What to pack for a stay at La Bahia Hotel and Spa
Pack beachwear (swimsuit, cover-up, water shoes), layered clothing for cool coastal evenings, toiletries and sun protection, and any ID required for check-in (main guest must be 21+). Add spa-appropriate items if you plan treatments (guests under 18 are not allowed in the spa) and bring chargers, light daypack, and any pet supplies if traveling with an approved pet.
In this guide
Essentials for check-in and the room
Bring a government-issued photo ID and the credit card used for booking; the main guest checking in must be at least 21 years old. Standard check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Rooms include in-room Nespresso Vertuo coffee/tea as part of the nightly resort fee and complimentary Wi‑Fi, but you may want headphones, phone chargers, and any personal sleep aids (eye mask, earplugs).
- Photo ID (driver’s license or passport) — main guest must be 21+
- Credit card for incidentals
- Phone and watch chargers, power bank
- Sleep items (eye mask, earplugs) and prescription medications
| Room feature | Pack if you want it |
|---|---|
| In-room coffee (Nespresso) | No — provided |
| Wi‑Fi | No — complimentary |
| Extra blankets/pillows | Optional — request from front desk |
Beach and pool gear
La Bahia sits across from Main Beach and is a short walk to the Boardwalk, so bring beach basics if you plan to swim or sunbathe. The hotel offers complimentary beach cruiser bicycles and Tommy Bahama beach chairs based on availability, but personal items are still handy.
Note that the hotel's outdoor pool, hot tub and the Plunge poolside bar are designated for adult guests; plan family beach outings to Main Beach or the Boardwalk instead.
- Swimsuit(s) and cover-up
- Quick-dry towel or beach towel (hotel provides in-room towels)
- Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended), wide-brim hat, sunglasses
- Water shoes or sandals for rocky areas
| If you're bringing kids | Plan to use |
|---|---|
| Want pool time | Pool/hot tub are adults-only — use Main Beach |
| Beach play | Main Beach / Boardwalk (a short walk) |
| Bike ride to wharf | Complimentary cruisers or bring helmets |
Clothing for Santa Cruz weather and dining
Coastal Santa Cruz can be cool in the morning and evening even in summer. Pack light layers you can add or remove: T-shirts or blouses, a fleece or sweater, a windbreaker, and long pants.
Dining at Low Tide Bar & Grill is casual; High Tide (dinner, 5:00–9:00 PM) and Pearl (cocktails/coffee) are relaxed but guests often wear smart-casual attire for dinner.
- Layers: T-shirts, long-sleeve shirt, sweater or fleece
- Light rain jacket or windbreaker for ocean breezes
- Casual evening outfit for High Tide or Pearl
- Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
| Time of day | Suggested clothing |
|---|---|
| Morning (fog/cool) | Light jacket + long-sleeve |
| Afternoon (sunny) | T-shirt + sunglasses |
| Evening (breezy) | Sweater or light coat |
Spa, fitness and activity extras
The Spa at La Bahia is open daily 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; guests under 18 are not permitted. If you have spa appointments, bring any required ID and avoid wearing heavy fragrances.
The 24-hour Fitness Center on the 3rd floor includes cardio and strength equipment plus Peloton and Echelon options — bring workout clothes and your preferred shoes if you plan to train.
- Swimwear and flip-flops for vitality pool or outdoor spa areas (spa guests only; spa restricted to 18+)
- Workout clothes, training shoes, sweat towel
- Any treatment paperwork or spa gift certificates
- Reusable water bottle (complimentary bottled water is included)
| Facility | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spa (10:00–18:00) | Swimsuit, ID, minimal fragrance |
| Fitness Center (24-hour) | Workout clothing, shoes |
| Pool area (adults-only) | Swimwear, sun protection |
Family travel and pet-specific items
La Bahia welcomes children of all ages and provides complimentary stuffed-animal toys for kids at check-in, but remember the pool and spa have age restrictions. Bring any kid-specific beach toys, snacks, or stroller accessories for the Boardwalk and nearby attractions.
Dogs and cats are allowed in designated pet-friendly rooms for a per-pet fee; pets are limited to dogs and cats up to 90 lbs and cannot be left unattended in rooms. Contact the property in advance to request a pet-friendly room.
- For kids: sun hat, snacks, small first-aid kit, Boardwalk-ready shoes
- For pets: leash, food, bowls, bedding, vaccination records (hotel requires pet rooms to be requested directly)
- Bring a carrier or crate if your pet needs one; do not leave pets unattended in the room
| Family or pet need | Pack |
|---|---|
| Children under 18 (spa/use) | Plan beach/Boardwalk activities instead of spa/pool |
| Traveling with pet | Leash, food, bedding; request pet room in advance |
| Want to dine on-site | Casual clothes; kids welcome in restaurants |
Practical extras and logistics
A nightly resort fee covers items like a welcome beverage, in-room Nespresso, complimentary wine and snacks, bottled water, unlimited Wi‑Fi, nightly turndown, 24-hour fitness access, and beach cruiser bicycles when available. You may still want small cash for tips or incidentals and copies of confirmations.
Valet parking is offered for a nightly fee and there is an on-site EV charging option; check the hotel's parking height restrictions if you drive a large vehicle. Also pack chargers, an adapter if needed, and a small daypack for walking downtown or to the Wharf.
- Printed or digital booking confirmations and restaurant/spa reservations
- Small amount of cash and credit card for valet or incidental tips
- Phone charger, plug adapter, portable battery
- Daypack for beach/boardwalk walks and water bottle
| Logistic | Tip |
|---|---|
| Valet parking | Hotel offers valet (fee); check vehicle height limits |
| Resort fee inclusions | Welcome beverage, in-room Nespresso, Wi‑Fi, bikes (see front desk) |
| Nearby transit | Public bus stop and Boardwalk within short walk |
