Travel Note
We have arranged a shuttle service to provide transportation for a limited number of guests (up to ~90 people) to and from the venue. PLEASE NOTE, we have limited space available, so if you need a ride, have trouble with night driving, or plan on really celebrating, we recommend reserving a seat as soon as possible. The shuttles will depart from the Superior Court in Santa Cruz (701 Ocean Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060) at 2:30pm to take guests to the venue in the evening, one bus will depart at 10:15pm, and the other two will depart at 11:15pm, returning guests to the Superior Court in Santa Cruz. Uber/Lyft will then be able to take you to your final destination. There is parking available in the Superior Court's parking lot. Each shuttle holds 28 people, so please plan your schedule accordingly. If you’re using rideshare, please note that Uber/Lyft WILL NOT PICK UP FROM THE VENUE at night. Please shoot us a message if you have questions or want to reserve a seat!
Hotel
Aptos is further east from Santa Cruz and closer to the venue, about 30 minutes and 14 miles without traffic. The Seacliff Inn was recently renovated, with a relaxing vibe and is close to the ocean and restaurants in Aptos. The average cost is $250 per night. "Between the skyscraping redwoods and rugged shores of Aptos emerges a down-to-earth haven for the not-so-average explorer—one seeking to forge their own unique path. Situate yourself firmly at Seacliff Inn in Aptos, California, and start exploring like a local, from early morning hikes to evenings of authentic connections made over farm-fresh, locally sourced dining. Before you know it, you’ll know Aptos like the back of your hand."
Hotel
A luxury resort, the Seascape Beach Resort offers luxury suites and villas on the ocean, with high-end amenities and lovely views of the Monterey Bay. The resort is about 14 miles and 30 minutes away from the venue without traffic. Costs range from $400-800 depending on room size, view, etc. "Located just south of Santa Cruz off Highway 1, Seascape Beach Resort offers the comforts of a beach home with the services and features of a luxury resort. Explore 17 miles of Monterey Bay beach, enjoy spacious all-suite accommodations, savor exquisite fine dining and much more."
Hotel
Capitola is a lovely beach town with downtown shopping and ocean vibes. This hotel is about 35 minutes and 18 miles from the venue, without traffic. Average costs are $250 per night. "Centrally located in Capitola, this award-winning central California hotel offers easy access to various local attractions. The friendly staff at the Best Western Plus Capitola By-the-Sea Inn & Suites is ready to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay in central California. The hotel offers easy access to Capitola Beach and Wharf and historic Capitola Village, which offers unique shops, art galleries and fine dining restaurants. The beach offers all the ocean-based activities you could hope for, including surfing, diving, boating and whale and dolphin watching. Thanks to the mild local climate, our hotel near the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk is a great place to come when you want to enjoy the water any time of year."
Hotel
Located in Capitola, the Fairfield Inn is a newer hotel with lovely rooms, continental breakfast, pool, fitness room, and other amenities. This hotel is about 35 minutes and 18 miles from the venue, without traffic. Average costs range from $400-500 per night. "The Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola is the area’s newest, state-of-the-art hotel. Guests and industry experts rank this exceptional, all-suite hotel as one of the finest Fairfield Inns worldwide. Gorgeous Monterey Bay, historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and quaint Capitola Village are a heartbeat away. Each suite is furnished with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and free Internet access."
Hotel
The Hampton Inn in Watsonville is a no-fuss hotel with decent amenities, about 32 minutes and 16 miles from the venue. Average costs are about $180-200 per night. "We’re off Scenic Route 1, two miles from central Watsonville. The Agricultural History Project Center & Museum is 15 minutes away, and we're within six miles of Palm Beach State Park and Sunset Beach State. Santa Cruz is a 20-minute drive. Enjoy daily breakfast and WiFi on us. We have a fitness center and heated indoor pool."
Hotel
Also in Watsonville, the Best Western Rose Garden Inn is also centrally located in Watsonville and in easy driving distance to both Santa Cruz and Monterey for those who want to explore. Hotel is about 30 minutes and 13 miles from the venue, without traffic. Average costs are $180-200 per night. "When you stay halfway between Santa Cruz and Monterey, you get the finest of both worlds. Delight in everything these two cities have to offer, but away from the hustle and bustle. Guests can slip away to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and the Monterey Aquarium, or linger only 5 miles away at Sunset Beach, where golden sands and fabulous outdoor recreation are on hand."
Hotel
Located in Santa Cruz and a 45 minute-1 hour drive to the venue, Hotel Paradox is a modern and fun boutique hotel with nice amenities and great rooms, and is close to Downtown Santa Cruz shops, restaurants, and hotspots. Prices are an average of $300-350 per night. "Striking the perfect balance between natural beauty and urban design, Hotel Paradox challenges the typical Santa Cruz hotel experience with a bold blend of contradictions. A paradox invites open discussion and investigation, challenging you to look beyond the obvious, and our Autograph Collection Hotel does just that. Here, you’ll discover a different side of Santa Cruz, where rugged mountains, majestic redwoods, and vibrant communities hide in plain sight."
Hotel
Another well-known resort in Santa Cruz, the Dream Inn boasts ocean views in every room and is centrally located near the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, the Pier, and downtown areas. It's about 41 minutes and 22 miles from the venue without traffic. Average costs are $450 per night. "Dream Inn Santa Cruz is the only beachfront resort offering oceanside dining with panoramic views of the famous Cowell Beach. With panoramic ocean views in all rooms, the Dream Inn brings together comfort and a retro-chic style with the beauty of Santa Cruz."
Hotel
Santa Cruz La Quinta is centrally located near the Boardwalk, Pier, and Downtown Santa Cruz in a highly walkable area. About 40 minutes and 22 miles from the venue, average costs are $250 per night. "Enjoy the California sunshine as well as free breakfast and WiFi, a pool, and gym at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz. Off CA-1 and CA-17, 33 miles from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), our non-smoking hotel is walking distance from the fun of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the restaurants, shops, and boat tours of Santa Cruz Wharf."
Flight
San Jose is the closest airport to Santa Cruz, about 31 miles away and 40 minutes drive without traffic.
Flight
San Francisco's airport generally has more direct flights, but is a further drive to the venue and accommodation in the Santa Cruz area. It's about 60 miles and a 70-90 minute drive from SFO to Santa Cruz.