Before we discover the Inns of Santa Cruz, let’s book a room back in time.
Believe it or not, the Boardwalk has been involved in the lodging industry for over a century! As a key tourist attraction in Santa Cruz, it only made sense. I mean when you think about it, when people come to the beach, they need a place to rest their sandy feet.
You know where the main parking lot is now? Well, back in 1903, Fred Swanton, ‘Father of the Boardwalk’, pushed for the creation of the Tent and Cottage City to house tourists during their visits. If you’ve ever parked in the main lot, you’ve stood right where those early seaside stays once stood.
As demand and expectations of amenities increased, the Casa del Rey Hotel, was born in 1911. This hotel provided more rooms for the increasing number of visitors to the beach area while also providing more reasons for them to stay longer. The Casa Del Rey Apartments, aka La Bahia, built in 1926 was an extension of the Casa del Rey Hotel and a more long-term option for tourists looking to escape the inland heat and spend weeks at the beach during the summer months.
Over the ensuing decades, the Santa Cruz Seaside Company owned and operated those properties on-and-off. In 1988, in a effort to diversify business holdings, then Seaside Company President Charles Canfield, led the purchase of the Sea & Sand Inn and the Carousel Beach Inn. For a time the Seaside Company also owned and operated the Holiday Inn, anyone know what hotel that is today? (You’re a Santa Cruz history buff if you said Hotel Paradox). Today, those roots live on through a small collection of properties known as the Inns of Santa Cruz.
Meet the Inns
Inns of Santa Cruz is truly unique and offers a variety perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a spontaneous coastal getaway with friends, this collection offers endless ways to relax, explore, and reconnect. Picture this… Romantic sunset walks on golden sand, toasting with champagne beside an ocean‑view fire pit, and waking each morning to the soothing rhythms of the Monterey Bay. All Inns are located just steps from sun‑soaked beaches, classic Boardwalk thrills, beautiful redwoods, and so much more.
Carousel Beach Inn
Carousel Beach Inn is the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and classic Boardwalk charm. Just steps from the beach and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this family‑friendly inn makes it easy to experience the best of Santa Cruz without missing a moment of fun. Manager Mike Moreno experiences daily how iconic the Carousel Beach Inn is—“My favorite part of my job is connecting with our guests and hearing their stories. Some families have been staying with us for more than 30 years, and it is incredibly rewarding to hear how they first visited the Boardwalk as children and now bring their own kids to create those same memories. Seeing those traditions continue across generations is a testament to our team’s commitment to exceptional hospitality and memorable guest experiences. Building lasting relationships with our guests and being a part of their family traditions is what makes this work so meaningful and keeps them returning year after year.” Whether its on the Boardwalk or a familiar room in the Carousel Beach Inn, providing spaces for families to make memories that span generations is what we do best, so treat your family to the ultimate coastal adventure: fuel up with the complimentary breakfast and enjoys beach time, Boardwalk thrills, and seaside exploration.
Sea & Sand Inn
When it comes to Sea and Sand Inn, think coastal charm, thoughtful touches, and panoramic Pacific Ocean views. Featuring daily treats like complimentary homemade cookies in the afternoon and wine and cheese from in the evening, this inn holds a special place in our collection. Manager Gaby Martinez-Alvarez expresses the connection Sea and Sand builds with their guests—“I genuinely enjoy getting to know them and building meaningful connections. I take pride in remembering the little things they like, whether it’s their favorite cookie or the type of wine they prefer. Those thoughtful details help make each stay more enjoyable. Whether a guest visits once a year, every other month, or it’s their very first time staying with us, it always feels like I’m welcoming them into my home”.
Edgewater Beach Inn
The Edgewater is the most recent addition to our collection. This inn has been freshly renovated and thoughtfully designed for extended stays and family comfort. Boardwalk Creative Manager, Lynette Davis reflects on the design process, “Edgewater Beach Inn has such a strong sense of community—it sits at the heart of everything that makes Santa Cruz so vibrant, and I wanted the art to reflect that spirit. While the Boardwalk is iconic in its own right, Santa Cruz offers an abundance of breathtaking and inspiring landscapes, there is always something extraordinary to experience. My intention was for the artwork to capture not only our property, but the beauty, energy, and character of the entire community that surrounds it.” It is this attention to detail that goes into each of our inns to create a truly extraordinary guest experience.
Beyond its inspiring design, Edgewater invites guests to settle in and truly relax with features created for comfort and ease; features like full‑sized kitchen options and relaxing outdoor spaces. Lounge pool side, fire up the BBQ, or head straight for the waves, this is your ideal home base for sun‑filled days and unforgettable beachside fun. Your room is just steps from the sand and Santa Cruz Wharf.
From early tent cities to modern beachfront inns, the story of lodging in Santa Cruz has always been tied to time spent by the sea. Be sure to check out The Inns of Santa Cruz to see all they have to offer–and like most things around here, the story isn’t finished yet.
Who knows, we may even be adding another inn to our collection soon…
Sea you soon,
Kendra
