Carousel Beach Inn in Santa Cruz, California

The inn offers free on-site parking, a 24-hour front desk, and vending machines with snacks and drinks. Guests can use the accessible parking and designated smoking area. CCTV cameras and smoke alarms provide 24-hour security throughout the property.

Each room includes a private balcony, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and a microwave and refrigerator. Select rooms offer a spa bath for two or views of the amusement park. Rooms have a private patio, hairdryer, alarm clock, and free WiFi.

The Carousel Beach Inn sits 2 minutes' walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and less than 3.2 km from Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. The University of Santa Cruz is 8 km away, and Santa Cruz town centre shopping and dining is 6 minutes' drive. Nearby activities include golf, water sports, fishing, sailing, and state parks.

A daily continental breakfast includes waffles, yogurt, cereal, fresh fruit, boiled eggs, coffee, tea, and almond milk. The lobby offers free popcorn each afternoon and iced tea and ice water all day. Breakfast service uses earth-friendly packaging, and the waffle station has multiple toppings.

Children can enjoy a free claw machine in the lobby-just ask the front desk for a token. Guests can buy discounted Boardwalk wristbands at the front desk and receive a 2-hour arcade card with their stay. The inn has family rooms, an elevator, and a sand shower at the main office for rinsing off after the beach.

Location: Across the street from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Parking: Free on-site parking with security gate

Breakfast: Daily continental breakfast with waffle station

Perks: Free popcorn, claw machine, discounted Boardwalk wristbands

Rooms: Private balcony with boardwalk or ocean views

Nearby: 2 min walk to beach, 3 min to wharf