Santa Cruz is still pretty during winter months.

Beach escapes aren’t just for summer. This holiday season, pack your bags for Santa Cruz, and check in to the Dream Inn. The only beachfront hotel in town, the Dream Inn offers great views of Cowell’s Beach, the Santa Cruz Pier and Boardwalk, and Monterey Bay.

The hotel offers three ways you can save this holiday season:

•    The Family Getaway Package includes overnight accommodations for four, milk and cookie turndown service on arrival night, a VIP amenity for kids, an ornament keepsake and a host of board games to play with.

•    The Three-Night Value Package includes three-night deluxe beachfront accommodations (with a private balcony), a welcome amenity, $50 food and beverage credit at Aquarius Restaurant or in-room dining, a $25 gas card and complimentary parking.

•    The Cars Stay Free Package includes overnight accommodations and complimentary parking.

Rates vary, depending on package, type of room and time of reservation. All three packages are good through Dec. 31, 2011. To book, visit jdvhotels.com.

The hotel’s 165 guestrooms and suites have views of Monterey Bay from private balconies or patios, free Wi-Fi and local calls, flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations and in-room coffee makers.

The Dream Inn is parked right on Cowell’s Beach, a perfect spot for winter sun worshipping as well as easy surfing. Just a short walk away is the pier and Santa Cruz Boardwalk, with plenty of activities and food options. If you want to get a look at some real waves, go to nearby Steamer Lane to watch the surfers any time of year.

Dream Inn, 866-774-7735
175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Photo courtesy of the Dream Inn

More Santa Cruz-related information:
Top 10 Beaches for Learning to Surf
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History