Hotels in Rio del Mar

Embrace the Serenity: Discover the Hidden Treasures of Rio del Mar

Nestled along California’s stunning coastline, Rio del Mar is a delightful beach destination perfect for families and tranquility seekers alike. With its golden sands, the picturesque Rio del Mar Beach invites sunbathers and surfers to unwind. Just a stone's throw away, the charming Aptos neighborhood offers delightful eateries and local shops. Explore nearby natural wonders at the state parks or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Capitola Beach and its famous boardwalk. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Rio del Mar promises a captivating escape into California’s coastal beauty. For the best hotel rates in Rio del Mar and to enhance your stay, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in Rio del Mar

Some of the best places to stay in Rio del Mar are Downtown San Jose, Downtown Monterey and Golden Rectangle. Downtown San Jose offers vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions, making it ideal for first-time visitors. Downtown Monterey boasts stunning ocean views and historic sites, perfect for a coastal getaway. The Golden Rectangle in Santa Cruz is known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere. Hotel accommodations in these areas range from luxury resorts with oceanfront views to cozy inns, ensuring a variety of options for every traveler’s preference. Each location provides unique amenities to enhance your stay. Here are some of the most popular hotels with our guests in Rio del Mar:

1. Downtown San JoseOpens in a new window: Downtown San Jose is a vibrant area perfect for family and business travelers alike, featuring attractions like the SAP Center and San Jose Convention Center. The area is well-suited for both entertainment and business events. For accommodations, consider Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo AltoOpens in a new window, a 5-star hotel offering business amenities and adventure sports activities nearby. Another excellent option is Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo AltoOpens in a new window, which caters to families and business travelers with childcare services and multiple meeting rooms. Clement Palo Alto – All-Inclusive Urban ResortOpens in a new window also stands out, providing a romantic atmosphere along with comprehensive business facilities and amenities for children.
2. Downtown MontereyOpens in a new window: Downtown Monterey is an outdoor lover's paradise, known for its scenic beauty and attractions like Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row. This area is ideal for families and those looking to enjoy a coastal getaway. Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & SpaOpens in a new window is a 4.5-star resort with extensive family amenities and golf experiences. Monterey Plaza Hotel & SpaOpens in a new window offers a luxurious stay with a full spa and pool service, making it perfect for relaxation. Another great choice is InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG HotelOpens in a new window, featuring business facilities and family-friendly amenities.
3. Golden RectangleOpens in a new window: The Golden Rectangle is an idyllic beach destination that boasts attractions like Carmel Beach and Pebble Beach Golf Links. This area is perfect for travelers seeking outdoor activities and relaxation. Bernardus Lodge & SpaOpens in a new window is a 4.5-star resort offering adventure sports and family amenities. For a luxurious experience, L Auberge CarmelOpens in a new window is a pet-friendly hotel with winery access, while The Quail LodgeOpens in a new window provides business amenities and golfing options, making it suitable for both leisure and business travelers.

Things to do in Rio del Mar for first time

Rio del Mar offers a perfect three-day getaway, featuring stunning seaside beaches and a scenic national park. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking through lush forests, relaxing on sandy shores, and exploring vibrant boardwalks. With recreational areas and golf courses, it's an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Rio del Mar:

• Day 1: Start your adventure at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where thrilling rides and classic boardwalk games await you. After enjoying the attractions, take a leisurely stroll over to the iconic Town Clock, a historic landmark that offers great photo opportunities. Conclude your day by heading to the Santa Cruz Wharf, where you can savor fresh seafood at one of the restaurants and watch sea lions basking in the sun.
• Day 2: Begin your day by soaking up the sun at Capitola Beach, a picturesque spot perfect for relaxation or beach games. Afterwards, take a short walk to Twin Lakes State Beach, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the coastline and perhaps have a picnic. In the afternoon, explore the Santa Cruz Harbor, where you can watch boats come and go, or indulge in some waterfront dining with stunning views of the marina.
• Day 3: Kick off your day at Monterey Bay, a stunning natural wonder teeming with marine life; consider taking a whale-watching tour for an unforgettable experience. Next, make your way to La Selva Beach, where you can enjoy the sandy shores and peaceful atmosphere. End your trip at Seacliff State Beach, known for its scenic views and the iconic concrete shipwreck—perfect for a reflective stroll along the beach.

5 tips to find a great Rio del Mar hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most budget-friendly time to visit Rio del Mar is during January, November, and December, when hotel rates are more affordable. For a great value for money experience, a stay of at least 2-3 days is recommended to fully enjoy the main attractions, including the beautiful beach and the scenic national state park. This way, you can make the most of your trip without breaking the bank!
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking for last-minute deals to Rio del Mar, Hotels.com is a great resource. You could find fantastic hotel deals in the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section, where good availability and competitive prices are often showcased close to your travel date. To enhance your chances of scoring great rates, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com, keeping you informed about flash sales and special promotions that could help you save.
3. Be flexible with dates: Prices can differ depending on factors like the hotel's location, star rating, and the time of year. As a result, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Rio del Mar.
4. Consider your location: When planning your holiday on Hotels.com, take your location into account. Staying near major attractions or city centers can offer convenience, but it usually tends to come with a higher price tag. If you're looking for more affordable options, consider hotels in less central neighborhoods, striking a balance between cost and accessibility to the places you want to visit.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Book your next stay in Rio del Mar and join Hotels.com’s One Key programme which allows members to earn and redeem rewards points for hotel bookings. Move through blue, silver, gold and platinum tiers and unlock benefits such as earning free nights, room upgrades, special discounts, and exclusive deals for members. Sign up now.

Best time to go to Rio del Mar

Rio del Mar experiences its lowest average temperature in December, at 50.4°F (10.2°C), while September is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 64.9°F (18.3°C). January tends to be the wettest month. The peak travel months to visit Rio del Mar are June to August, which see a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is sunny, accompanied by dry rainfall. In contrast, January, November, and December are ideal if you're looking for a calmer vacation, marked by dry to light rainfall and mostly sunny conditions.