Hotels in Pajaro Dunes

Some of the best places to stay in Pajaro Dunes are Downtown Monterey, Golden Rectangle and South San Jose. Downtown Monterey offers a vibrant coastal experience with shops and eateries, perfect for first-time visitors. The Golden Rectangle features stunning ocean views and easy access to the beach, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxing getaway. South San Jose provides a blend of culture and convenience, though it's less coastal-focused. Accommodations in these areas range from luxury hotels to cozy inns, ensuring a comfortable stay in this oceanfront paradise. For a tranquil retreat, Pajaro Dunes is highly recommended. Here are some of our travelers' favorite hotels in Pajaro Dunes:

1. Downtown MontereyOpens in a new window: Downtown Monterey is a vibrant area known for its rich maritime history and scenic waterfront. It’s an excellent base for exploring attractions like Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row, perfect for those interested in outdoor adventures and city experiences. The area offers a selection of hotels, including Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & SpaOpens in a new window, a 4.5-star resort suitable for business and family travelers, featuring multiple meeting rooms and child-friendly amenities. Another option is Monterey Plaza Hotel & SpaOpens in a new window, offering a luxury experience with a full spa, ideal for relaxation after a day of sightseeing. For families, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG HotelOpens in a new window combines luxury with business amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay with features like a 24-hour business center and kids' amenities.
2. Golden RectangleOpens in a new window: The Golden Rectangle is a picturesque area famous for its stunning beaches, including Carmel Beach, and outdoor attractions like the Pebble Beach Golf Links. It's perfect for beach lovers and golf enthusiasts alike. Here, Bernardus Lodge & SpaOpens in a new window stands out as a 4.5-star resort offering adventure sports and family-friendly services, including supervised childcare. L Auberge CarmelOpens in a new window caters to luxury travelers with pet-friendly amenities and nearby wineries, while The Quail LodgeOpens in a new window provides excellent family and golf experiences with onsite mini-golf and business facilities, ensuring a memorable stay for all.
3. South San JoseOpens in a new window: South San Jose is a family-friendly area that boasts entertainment and shopping options, including the SAP Center and Santana Row Shopping Center. It’s ideal for those seeking a blend of relaxation and excitement. CordeValleOpens in a new window is a luxurious choice with adventure activities and business amenities, making it perfect for both leisure and corporate travelers. Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo AltoOpens in a new window offers a similar experience with golf opportunities and extensive business facilities, while Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo AltoOpens in a new window combines family-friendly services with luxury accommodations, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone.

Pajaro Dunes offers a serene escape with its pristine beaches and breathtaking coastal views. Travelers can enjoy activities like whale watching, boating, and hiking along scenic trails, all while soaking in the natural beauty of the surrounding ocean and shoreline. A three-day visit is perfect for relaxation and adventure. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Pajaro Dunes:

• Day 1: Begin your adventure at Monterey Bay, where you can explore the stunning ocean views and diverse marine life. Consider visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium for an unforgettable experience. Afterward, make your way to Sunset Wetland Nature Preserve, a serene spot perfect for birdwatching and enjoying nature trails. Finally, unwind at Palm Beach, where you can relax on the sandy shores and watch the sunset over the ocean—a perfect end to your day.
• Day 2: Your day starts at Capitola Beach, a charming spot known for its colorful beachfront and vibrant atmosphere. Take a leisurely walk along the shoreline and enjoy the picturesque views. Next, head to Twin Lakes State Beach, where you can enjoy a picnic or take a refreshing swim. Conclude your day at Santa Cruz Harbor, where you can stroll along the marina, savor some delicious seafood, and watch boats come in as the sun sets.
• Day 3: Kick off your final day at La Selva Beach, a tranquil location perfect for a morning stroll along the shoreline. After soaking in the coastal beauty, visit Capitola Wharf, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and watch local fishermen at work. Wrap up your itinerary with a relaxing visit to Sunset State Beach, where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and perhaps even catch a stunning sunset to remember.

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most affordable time to visit Pajaro Dunes is during January, November, and December, when hotel prices are significantly lower. For a great value for money, it's best to plan a stay of at least 2-3 days to fully enjoy the beautiful beach and stunning sea views. This budget-friendly trip allows you to explore the main attractions while keeping costs down.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking for last-minute deals to Pajaro Dunes, Hotels.com is a great place to start. Check out the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window sections, where you could find discounted rates on nearby hotels as your travel date approaches. To ensure you don't miss any savings, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com for updates on flash sales and exclusive promotions. This way, you're more likely to snag a fantastic deal for your getaway.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate due to factors like the hotel's location, star rating, and the season. Consequently, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Pajaro Dunes.
4. Consider your location: When booking through Hotels.com for your vacation, take your location into account. Staying nearer to major attractions or city centers can offer convenience, but it usually tends to come with a higher price tag. For more affordable options, consider looking for hotels in less central areas or neighborhoods, allowing you to balance cost with easy access to the places you want to visit.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Make your next booking in Pajaro Dunes and sign up to Hotels.com's free One Key program, letting you earn and use reward points on your next stay. Progress through the Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers to unlock various advantages like room upgrades when available, discounted rates, and exclusive offers for members. Don't hesitate, sign up today.

Pajaro Dunes experiences its lowest average temperature in December, at 50.2°F (10.1°C), while September is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 64.9°F (18.3°C). January is usually the wettest month. June to August are the peak travel months in Pajaro Dunes, attracting a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is sunny, with dry rainfall. On the other hand, January, November, and December tend to be quieter times to visit, marked by light rainfall and mostly sunny conditions.