“Amusement park”
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is recognized as the best seaside park in the world. Our vibrant, bustling amusement park is renowned for its great rides, remarkable history, spectacular beach setting, and friendly attitude. The Boardwalk has been operating since 1907, and it hasn’t missed a beat! We believe in affordable family fun - that’s why admission is free, summer entertainment is included, and ride tickets are affordable. Two of our rides are National Historic Landmarks, but don’t let that fool you. The 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster still thrills riders with its hair-raising dips and turns and the Looff Carousel's unique ring toss provides a surprising challenge. Our indoor arcades offer the largest selection of games in Northern California with the latest video and redemption games, pinball machines, a vintage game collection, two-story miniature golf course, and laser tag arena. There's also a family bowling center right across the street. Many people visit just for the food. Choices include corn dogs made from a secret family recipe, deep fried artichokes, chocolate covered bacon, and deep fried Twinkies! The Boardwalk spans a wide sandy beach along Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary where it’s not unusual to see otters, dolphins, sea lions, and even whales swimming just offshore.
Fun place for the family, even with young kids! We particularly liked that there's no 'entrance fee', you can just walk in and look around, bring in your own food if you like - no problem. It's clean and reasonably priced, good range of rides. We had a great time.
Something for everyone here. Lots of carnival type rides, food stands with fried artichokes, garlic fries, pizza, fried twinkies, funnel cakes and other Fair type food. Don't skip the arcade with old school games along side the newer video games and with reasonable prices. There is a huge stage right on the beach for summer concerts at night. You are just a few steps from the beach where you can swim, build sand castles or just lay out to tan and relax; and you are just a short walk to the pier for fishing, shopping and more eating.
You can spend your whole day here and not run out of things to do. The parking is close ($) and you can easily run back to the car for beach chairs, after miniature golf or your laser tag game. Don't forget your sunscreen!
Just Go! Get on the big dipper
Really cool, classic board walk with everything you want
Be prepared to pay for parking and to wait in extremely long lines! We went during their “off season” and was only able to ride one ride in 5 hours.
No dogs allowed.
Love Santa Cruz and the boardwalk! Lots of rides, food, shops plus the beach is right there. Contrary to the badge on this app, the boardwalk is NOT dog friendly. Would give 5 stars if it were. We went here because Roadtrippers showed that it is pet friendly. (This needs to be changed, promptly) Upon arrival, we were approached by security and told dogs are not allowed. She followed behind us as we left. Very disappointing experience, especially since I have been here previously and had an amazing time!
What time you open
So much fun! Prices are a bit high but you're right next to the ocean so it's worth it! Watch out for bums before and after park is closed since you can walk boardwalk after hours.
Super fun and everything is cheap!
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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Hours
- Wed, Thu: 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Sun - Tue, Fri, Sat: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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Outdoor Seating
Parking, Dining
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