Carousel Beach Inn – A Favorite for Families in Santa Cruz
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Key details
About the Hotel
110 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, 95060,
-
Steps from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Great
8.5
/10
4.3
4.1
/5
Loved by Carousel Beach Inn guests
Convenient access
Friendly staff
Smooth check-in
Charming hotel
"Location was EXCELLENT just across the street from the Boardwalk and beach entrance, so no car really needed for getting around."
A from United States
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"Rooms were clean and comfortable."
Annette from United States
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"Hotel provided what I needed."
CJ M from United States
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"Just steps away from the entrance to the boardwalk, beach and shopping."
anicol884388 from United States
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"Excellent price and excellent room."
Susan B from United States
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3-star beachfront inn steps from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Location & Access
Carousel Beach Inn is located 2 minutes' walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk entrance. Free guest parking is provided on-site, eliminating the need for paid lots. The Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf is less than 3.2 km away, and Santa Cruz town centre shops and dining are 6 minutes' drive from the hotel.
Rooms & Amenities
Each room offers a private balcony and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Select rooms feature a spa bath for two or direct views of the amusement park. All rooms include a microwave, refrigerator, hairdryer, alarm clock, and air conditioning.
Breakfast & Dining
A daily continental breakfast is served in the lobby each morning. The hotel provides vending machines with snacks and drinks on-site. Free Wi-Fi is available in every room.
Services & Safety
The 24-hour front desk greets guests at any time. Security includes 24-hour surveillance, CCTV in common areas and outside property, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and key card access. Family rooms and facilities for disabled guests are available.
Nearby Activities
Guests have access to discounted Boardwalk wristbands through the hotel. A variety of activities are within walking distance, including golf, water sports, fishing, sailing, and state parks. The University of Santa Cruz is 8 km away.
Highlights
Location: 2-minute walk to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Parking: Free on-site guest parking
Rooms: Private balcony, spa bath in select rooms
Nearby: Wharf, dining, golf, water sports
Breakfast: Daily continental breakfast included
Value: Discounted Boardwalk wristbands for guests
“Immediate Boardwalk access defines this place. The inclusion of free parking and breakfast adds genuine value, as does the provision of microwaves and refrigerators. I especially appreciate the option to request a Boardwalk-facing patio when booking directly.”
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels
Choose from a variety of room types
Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
Standard King Room
2 persons
20 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Queen Room Two Queen Beds
2 persons
26 sq. feet
2 King Size Beds
Balcony
Bathtub
room details
King Room
2 persons
26 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Balcony
Bathtub
room details
Availability and pricing for your selected dates
Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Great
8.4/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Lift
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Services
Housekeeping
Room features
Air conditioning
Heating
Patio
Garden furniture
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Media
Flat-screen TV
Show more
Carousel Beach Inn Location
110 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, 95060,
Explore Santa Cruz
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
13 minutes' walk
Iconic amusement park featuring rides, games, and beachfront activities perfect for family fun.
Santa Cruz Wharf
13 minutes' walk
Historic wharf with seafood restaurants, shops, and stunning ocean views; great for a leisurely stroll.
Museum of Art and History
5 minutes' drive
Showcases local art and history with rotating exhibitions; family-friendly and often has free admission days.
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
5 minutes' drive
Engaging natural history exhibits with a focus on the local environment, perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Water Sports at Santa Cruz Beach
13 minutes' walk
Thrilling water sports available like surfing and paddleboarding; rentals are accessible nearby.
Yoga at Neary Lagoon Park
17 minutes' walk
Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions with picturesque lagoon views; check local schedules for classes.
Biking the San Lorenzo River Parkway
15 minutes' walk
Scenic biking trail along the river; bike rentals available nearby for easy exploration.
Surf City Grill
3 minutes' walk
Casual eatery offering burger and seafood options, with a laid-back atmosphere perfect for families.
El Hermoso Mar
4 minutes' walk
Charming restaurant focusing on fresh seafood with outdoor seating; great for a romantic dinner.
Coaster's Bar and Grill
4 minutes' walk
Vibrant bar and grill with a diverse menu; known for its burgers and craft beers. Reservations recommended.
Tacos Moreno
5 minutes' walk
Fusion taco stand serving authentic flavors; perfect for a quick bite that satisfies diverse palates.
Cocoanut Grove
4 minutes' walk
Historic event venue featuring live music and bold performances; check the calendar for events.
Boardwalk Bowl
4 minutes' walk
Family-friendly bowling alley with a lively atmosphere; ideal for a fun night out with friends or family.
Nickelodeon Theatre
5 minutes' drive
Art house theater showcasing indie films and special screenings; a perfect spot for movie enthusiasts.
Tips on navigating the city
City Centre
Santa Cruz 14 min · 3700 ft
Airports
Mineta San Jose International (SJC) 82 min · 33.9 mi
Monterey Peninsula (MRY) 103 min · 42.6 mi
Bus
Bus stop 3 min · 700 ft
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Carousel Beach Inn provides visitors with a free full breakfast.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
16
Former name
Carousel Motel
Family-focused reviews and ratings
Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Review score
Based on 780 verified reviews
8.3 /10
Great
85 %
Recommend
Breakfast
8.0/10
Cleanliness
8.6/10
Comfort
8.6/10
Facilities
8.4/10
Free WiFi
8.6/10
Location
9.6/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.9/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Pros
Boardwalk location
Free parking
Excellent staff
Continental breakfast
Cons
Noisy rooms
Dirty bathroom
Older plumbing
Guest reviews
based on 1761 reviews
8.5/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About Carousel Beach Inn
What are the check-in and check-out times at Carousel Beach Inn?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is Carousel Beach Inn from the nearest airport?
The hotel is 55 km from Mineta San Jose International Airport.
What nearby attractions can guests visit from Carousel Beach Inn?
Guests can visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which is 200 meters away, and Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, less than 3 km from the hotel.
What amenities are available in the rooms at Carousel Beach Inn?
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, microwave, refrigerator, hairdryer, alarm clock, and private bathrooms.
Does Carousel Beach Inn offer free Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Is parking available at Carousel Beach Inn?
Free private parking is available on-site without reservation.
What dining options does Carousel Beach Inn provide for breakfast?
The hotel serves a daily continental breakfast.
Are there any family policies at Carousel Beach Inn?
Up to two children under the age of 16 can stay for free when using existing bedding, and one child under 4 years can stay for free in a crib.
What recreational activities are available near Carousel Beach Inn?
Popular activities nearby include golf, water sports, fishing, sailing, and hiking.
What language services does the staff at Carousel Beach Inn provide?
The staff speaks English.
Are there restaurants located near Carousel Beach Inn?
Nearby restaurants include Barbary Coast Restaurant (0.5 km), Beach Street Cafe (0.5 km), and Tacos Moreno (0.5 km).
What are the highlights of Carousel Beach Inn?
Highlights include air conditioning, free parking, 24-hour reception, 24-hour security, and a lift.