Stroll the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Seaside Park
Santa Cruz Hotel
Santa Cruz Wharf

Situated on the beautiful, one-mile beach between Monterey and San Francisco, the beloved Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is California's oldest amusement park which opened in 1911. For more than 100 years, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been California’s admission-free hot spot for beach vibes and classic rides. With more than 34 exciting rides and attractions, the entire family has an exhilarating experience - from the heart-pounding rush of the all-wooden, 1920's era Giant Dipper to the family fun of the classic Merry-Go-Round.

Santa Cruz Boardwalk – California’s Oldest Seaside Park.

The only major seaside amusement park on the Pacific Coast, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk blends old-time nostalgia with new adventure. The boardwalk amusement park features two National Historic Landmarks - the 1911 Looff Carousel and the Giant Dipper, a giant wood-framed roller coaster built in 1924 - as well as the Fireball and the Tsunami – which are packed with even more ocean-view thrills. Enjoy special attractions, including the Boardwalk Grand Arcades, Casino Arcade, Neptune’s Kingdom, the Climb & Conquer climbing wall, the new Haunted Castle, Trampoline Thing, and the 3-D Fun House.

Children love the Santa Cruz Boardwalk carousel, as well as the little cars and airplanes for the kiddies. Bring a swimsuit and a towel, as you'll be steps from the sandy Santa Cruz Beach, a beautiful spot for play in the surf and sun. The Boardwalk is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and weekends fall through spring. You can also visit the Boardwalk Bowl across the street from the Boardwalk, a state-of-the-art bowling center for the entire family. Visit www.beachboardwalk.com for boardwalk hours and events. [Top]

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Hotels.

Just an 8-minute drive from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Best Western PLUS Inn Scotts Valley delivers spacious, amenity-rich rooms and suites, personalized hospitality and a perfect location near Santa Cruz attractions, wineries, beaches and golf courses. Come enjoy an array of services and features, such as an outdoor pool and hot tub, a business center, guest laundry, meeting and event space, and complimentary hot breakfast. [Top]

Explore Santa Cruz Wharf.

Stretching out a half mile into the waters of the beautiful Monterey Bay and adjacent to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf is lined with family-owned fish markets, wonderful seafood restaurants and souvenir shops. Hop aboard a sightseeing boat for an excursion around the bay, or stroll to the end of the wharf to watch the comical sea lions. The wharf hosts a number of fun events throughout the year, including Jazz on the Wharf and Woodies on the Wharf. [Top]