Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a place where the entire family can have some fun. We visited this weekend with the family, ages ranging from 49 to 5. We all had a great time with so many fun things to do as a family. We were able to play arcades games, take pictures, shop, ride rides, and eat. The prices were just right, and the beach was awesome. The weather was fantastic, and couldn't have been a better time at all. I would recommend visiting Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! more

I have been going to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk since I was no more than a baby. It has to be one of the most wonderful places to visit in California. One of the last surviving historic seaside amusement parks, the Boardwalk has something for everyone. For thrill seekers, the Giant Dipper roller coaster is not to be missed! Built in 1924, the Giant Dipper is a thrilling coaster, which takes riders twisting and turning through plunging down a 65 foot drop and through a series of smaller drops that lift riders up out of their seats! The carousel is nothing short of a treasure. Built in 1911 by Arthur Loof, it is a glittering gem whose hand-carved wooden horses prance beneath glittering mirrors and ornate gilt carvings. And as if that were not enough, it is one of the few remaining carousels where riders can snatch metal rings and try to toss them into a target! History buffs will love this historic seaside play land. On the upper floors above the miniature golf course, is a small photographic museum, which chronicles the early history of the Boardwalk. Photographs include dramatic photos of the Casino building in flames and of bathing beauties from bygone eras. Laughing Sal is a recent addition to the Boardwalk. She is a larger than life animated character, who welcomed visitors to the old Playland at the Beach in San Francisco for more than 40 years. The Giant Dipper, the Carousel and the Boardwalk itself are all designated as historic landmarks. And then there is the beach- a long stretch of sand where you can stroll along and hunt for shells or try your hand at surfing; there is no shortage of things to do here!! I always bring my out of town guests here for the day. No visit to Santa Cruz is complete without a day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!! more

although the place is always overrun by tourists, it's always fun to go to the boardwalk. the best time to go is on 60 cent nights (monday and/or tuesdays during the summer) when you really can ride every ride - including the giant dipper - for only 60 cents. my favorites at the boardwalk are the same they have been for years - the giant dipper (favorite ride), skeeball (favorite game) and chocolate dipped ice cream cones (favorite food). they also have funnel cake, which is hard to resist. more

The best summery thing to do in Santa Cruz is to hit the Boardwalk. Eat pink cotton candy, grab a corn dog and coke then go on the rides! The Big Dipper is one of the oldest wooden rollercoasters in California, and it's a fun experience to go clattering and shaking around. Have fun on the ferris wheel; be sure to look all around you; you can see most of the wharf from atop the wheel. During the summer, every Friday night they also have free concerts which are fun to go and watch. more

This is a great place to go to take the kids on one of those short holidays. The place is small compare to those big amusement themeparks, but there is a lot of tradition and it's close to the beach! Get an all day pass and ride all the rides you can possible want! The service here is generally very good and people are very accomodating. There is a lot of small rides for the kids. And a big arcade right next door, so there is always something to do for everyone. more

The restaurant selection at the Boardwalk and owned by the Seaside Company has been surprisingly improving over the past 10 years. The Boardwalk is of course a mid-sized amusement park on the beach in Santa Cruz. From attractions such as the well known Giant Dipper (Historical Roller Coaster) to new rides like the Double Shot and Fireball there is something for everyone. I would definitely suggest checking the weather in Santa Cruz before you come. more

This is the famous Boardwalk from the Beach Boys song. After going to Great America, it didn’t really compare, but if you live in Santa Cruz, it is local. Also, first-year students at UCSC get coupons to get into the Boardwalk for free. Only open on weekends except during the summer tourist months. more