Overview of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

For a slice of American pie, you can’t beat the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It’s a classic seaside amusement park, one of only about two dozen such places still in operation and the largest on the West Coast.

Open since 1907, this entire amusement park is a California Historic Landmark. The 1911 Looff Carousel and the 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster are registered National Historic Landmarks in their own right.

Don’t get the wrong idea, though; the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk isn’t some musty, fading attraction. In fact, it’s as popular as ever, having been named “Best Seaside Amusement Park” by Amusement Today magazine in 2018. Moreover, despite being over a hundred years old, the park continues to receive high ratings from online reviewers who appreciate its blend of new rides and old-fashioned charm.

The boardwalk’s most beloved rides include the Giant Dipper, the Carousel, and Double Shot, a tower ride that offers panoramic views before plummeting 125 feet. The Haunted Castle, an enhanced version of the old-fashioned house of horrors, lurks in the basement below the Boardwalk itself.

In addition to rides, you’ll discover games and arcades, miniature golf, laser tag, shopping, restaurants, and fast food stands. For those seeking thrills, try the Fright Walk under the boardwalk, a haunted maze that will scare the cotton candy out of you. Moreover, free movies on the beach take place on summer Wednesday nights, while vibrant concerts are held on summer Friday nights.

If the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk looks familiar, it has featured in classic films such as The Lost Boys, Transformers Bumblebee, and more recently, Jordan Peele’s horror film US.

What You Need to Know

One of the unique aspects of the Boardwalk is that it does not charge an admission fee.

They offer several ticket options, ranging from single ride tickets to unlimited all-day or season passes, which allows visitors to choose what suits them best.

Allow for at least a few hours, or even an entire day, to fully experience the park. If you aim to avoid crowds, spring or fall is the best time to visit, but for maximum fun, summer should be your primary option. Hours vary seasonally, so for current operating times, visit their website.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Tips

• Some rides have height limits, and on others, small children (under 34 inches tall) can ride free with a paying chaperone.
• Popular junk food treats at the boardwalk include fried strawberry cheesecake, saltwater taffy, and garlic fries, in addition to a host of other fried delights.
• When visiting, pack as if you’re spending the day at the beach, including hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water.
• If you plan to splash in the ocean, you can rent a locker to store your belongings or change clothes for a small fee.
• Leave pets at home unless they are service animals, as pets are not permitted on the boardwalk.
• If you’re on a budget, bring a picnic lunch and buy as many tickets as your budget allows, letting the kids manage their fun accordingly.
• The boardwalk is particularly stunning at night. Instead of arriving before the crowds, consider going in the early afternoon, staying until after sunset, which helps you avoid the worst traffic.
• For free movies or concerts, arrive early as it’s first come, first serve and spots fill quickly. Pack a picnic and claim your spot on the sand.

Getting There

By automobile, take CA Highway 17 or CA Highway 1 to Santa Cruz and follow the street signs to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Traffic on CA Highway 17 can become frustratingly congested on weekends; thus, starting early is advisable to avoid long delays or consider heading out in the afternoon when traffic clears up.

Street parking near the Boardwalk is limited, metered, and has short time limits. A more convenient option is to park in the large nearby lots (for a fee). Think of the parking fee as a substitute for admission, and you may lessen any frustration.

From downtown San Jose, you can also catch the Highway 17 Express bus, which connects to Caltrain, facilitating travel all the way to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk from San Francisco.