Bellflower(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Belfair, the top choice for families is Holiday Inn Express Belfair, located near Lake Belfair and the Santa Cruz Mountains hiking trails. This hotel offers free breakfast, an indoor pool, and kids' activities—perfect for a relaxed getaway. It also provides complimentary parking and pet-friendly accommodations, making it ideal for travelers with children or pets.

For a more upscale option, consider Best Western Plus Belfair Inn, featuring modern rooms with premium bedding and high-speed Wi-Fi. Just a 30-minute drive from Monterey Bay Aquarium, this property serves as a prime base for exploring coastal California’s natural wonders, including redwood forests and scenic ocean views.

The best area to stay in Belfair is the Lakeside District, nestled beside Lake Belfair, offering serene surroundings and lush greenery perfect for nature lovers. Many boutique hotels and vacation rentals line the lakefront, such as Lakeview Retreat Lodge, which features lakeside rooms, private docks, and early-morning birdwatching opportunities.

For convenience and accessibility, the Downtown Business District is ideal—home to restaurants, shopping centers, and the public library. With well-lit streets and strong safety ratings, it suits short-term visitors and business travelers seeking both comfort and connectivity.

One unique cultural experience in Belfair is attending the annual Santa Cruz Mountain Farmers Market, held each autumn. This vibrant community event blends local organic produce, handmade crafts, live music, and interactive workshops—showcasing California’s agricultural heritage and creative spirit.

Visitors can explore Belfair Historical Museum, which traces the town’s evolution from a 19th-century mining outpost to a modern residential haven. Exhibits include vintage photographs, Indigenous artifacts, and early railway equipment, offering deep insight into regional history and identity.

Lake Belfair is one of the top photo locations, especially at sunrise when the water mirrors the distant mountains and pine trees—ideal for serene, ethereal shots. Early morning light creates soft glows and misty atmospheres perfect for landscape photography.

The Redwood Trail offers another stunning backdrop: towering American redwoods filter sunlight into dappled patterns, creating cinematic scenes. The trail ends at a scenic overlook providing panoramic views of forested valleys. Don’t miss the vibrant mural on the Belfair Art Gallery façade—a standout urban photography spot with bold colors and artistic flair.

Yes, Belfair offers exceptional stargazing due to its low light pollution. Stay at Stellar View Lodge, a specialty retreat focused on astronomy, featuring adjustable skylights and telescope rentals. Each summer, they host "Galaxy Nights" events led by astronomers, explaining constellations and meteor showers.

Lake Belfair’s shores are also prime stargazing spots—free from artificial light, allowing clear views of the Milky Way core and countless stars. Bring warm layers and insect repellent for a truly immersive night sky experience.

Yes, many hotels in Belfair provide extensive outdoor activities. Lakeside Resort offers bike rentals, paddleboarding on Lake Belfair, and lakeside yoga sessions—perfect for connecting with nature.

The Santa Cruz Mountains Trail features rest stops and interpretive signs. Hotels like Mountain Edge Inn even provide free guided tours to hidden waterfalls and wildlife viewing spots. In spring, guests can join forest ecology excursions to identify native plants and birds—blending adventure with educational enrichment.

The easiest way to reach Belfair from San Francisco is by car—approximately 1 hour 20 minutes via CA-17, passing through the scenic Pacific Coast Highway and towering redwood forests.

Alternatively, take the Amtrak Coast Starlight train to Santa Cruz Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi—about 40 minutes to Belfair. Several tour companies also offer private shuttle services between San Francisco and Belfair, ideal for families or groups seeking comfort and convenience.