Santa Cruz, California, is an unmatched destination for outdoor recreation. In the south, you can watch monarch butterflies flourish in the preserve near Natural Bridges State Beach. Up north, hikers and cyclists can explore glorious redwood forests. The city is also home to robust surfing and skating communities. For travelers who prioritize action-packed itineraries and outdoor recreation, few towns offer the variety found in Santa Cruz. And when a day full of adventure ends, visitors can stay connected to the local landscape while relaxing at the recently revamped Hotel Paradox.
You’ll find Hotel Paradox near the Riverwalk, centrally located between a treasure trove of local landmarks. The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is only about a mile away, and Natural Bridges is just under four miles from the hotel. Visitors can reach fascinating experiences like the Roaring Camp redwood train ride less than seven miles away. These nearby spots are a huge perk for guests, but there’s even more to love inside Hotel Paradox.
This year, the hotel completed a massive renovation project that sought to emphasize Santa Cruz’s unique charms. Inspired by the region’s natural beauty, Hotel Paradox made organic wood features and vibrant greenery focal points of its new lobby. A huge chunk of eucalyptus tree serves as the reception desk, and tree trunk columns throughout the area build a relaxing indoor forest atmosphere. Meanwhile, green accents and funky modern decor complement the nature-inspired base and turn the lobby into an inviting space for guests to unwind.
Past the lobby, visitors can experience another facet of Hotel Paradox’s new style at Solaire Restaurant + Bar. The space connects to the outdoor patio and, beyond that, the pool and firepit area. This open layout and abundant natural light contribute to an indoor-outdoor living vibe that makes the restaurant perfect for a fun dinner with friends or family.
Even the menu pays homage to Santa Cruz’s natural wonders. Delightful cocktails, desserts, and the fresh brioche bread incorporate honey from the hotel’s rooftop apiaries (maintained by beekeeper Emily Bondor, owner of Santa Cruz Bee Company). Drinks like the Live Oak Bramble will make you feel like you’re eating blackberries in a fairytale forest. The kitchen also focuses on local ingredients and sustainable cuisine to help preserve the local environments that inspire the menu.
After a day of adventuring around Santa Cruz and dinner at Solaire, Hotel Paradox guests can head out to the pool to take a dip or cozy up by the firepit. The surrounding trees make the pool deck feel like the world’s most luxurious summer camp. For dessert, you can keep the summer camp ambiance going by toasting s’mores by the poolside. It’s the ideal treat to enjoy before heading back to your room to recharge for another day of adventure.
Disclaimer: While this article was not sponsored, Outdoors Wire did visit Hotel Paradox during a press trip to Santa Cruz, California. As always, Outdoors Wire operates independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
