The Chaminade Resort & Spa Santa Cruz
A Luxury Resort for Those Seeking a Little Adventure
Photo courtesy Chaminade
Chaminade Resort & Spa in Santa Cruz is perched high above the hustle and bustle of this busy Northern California beach community, nestled among eucalyptus and redwood trees. The resort sits on 300 acres overlooking Santa Cruz, with views toward the Santa Cruz Mountains and Monterey Bay, making it a peaceful place to escape without being far from the beach, downtown, or other Santa Cruz attractions.
What I love most about Chaminade is that it combines the amenities of a full-service resort with easy access to the outdoors. You can spend the morning hiking through the redwoods, relax at the spa or pool in the afternoon, and finish the day with dinner and a sunset at The View Restaurant & Bar.
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Chaminade Resort at a Glance
📍 Location: One Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, California - about 3 miles inland from downtown Santa Cruz and the waterfront.
⭐ Known For: Mountaintop setting, redwood and eucalyptus forest, spa and wellness amenities, hiking trails, pools, and panoramic dining at The View.
🚗 Best Things to Do: Hike the forest trails, book a spa treatment, relax by the pools, play tennis or pickleball, and have dinner or drinks at The View.
🕒 Recommended Visit: One to two nights works well for a Santa Cruz getaway; longer if you want time for both the resort and surrounding attractions.
🚘 Transportation: A car is the easiest way to reach the resort and explore Santa Cruz. Self-parking and transportation around the property are included among current resort amenities.
🧭 Approx. Drive Times: Downtown Santa Cruz: about 10 minutes | Capitola: 10-15 minutes | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: about 20 minutes | San Jose airport: roughly 40-50 minutes, traffic dependent.
⭐ Perfect For: Couples, families, spa getaways, pet-friendly trips, weddings, and travelers who want both resort amenities and outdoor adventure.
❤️ Why You'll Love Chaminade Resort
Chaminade is a great choice if you want to experience Santa Cruz without staying in the middle of the busiest beach and downtown areas. I loved the contrast between spending time in town and returning to a quiet resort surrounded by eucalyptus and redwood trees. For me, the combination of forest trails, spa amenities, pool time, good food, cocktails, and sunset views is what makes Chaminade feel like more than simply a hotel.
If you are looking for a Santa Cruz resort where you can mix relaxation with a little outdoor adventure, Chaminade is the perfect home base for your Santa Cruz adventure.
How to Get to Chaminade Resort
This spectacular mountaintop resort sits about 3 miles inland from downtown Santa Cruz and the waterfront, just minutes from Highway 1.
✈️ Closest Airports:
Chaminade is within driving distance of several airports. San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is approximately 34 miles away, Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is about 40 miles away, and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is approximately 68 miles away. Drive times can vary considerably depending on traffic.
🚗 Driving Directions:
To get there from the San Jose or San Francisco area, take Highway 1 south to Watsonville/Monterey. Exit Soquel Avenue and go right at the stop sign. Turn right at the next light onto Soquel Drive. You will cross over Highway 1 and go left at the first light onto Paul Sweet Road. Continue 0.25 miles to Chaminade Lane and make a right. The resort sits at the top of the road.
As you turn onto Chaminade Lane, you begin to feel like you are miles away from the city. As you ascend the large hill lined with eucalyptus trees leading up to the resort, the sweet scent of the forest envelops you and the setting immediately feels quieter and more secluded.
✨ Pro Tip: If you are visiting Santa Cruz primarily for the beach and Boardwalk but prefer a quieter place to sleep, Chaminade gives you easy access to town while still feeling tucked away in the forest. It’s my favorite spot to stay for this very reason.
Tips for Staying at Chaminade Resort
Here are a few helpful things to know when planning your stay:
📍 Location: Chaminade sits on 300 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains, roughly 3 miles from downtown Santa Cruz and the waterfront.
🅿️ Parking: The resort offers both valet and self-parking.
📶 Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available in guest rooms and public areas and is included in the Resort Facilities Fee.
🐾 Dog-Friendly: The resort offers designated pet-friendly rooms. The current nonrefundable pet cleaning fee is $75 plus tax per dog, with up to two dogs allowed per room. Confirm current pet policies when booking.
🍽️ On-Site Dining: The View Restaurant & Bar is located on the property, so you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, drinks, and dinner without leaving the resort. I recommend making a dinner reservation around sunset for the best combination of scenery and atmosphere.
🎾Things to Do at Chaminade: Current amenities and activities include more than 3 miles of forest hiking trails, two heated outdoor pools, hot tubs, a fitness center, spa, tennis and pickleball courts, disc golf, bocce ball, and group fitness classes.
🌲 Choose Your Room Carefully: Request a patio or forest-facing room if quiet mornings and outdoor space are important to you.
🥾 Pack Comfortable Shoes: Bring good walking shoes if you plan to hike the resort trails, as some sections can be steep or uneven.
🌿 Leave Time to Enjoy the Resort: Build some downtime into your itinerary. Chaminade is best enjoyed when you are not treating it simply as a place to sleep between Santa Cruz activities.
📅 Check What’s Happening During Your Stay: Live music, seasonal events, wellness activities, wine dinners, and private events can all affect the atmosphere around the resort.
💍 Weddings & Events: Chaminade is a popular wedding and event venue, so parts of the property may be busier during weekends or special events.
💳 Confirm Current Details Before Your Trip: Resort fees, pet policies, pool rules, spa hours, restaurant hours, and scheduled activities can change, so verify the latest information directly with Chaminade before your stay.
✨ Pro Tip: Check Chaminade’s event calendar before booking your dates. A live-music night or special event can make your stay even more memorable, while a large wedding or private event may make certain areas of the resort busier than usual.
Resort Accomodations
Chaminade offers contemporary guest rooms and suites with natural views; some rooms include private patios. Current room amenities include Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a mini-fridge, in-room coffee, plush bathrobes, an in-room safe, and a 55-inch flat-screen TV. Pet-friendly and ADA-accessible rooms are also available.
The Chaminade offers both contemporary guest rooms and spacious suites, including bridal suites. Many rooms and suites offer private patios with forest views. Rooms are decorated in trendy Bohemian décor.
Current room amenities include Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a mini-fridge, in-room coffee, bathrobes, an in-room safe, and a 55-inch flat-screen TV. Pet-friendly and ADA-accessible rooms are also available.
Regular guest rooms sleep 2-4 guests and have the option of two queen beds or one king. Suites offer more space to indulge in and there are three types to choose from - Junior. Deluxe and Premium Suites. Suites are perfect for traveling with families, bridal parties or anyone wanting more space. Suites offer separate living and sleeping areas, wet bars and mini fridges. They have pull out couches or fold out single beds in addition to the bedroom area.
✨ Pro Tip: I highly recommend requesting a room with a patio so you can enjoy your morning coffee out there in your bathrobe listening to the birds rustling in the trees and the peace and quiet of the forest. It’s a great way to start your day.
Dining at the View Restaurant & Bar
The View Restaurant & Bar is located right on the property and offers indoor dining as well as a covered and heated outdoor terrace with panoramic views over Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay. It is one of the resort features I would make time for even if you plan to spend much of your trip exploring Santa Cruz.
I highly recommend catching a sunset on the terrace, listening to live music, or enjoying a glass of wine and dinner overlooking the city lights. The bar is full-service, and during my stay the friendly staff made excellent cocktails.
As of August 2026, The View serves morning fare from 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., a midday menu from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., and dinner from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Happy hour is currently offered daily from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. with 20% off drinks and food. Hours and promotions can change, so check the restaurant schedule before your visit.
✨ Pro Tip: Make a dinner reservation if you want a prime sunset time, especially on weekends or when a wedding or special event is taking place at the resort.
Amenities & Things to Do at Chaminade Resort
One of the things that makes Chaminade different from a typical city hotel is the amount of recreation available without leaving the property.
🥾 Forest Hiking Trails
The Chaminade offers three self-guided hiking trails right on the property including the Red Trail (1.25 miles) and Blue Trail (1.75 miles) through the redwoods or the Green Trail (0.5 miles) that loops around the property. The trails are great for hiking and jogging and are pet friendly. There is a protected area around the creek located on the Blue Trail which prevents developers from building in the area which adds to the solitude and quiet as you wind your way through the forest.
When I stayed here, I especially enjoyed how quickly the trails made the resort feel removed from the city. Parts of the trail system wind through redwoods and along quieter forested areas of the property.
Tips & Trail Information:
Trail maps are available from the Fitness Center and Front Desk.
Both guests and non-guests are allowed to use the trails.
The terrain can be uneven and hilly in places, so wear shoes with good traction.
Watch for poison oak along the trails.
Dogs are welcome on the resort’s outdoor trails when following current pet rules.
There is a treetop obstacle course with challenge ropes.
The resort offers ocassional guided nature hikes and forest therapy sessions. Be sure to check if any events are occuring during your stay.
✨ Pro Tip: If you have time, hike early in the morning when the forest is quiet and the temperatures are cooler.
♨️ Spa & Fitness
The Spa at Chaminade offers massages, facials, and body treatments, while the fitness center includes state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength-training equipment, free weights, and Peloton bikes. Resort guests can also access locker rooms with steam rooms and Himalayan salt saunas. Spa guests are invited to enjoy spa facilities on the day of their treatment.
If relaxation is part of your trip, allow extra time before or after your treatment instead of scheduling your appointment between other activities.
🏊 Pools & Recreation
The resort currently has two heated outdoor pools, including an adults-only pool, along with hot tubs and poolside cabanas available for an additional charge. Other recreation includes lighted tennis and pickleball courts, a disc golf course, bocce ball, yoga, Pilates, and other group fitness classes.
There is also an on-site business center and a lounge area for games and sitting around a fireplace.
✨ Pro Tip: Pool cabanas are limited, so ask about availability in advance if you’re visiting during warm weather or on a busy weekend.
Events & Live Music
Chaminade continues to host events throughout the year, but the schedule has changed considerably since my original visit. Rather than planning around old event dates, check the resort calendar for the current lineup.
One recurring favorite is live local music at The View. As of August 2026, music is scheduled six nights a week - Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The resort also hosts seasonal dining events, wine dinners, holiday celebrations, and other special programming throughout the year.
One current seasonal highlight is the Vine to View dinner series, held from spring into fall, pairing multi-course dinners with wines from California vineyards. Event dates, pricing, and reservations change, so verify details directly with Chaminade before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Chaminade Resort from downtown Santa Cruz?
Chaminade is about 3 miles inland from downtown Santa Cruz and the waterfront. By car, the drive is typically around 10 minutes, depending on traffic.
Is Chaminade Resort pet-friendly?
Yes. Chaminade offers dog-friendly rooms. As of August 2026, the resort lists a $75 plus tax nonrefundable cleaning fee per dog and allows up to two dogs per room. Because pet restrictions can change, confirm the latest policy before booking.
Does Chaminade have hiking trails?
Yes. The resort currently advertises more than 3 miles of scenic forest hiking trails with varying terrain and intensity levels. Trail maps are available at the Front Desk and Fitness Center.
Does Chaminade have a pool?
Yes. Chaminade currently has two heated outdoor pools, including one designated for adults, plus hot tubs and cabanas.
Is there a restaurant at Chaminade?
Yes. The View Restaurant & Bar serves food throughout the day and offers a full bar, outdoor terrace, panoramic views, happy hour, and live music on select nights.
Do you have to stay at Chaminade to eat at The View?
No. The View welcomes outside diners. Reservations are a good idea for dinner, weekend meals, and sunset times.
Does Chaminade charge a resort fee?
Yes. As of August 2026, the Resort Facilities Fee is $40 per night plus tax. It includes Wi-Fi and access to a range of recreation, fitness, and pool amenities. Verify the current fee when booking.
How long should you stay at Chaminade?
For a quick Santa Cruz getaway, one or two nights gives you time to enjoy the resort and still visit the beach or downtown. If you want a slower spa-focused trip or plan to explore more of the Santa Cruz Mountains, consider staying longer.
Is Chaminade good for couples or families?
Both. Couples can make the most of the spa, adults-only pool, forest setting, cocktails, and sunset dining, while families have access to pools, trails, games, and outdoor recreation.
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