Cruz with Kids
San Lorenzo Park
Location: 137 Dakota Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
We walked less than 10 mins to the San Lorenzo Park that had a cute playground! It had lots of structures to climb and burn out some kid afternoon energy. There was
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Location: 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
The hotel is about a 15-minute walk to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
That said, personally I’m not sure I would choose to walk back after dark with little kids.
We drove and found parking by the boardwalk for $5 midweek in May 2026.
The valet mentioned nearby lots can reach around $30, especially on weekends.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Location: 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA 95018
One of our favorite stops was the flat Redwood Grove Loop Trail at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
It was only about 15 minutes from the hotel and perfect for toddlers.
The loop is approximately one mile, mostly flat, and stroller friendly.
Roaring Camp Train in Santa Cruz - fun thing to do with toddlers
Ride the Roaring Camp Train Through the Redwoods
Location: 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA 95018
Right next to the redwoods is Roaring Camp Railroads.
They offer train rides through the redwoods (we saw departures twice daily during our visit).
We were also told the Beach Train connecting the boardwalk and redwoods is beautiful, though it can be slower because it travels through town and stops frequently at crossings and intersections.
Final Thoughts: Is Hyatt Place Santa Cruz Worth It for Families?
For families traveling with toddlers and young kids, Hyatt Place Santa Cruz worked really well for us.
The highlights were definitely:
✔ Spacious rooms
✔ Free breakfast
✔ Heated pool and fire pits
✔ Close to the Boardwalk
✔ Easy access to toddler activities like Henry Cowell and Roaring Camp
If you travel with inflatable toddler beds like we do, the room size alone was a huge win.
➡️ CHECK ROOM RATES HERE: HYATT PLACE SANTA CRUZ
10 Must-Have Road Trip Essentials for Happy Toddlers
Navigating the open road with a toddler can feel less like a scenic drive and more like a high-stakes, full-contact sport. Forget the tranquil hum of the engine; you're more likely to be serenaded by a chorus of "Are we there yet?" and the frantic search for a rest stop with a decent playground. But fear not, brave navigators! I've spent countless miles perfecting the art of the toddler-friendly road trip, and I'm here to share my quirky, tried-and-true survival guide.
My secret weapon? A pre-packed arsenal of sanity-saving essentials that never leave my car. First up, snacks, glorious snacks! This one's a no-brainer, but when you're hurtling down the highway, these morsels become more crucial than your GPS. My go-tos include That’s It bars, a brilliant way to sneak in some fruit; Go Go Squeeze Pouches for mess-free slurping joy; and, of course, the ever-reliable Goldfish crackers, which have the magical ability to avert a meltdown in seconds. To slow down the snack-gobbling process, I always pack snack pack containers—they're a sneaky way to work on those fine motor skills while keeping the crumb-pocalypse at bay.
But what about when the snacks run out? That's when I deploy my next secret weapon: reusable sticker books. I swear these are enchanted. I've found that each one buys me at least 15 minutes of blissful quiet—that's enough time to listen to an entire song without interruption! And for the inevitable screen time, a headrest-mounted iPad holder is a game-changer. It means less neck craning for your tiny passengers and more hands-free time for you to, you know, eat your own snacks in peace.
Toddler Road Trip Hacks: Keep Your Little Ones Happy on the Go
Traveling is an adventure, but hitting the open road with a toddler (or two!) can feel like a full-contact sport. Forget serene scenery – think snack negotiations, endless choruses of "Are we there yet?", and the frantic search for a rest stop. But fear not, brave navigators! I've mastered the art of the toddler-friendly road trip, and I'm sharing my top 10 quirky must-haves that never leave my car.
Shop our sanity-saving list on Amazon: https://amzn.to/446NDIp
Our real-life kids road trip packing setup before a family vacation — snacks, books, clothes, swim essentials, and toddler travel must-haves all organized and ready to go.
Our Real-Life Kids Road Trip Packing Setup
Before every family road trip, I lay everything out on the bed so I can quickly see what we still need before loading the car. It helps keep us organized, avoids overpacking, and makes travel days so much smoother with toddlers and young kids.
For longer vacations or beach destinations, I use our full Hawaii Kids Packing List to make sure we don’t forget the essentials.
In this setup, we packed:
extra outfits + pajamas
swim diapers and wipes
road trip snacks and pouches
favorite bedtime books
activity books and truck toys
portable toddler bed rails
beach towels and swimwear
easy grab-and-go zip bags for outfits
One of my favorite travel mom hacks? I pack full kid outfits into vacuum bags, then flatten them with my torso before sealing. It saves a surprising amount of suitcase space and keeps everything organized for busy vacation days. I may sound crazy but don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it! See the video at the bottom of the post!
1. Snacks, Glorious Snacks (The Fuel of Tiny Conquerors)
This one's a no-brainer, but when you're hurtling down the highway, snacks become more crucial than your GPS. Seriously.
Here are my favorite non-refrigerated, meltdown-averting morsels:
That’s It bars: Fruit in disguise! OUR FAVORITE!
Bear Fruit Snacks: Because bears are cute, and so are happy toddlers.
Go Go Squeeze Pouches: Less mess, more slurping joy.
Crackers: Teething crackers (for gnawing on), Ritz or Wheat Thins (for sophisticated crunching), Goldfish (for the inevitable "one more, please!").
Dried Fruit: Nature's candy, minus the sticky fingers (mostly).
Teddy Grahams: Tiny bears, big smiles.
2. No Spill Snack Pack Containers (The Anti-Hoarding Device)
These little wonders are game-changers. They slow down the snack-gobbling process, preventing your little ones from stuffing their faces like they haven't eaten in a week. Plus, it's a sneaky way to work on those fine motor skills. Score!
3. Reusable Sticker Books (The Quiet Time Whisperers)
I swear these sticker books are enchanted. I snagged a six-pack, and each one bought me at least 15 minutes of blissful quiet. That's like, an entire podcast episode, people!
We also have this cute Bluey Set.
We also have a Sticker Collection book so that stickers don’t end up on walls or furniture!
4. iPad Holder (Your Personal Entertainment Concierge)
Because sometimes, a screen is your best friend. An iPad holder that attaches to the headrest means less neck craning for your tiny passengers and more hands-free time for you (to, you know, eat your own snacks).
5. Flash Cards (The Interactive Distraction)
Forget just looking at pictures! These flashcards are your secret weapon for impromptu car games. Think "I Spy" with animals, "20 Questions" about colors, or a scavenger hunt for letters. If they get it right, a Teddy Graham or Goldfish awaits! It's educational bribery at its finest.
6. Books (The Timeless Tranquilizers)
Even in the age of screens, a good old-fashioned book is a lifesaver.
I pack touch-and-feel books for my younger adventurer (who mostly just touches every page anyway).
For my older tot, it's all about Spidey books, the Little Blue Truck, The Trucks that Saved series or anything Disney - the look and find series is great because there is a small story and a where’s Waldo type game to it!
See more book ideas HERE
7. Inflatable Race Car Bed or Slumberpod (Your Mobile Sleep Sanctuary)
Okay, so this isn't for the car ride itself, but for your destination! If your crib-dweller can sleep in a pack-n-play, the Slumberpod is your new best friend. It’s a blackout tent that cocoons the pack-n-play, letting your littles sleep longer and allowing you to move around the room without becoming a giant, interesting distraction.
I borrowed an inflatable Race Car bed from my sister and have now used it more than she has, taking it all over the place. I thought my littles were going to pop it, but it’s surprisingly durable. It's compact and easy to inflate/deflate – a true throwback to my '90s blow-up furniture days! It even comes with a pump and plug for the wall or cigarette lighter!
2026 Update: Since we now have 2 small children to travel with, we found more compact, smaller beds that take up less space in the suitcase! Try the Ragalo Inflatable Toddler Bed, see our video below!
Don't forget, you’ll also need:
Toddler Bed Fitted Sheet (bring two just in case, toddlers are messy!)
Best Toddler Travel Bed we don’t leave home without! Try the Regalo Toddler Inflatable bed
8. Magnetic Tile Travel Set (The Genius Builder)
I’ve yet to meet a toddler who isn't mesmerized by Magnatiles. I found a travel-friendly version from Picasso Tiles on sale, which only comes out for vacations. And for when they inevitably get bored, I introduce the little magnetic cars for a quick switch-up.
Good news is, they also work with most magnet tiles so you can slip extras in there or you can use the minis when not on vacation.
9. Cars and Road Tape (The Portable Highway)
This Road Tape is like painter's tape with a highway printed on it! It was perfect for rolling their smaller cars up and down.
We love the V-Tech Go Go Smart Wheels cars which are also great in the car because they light up, play short songs, and make noise (in a good way, not an annoying way… usually).
10. White Noise and Nightlight (The Dream Weavers)
Yes, our Hatch (our white noise machine/nightlight) isn't exactly "portable" in the traditional sense, but it’s a non-negotiable for our toddlers' sleep routine. I just swaddle it in clothes like a precious cargo to keep it safe. White noise is a lifesaver for drowning out new hotel sounds and creating a familiar sleep environment.
Some extras goodies that we pack for kids for EVERY trip:
For a family of 4 (including 2 toddlers at almost 2 and 3.5 years old), we packed:
3 duffles- we love the Eddie Bauer duffle that compacts into a small bag when you’re not using them
Duffle #1 - toddlers’ clothes, diapers, shoes, toys, etc.
Duffle #2 - My clothes and hub’s clothes
Duffle #3 - toddler bumper for bed, you can use pillows but we had free bags we could check. Sometimes we bring the race car blow-up bed
2 personal bags (however, mine was toy overflow) - Picasso Magnet Mini tile travel set, Go Dog Go board book, trucks, Pixar Cars bath toys, Reusable Sticker books, and Crayola Mess Free Coloring books.
Insulated Snack bag - filled with PB&J sandwiches, That’s It Bars, Bear Fruit Rolls
Wagon - We use a wagon instead of our stroller, since both tots are getting older, but we do LOVE this travel stroller
Favorite space saving hack! Try these Vacuum bags to save 40% more space!
Don’t forget to grab a Crossword Puzzle for nap time! This is our FAVORITE puzzle! Travel terms and countries! https://amzn.to/4lVixuR It keeps my mind working and gives me a list of places to add to our bucket list!
See our full list on Amazon.com!
So there you have it, fellow parents! With this arsenal of quirky essentials, you're not just driving; you're conquering the open road, one happy toddler moment at a time. What are your go-to road trip hacks for little ones?
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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Here are a few more toddler travel tips:
Planning a Santa Cruz family vacation? See our Hyatt Place Santa Cruz review, including breakfast, pool, rooms, and nearby attractions.