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From81US$ /night
Check-in
25Feb2026Select date
Check-out
26Feb2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

500 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060
-
Steps from the beach
Very good
7.8
7.5
/10
2.4
2.7
/5

Rooms & Amenities

Torch Lite Inn at the Beach Boardwalk has 38 air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, 40-inch LCD TVs (HBO channels included), work desks, and coffee machines. Each room includes a private bathroom with a shower, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer. Some rooms have refrigerators and microwaves upon request. Premium bedding and parquet floors are standard.

Dining & Breakfast

A complimentary breakfast is served daily from 7 AM. No onsite restaurants are listed, but the area has options like Tony's Pizza and The Coffee Bean nearby.

Leisure & Activities

The motel features a seasonal outdoor pool and a terrace. Nearby, guests can kayak, water ski, or hike at Cowell's Beach and Neary Lagoon Park. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a 10-minute walk away.

Location & Transport

The motel is a 10-minute walk from Main Beach and close to Boardwalk Bowl, Cocoanut Grove, and Sky Glider. The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is 1 km away. Mineta San Jose International Airport is a 40-minute drive.

Services & Convenience

Torch Lite Inn offers express check-in and check-out, a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and free lobby newspapers. The property is smoke-free and has two floors.

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll through the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum at Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse.
  • Savor the famous garlic fries at the Beach Boardwalk's Boardwalk Bowl.
  • Visit Natural Bridges State Beach for stunning views and tide pools.
  • Explore the hidden trails at UCSC's Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.
  • Don't miss the local farmers' market on Wednesdays at Depot Park.
View all

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.
Double Room
2 persons
305 sq. feet 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Heating
King Room
2 persons
295 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating

Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay
Facilities: Very good
7.7/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Golf course

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Garden furniture

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
Show more

Torch Lite Inn At The Beach Boardwalk Location

500 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060
Map view
500 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060
Nearby
Raymond St
Beach Flats Community Garden
600 ft
299 San Lorenzo Boulevard
Mike Fox Skate Park
600 ft
Restaurants
Firefly Coffee House
2300 ft
131 Front St # A # A
Fire Fly Cafe
1900 ft
131 Front St # A # A
India Joze
2300 ft
418 Front Street
Yan Flower
2800 ft
617 Pacific Ave
El Hermoso Mar
2300 ft
313 Beach St
Falafel Hut
2400 ft
309 Beach St
Loard's Ice Cream
2500 ft
307 Beach St
Tacos Moreno
2500 ft
303 Beach St
Pizza My Heart
2800 ft
1116 Pacific Ave Ste B
The Sandwich Spot
2500 ft
1010 Pacific Ave
Explore Santa Cruz
Explore Santa Cruz
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
18 minutes walking
A historic amusement park featuring rides and games along the beach. Iconic boardwalk treats and summer concerts enhance the fun.
Santa Cruz Wharf
Santa Cruz Wharf
18 minutes walking
A scenic pier with seafood restaurants, shops, and stunning ocean views. Ideal for spotting sea lions and enjoying fresh seafood.
Museum of Art and History
Museum of Art and History
15 minutes walking
Unique art exhibitions and local history showcases. Family-friendly programs and free admission days make it a must-visit.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
18 minutes walking
An interactive center celebrating marine life. Exhibits and films provide insight into coastal ecosystems and conservation.
Sky Glider
18 minutes walking
A thrilling experience soaring above the Boardwalk. Perfect for adventure seekers, offers stunning views of Santa Cruz.
Tea House Spa
Tea House Spa
10 minutes walking
Serene spa offering massages and wellness treatments. Ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation after a busy day exploring.
San Lorenzo River Parkway Trestle Trail
20 minutes walking
A scenic trail for walking and biking along the river. Offers beautiful views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Firefly Coffee House
Firefly Coffee House
9 minutes walking
Charming café with a relaxing atmosphere. Known for organic coffee and delicious pastries. Great for breakfast or a light lunch.
India Joze
India Joze
9 minutes walking
Authentic Indian cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere. Signature dishes include butter chicken and vegetarian thali options.
El Hermoso Mar
El Hermoso Mar
9 minutes walking
Cozy dining spot offering fresh seafood and local ingredients. Known for fish tacos and ocean views.
Pacific Garden Mall
Pacific Garden Mall
15 minutes walking
Lively shopping and dining district with street performers. Great for families and visitors looking to enjoy local culture.
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
25 minutes walking
A small museum dedicated to surfing history. Features vintage boards and memorabilia, perfect for surf enthusiasts.
Getting around
City Centre
Santa Cruz10 min  ·  2700 ft
Airports
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)81 min  ·  33.3 mi
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)102 min  ·  42.0 mi
Bus
Bus stop2 min  ·  400 ft
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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
is available in for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
38

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings
Review score
Based on 590 verified reviews
7.5/10
Very good
71%
Recommend
Breakfast
7.4/10
Cleanliness
8.0/10
Comfort
8.0/10
Facilities
7.7/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.3/10
Location
8.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.1/10
Staff
8.5/10
Value for money
8.0/10
Pros
Good location
Accommodating staff
Quiet rooms
Cons
Broken refrigerator
Guest reviews
based on 118 reviews
3/5
based on 1359 reviews
7.8/10
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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