Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

We thought of staying just for an hour, but ended up spending more than two hours. And we didn't even try a ride. It was such a fun place to be. You'll find something to explore at every corner...be it beach, rides or food. Night time visits are definitely gorgeous because of lights. Yet daytime visits are also super fun. Need to mention, it's one of the cleanest boardwalk we have ever been. Cleaning crews were constantly cleaning. Ride lines were long, especially for the horror house and the great dipper (roller coaster). So plan accordingly. Do try garlic fries there. A wonderful fun place for having good times with frinds, family or all by yourself.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of California's most iconic seaside attractions and a place that's fun for all ages. The combination of the historic Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, classic carnival games, ocean views, and lively atmosphere makes it easy to spend an entire day here. Admission to the Boardwalk is free, so you only pay for rides, games, or food if you choose. The beach is clean and perfect for relaxing after enjoying the rides. It can get crowded on weekends and during holidays, and parking is expensive, so arriving early is a good idea. Overall, it's a must-visit destination if you're in Northern California and looking for a mix of nostalgia, entertainment, and beautiful coastal scenery. Highly recommended!

I love the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, my parents took me to such a nostalgic amusement park so many times growing up. It is always a blast to experience as a kid and it still is incredible fun when grown up. If you like the beach shore, you might as well distract yourself with the Fun Center arcade games, if that is not enough, try the rides. They have the best looking ice cream cone servings, excellent beverages, and lots of astonishing arcade games. Lots to do, lots to experience. The rides I always have the most fond memories of. The Boardwalk will always have a special place in my heart as one of the best places to ever go to and I will not forget as long as I live on. 😎👍🏻🌟

Having not been here in 50 years it was cool to see it again. We parked at our hotel and walked here. We went on a Monday and it was packed with all walks of life. Plenty of rides for all ages, plenty of food stands and souvenir shops. If you get bored or overwhelmed with the boardwalk you can head straight to the beach from the boardwalk.

Growing up in Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has always held a special place in my heart. It’s incredible that this oceanfront park has been bringing families together for over 100 years and remains one of the few classic beach boardwalks still operating along the California coast. The historic Giant Dipper—one of the oldest wooden roller coasters still in operation—adds so much charm and nostalgia to every visit. I had a season pass growing up, and now it means even more to share that experience with my partner and our daughter. We all have passes and love that there are so many rides we can enjoy together—watching her light up with excitement makes it all come full circle. Between the rides, the history, and the warm California sun right on the beach, it’s a place we’ll keep coming back to. I’m so grateful we get to keep creating memories here and look forward to many more throughout 2026.