Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Anyone visiting Santa Cruz or the surrounding areas has probably visited the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk...and if not, I recommend going there at least once! It's fun for all ages and the nice thing is that you don't pay "admission" but you just pay for the rides you want to go on. It's so nice that it's right on the beach, which makes up for it being smaller in size than most Boardwalks.

Posted 10/11/09 | Report Abuse

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Santa Cruz was worth every penny. The lines were not ridiculously long and there are several to choose. The rides even cater to the younger kids, plenty to ride for my 2 year old.

Posted 09/09/09 | Report Abuse

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I had an absolute blast this weekend in Santa Cruz. There roller coasters didn't have long lines and the price to get in was relatively inexpensive compared to most theme parks. Oh and the log ride will definitely get you wet!!!

Posted 06/22/09 | Report Abuse

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My 10 year old daughter needs to interview an "expert" on her chosen topic... Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Can anyone please point me in the right direction? Thanks. Please reply to ksgemini77@yahoo.com

Posted 02/18/09 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is California's answer to Coney Island. My favorite thing to do here is play Skee Ball at the arcades. Skee Ball is a little bit like bowling. You throw the small balls into holes in a circle,and,depending on where your ball lands,you earn tickets to redeem for prizes:The more tickets you earn,the more prizes you can redeem. Neptune's Kingdom,which features miniature golf,is lots of fun too,as are the arcades-but Skee Ball is probably the most fun game at the Boardwalk. Don't forget the food and the rides-just avoid the clam chowder.

Posted 10/05/08 | Report Abuse

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This boardwalk is lovely during the summer, old alongside the new, plenty of people around lots of little shops and if you travel down a couple of blocks you can find amazing shops for every taste and need, just follow the locals and you wont spend so much at eateries.

Posted 11/19/07 | Report Abuse

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My family loves Santa Cruz. They can ride the rides over and over. I think they are rather expensive for the amount of rides they have. There is also the mini golf and the beach.

Posted 10/15/06 | Report Abuse

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I love to take my girls and their friends to the beach for the day in the summer and then spend the evening having fun on the Boardwalk. If you go during a weeknight they usually have great deals after 5. Fun and cheap!!

Posted 10/02/06 | Report Abuse

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I enjoy the occasional trip down to the boardwalk. If you don't feel like spending a ton of money you can just hang out on the beach and enjoy some Dippin' Dots. Or else you can pay to go on the rides, too. They are fun, but sometimes not worth the price.

PROS: Nice weather, on a beach, big arcade
CONS: Pay for each ride or buy a wristband

Posted 10/01/06 | Report Abuse

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I remember coming here as a teenager and now I take my kids here too. You can purchase an all day bracelet for the rides or purchase them per ticket. The food is great here!! Corn dogs and cotton candy are the best. They have 1 big roller coaster name the big dipper. It's a wooden roller coaster that has been here since i could remember. THey have improved alot over the years. Adding smaller rides for the younger kids. THey also have a lazer tag facility and miniture golf. If your not up to the rides, you can always bring your blankets and have a picnic at the beach. I love the fact that the boardwalk and the beach is a non-smoking facility

PROS: Can get expensive
CONS:

Posted 09/29/06 | Report Abuse

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This is a great place to go to get away from the city for a while. The beach is nice, theres fishing of the pier, the food is great as well. My family loves going to the Boardwalk.

PROS:
CONS: The parking!

Posted 09/29/06 | Report Abuse

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this real nice place to go and ride fun rides and also enjoy eating lunch on the beach. They have a wristband that you can purchase for so that you go ride all day long.

Posted 09/29/06 | Report Abuse

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Went here for Mothers day and had a blast. My husband took care of the kids while I got to watch and relax all day with some other moms.

A great time, and after playing on the beach all day we went up for some nice food as well.

Posted 07/25/06 | Report Abuse

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This place is right on the beach! It has lots of rides for all ages, an old carousel, miniature golf, a large arcade room, and the famous Big Dipper wooden roller coaster. They have a candy shop where they make fresh salt water taffy. The tourist shops are decent and not too expensive. They also have a great bathing suit shop. The food is what you would expect at an amusement park with some exceptions, garlic fries and deep fried artichokes, yum. Great place to bring visitors.

Posted 07/25/06 | Report Abuse

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Beach, rides and junk food -- what else could you ask for! The Boardwalk is really a lot of fun. I somehow had the impression that it was seedy, but it isn't. There is a good-sized area with kiddy rides, and then there's all the crazy rides too. Of course you can't pass up the Big Dipper! It's great gaving the beach right there so that you can mix it up a little with rides and beach fun.

PROS: rides for everybody
CONS:

Posted 07/24/06 | Report Abuse

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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a lot of fun. I like it better here than Great America. My kids love the rides. The food isn't the best, so I suggest eating at home or bringing food there. They have rides for all ages.

Posted 07/21/06 | Report Abuse

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I remember a place where I always had fun a child, and couldn't wait to go to. It had great rides, great food, and the beach was icing on the cake.
Santa Cruz beach and boardwalk's rides have changed but not much else.
My children all enjoy the place from my 3year old to my 18 year old, there's something there for all of them. I would recommend the trip to anyone young or old.

Posted 07/20/06 | Report Abuse

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Remember going here when you where a did and getting tickets for all the rides? Remember all the food? Remember the Mouse Trap? Ok the Mouse Trap coaster is no longer there, but the rest is. We go several times a year and the kids play on the beach for most of it. We even found an intact sand dollar and I taught the kids how to find sand crabs and body surf.

After we get a bit hungry we head on up to the boardwalk and have some fun for a bit before we leave.

A very fun way to spend hot days and enjoy your family.

A huge beach with lots of room, so even if there are a ton of people you can still spread out a bit.

PROS: Fun
CONS:

Posted 07/20/06 | Report Abuse

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This is a classic tourist attraction that you have to visit at least one time in your lifetime if you live in California. Its an amusement park on the beach with rides and games. Take a ride on the classic giant dipper that has been there for a number of years. You get a spectacular view from the top. They also have a new ride called the double shot which is similar to drop zone at Great America.

Posted 11/29/05 | Report Abuse

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I love the boardwalk as a nice diversion. It's a fun place to bring out of towners to show another side of Santa Cruz. It's smaller than some other boardwalks, but there is so much history here. There's a decent selection of rides, it's close to the water (other boardwalks seem to be faaaar from the water), at it just has a fun atmosphere about it. I generally don't enjoy doing the touristy things, but this is one I can handle and actually enjoy. If you need a break you can walk to the end of the pier and watch the sea lions and grab a bite and then head back.

Posted 11/25/05 | Report Abuse

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Being from the East coast, I'm use to more extensive boardwalks (also wooden ones at that!), but this boardwalk has a charm of it's own. The old carousel is worth a gander, the food (while over priced.. as at most tourist attractions) is tasty, there's an indoor mini golf course, a bowling alley across the street, and it's very close to the wharf (fun sea lion viewing and fresh seafood eats!)

Posted 11/20/05 | Report Abuse

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In the grand scheme of boardwalks, I think Santa Cruz often gets ignored. This is a fun, historical, feature-filled destination.
We always begin our day on the beach, early before it fills up. After some running in and out of the waves, and snacking, we're ready for the boardwalk. Either buy the all day pass, or a book of tickets. Buying tickets invidividually will make your wallet small fast.
There are a variety of rides (most famous of which is, of course, the Giant Dipper roller coaster, one of the best), and games, as well as food choices. On the merry go round, get an outside horse, and try to take the gold rings and throw them into the mouths along the wall. It's an oldtime favorite pasttime here. The bumper cars will make you want to go back and lay down on the beach, while the Giant Dipper will remind you why old, wooden roller coasters put the new modern ones to shame. Snack on a churro, ice cream or garlic fries. People watch -- the boardwalk attracts all kinds, and you can enjoy girls in bikinis or men shirtless, or children running around in their bathing suits and water shoes begging for one more ride.

Posted 11/17/05 | Report Abuse

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This is one of those place's that it's okay to stop by and visit, but you don't want to spend your whole day here. The Boardwalk is legendary; it's a piece of old timeiness which is appreciated. But the place is dirty; it's open free to the public which means that sometimes there are unsavory characters roaming around and it tends to get dirtier much more quickly than most amusement parks. The rides aren't anything fantastic, but if you do go on any rides; be sure to make it the carousel or the Big Dipper. Both are true remanents of old time Santa Cruz.

Posted 11/15/05 | Report Abuse

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The Boardwalk is a bit of the past we have been able to keep, the old time amusement park. Rides for all ages, cotton candy, beach view from any outdoor ride.

The Giant Dipper is a world class wooden roller coaster, not to be missed. The Carousel is a classic old time version, with caliope and rings to catch and throw.

Note: During the summer, on Monday and Tuesday nights all rides are just one ticket each (they usually range from 2 to 6 tickets). They also have discounted hot dogs, drinks, and cotton candy. This is a great deal, get there early!

In October, they have fireworks to celebrate the birthday of Santa Cruz. (Nothing on the 4th of July, though).

Posted 11/11/05 | Report Abuse

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The Boardwalk is old fashioned fun; roller coasters, haunted house, all the carnival rides you know and love.Check their specials page; they tend to have good deals going on in the summer. Because it is open and free to everyone, it is a little grungier than most amusement parks, but overall, its a fun place to go when on vacation.

Posted 11/03/05 | Report Abuse

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Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a fun amusement park. There are often live bands playing here on the beach. This amusement park is just steps away from the beach so you can do two amazing things in one day. The waves are large so surfers love to come here to catch a wave. There are rides like the Tsunami and the Big Dipper. The advantage of Boardwalk is that this amusement park isn't a full day admission. You can also go on the rides according to how many tickets you have. The beach also has a small pond for little kids to go swimming and playing in. The water is safe but there are no lifeguards on duty though. Overall, this amusement park is fun and convenient for everyone to enjoy.

Posted 09/18/05 | Report Abuse

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Oh, I love this place more than anywhere else. The surrounding town is filled with really nice people, too. The beach is wonderful, with that really nice sand, not to mention its Huge! There is plenty of space to stretch out on. And the rides are alot of fun with no really long lines. I think the longest I waited in line was 15 min. Oh, and on the weekends they have bands that come out and play on this huge stage right on the beach. You haven't had fun until you have danced the night away on this beach with these friendly people. I want to move there!

PROS: even the food and merchandise isn't expensive
CONS: not a lot of bathrooms

Posted 09/08/05 | Report Abuse

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This is a really fun place to go. They have a lot of rides available to choose from and all you need is to buy the tickets to ride them. There is no admision fee to this place. The only downside is it does get crowded and the lines can get pretty long, especially on a hot day. The beach too can also get really crowded as well and you have to watch out that you don't accidently step on someone lying on the beach.

Posted 09/04/05 | Report Abuse

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Having worked here at one point, the place doesnt seem as nice as if you are a tourist. But I have to say this place has a lot going for it! They are open almost year- round with limited hours in the winter time. The rides are pretty nice, not great America giant rides, but good for the local folks. The arcade is open year round with lots of games and activities available. As with any theme park, the cost is a bit expansive, but being so close to downtown and right in front of the beach, you can always find something to do that is less expansive. Plus, they offer free concert in the summer, who can reject that? I gotta say they have great service in some area, and they usually follow the motto: the customer is always right~

Posted 08/26/05 | Report Abuse

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This is the theme park for all the surfer dudes out there! It is right next to the water so it is not uncommon to find people running around in their bathing suits. They have rides for every age here. There are tiny ones for the adventurous little ones (like the mini drop zone.) Lots of spinny rides (like there is a fun 50's one.) And some rollercoasters for the teens. Even though the coasters aren't those massive monster ones, they are still pretty thrilling. Many summer camps like to take their kids here. Buying tickets one at a time (separate for each ride) gets to be very expensive, get a day pass. Also, on some nights they have special hours, like unlimited rides after 5PM for some $7.

Posted 08/12/05 | Report Abuse

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I recently visited my friends in Santa Cruz, and they took me to the Boardwalk for some good touristy fun. This place rocks! They have a giant arcade with tons of games, lots of rides including a vintage roller coaster, and some of the best greasy carnival food I've had in ages. The giant corn dogs are amazing! Be sure to try the fresh salt water taffy. It melts in your mouth...

Posted 07/31/05 | Report Abuse

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This is one of those old-time boardwalks. Try the wooden roller-coaster. There's a ghost house, carousel, water slide. Every Friday night during the summer there's a free concert on the beach. It's a wonderful place to take the kids, just about any age can enjoy the Boardwalk.

Posted 07/26/05 | Report Abuse

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The roller coaster always hurts my neck. The food is expensive. Someone always pukes. And yet, we keep going back. It's a cute little piece of history and a fun (if expensive and crowded) way to spend a summer afternoon.

Posted 07/17/05 | Report Abuse

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The boardwalk is a great place for family to enjoy summers together. They have a very good mix of rides for adults and for children. My son loves coming here and enjoying a beautiful day out in the sun with everything a boardwalk should have: rides, games, sugary snacks and a beach.

Posted 06/27/05 | Report Abuse

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The atmosphere is very nice. Theres an arcade nearby and resturants as well. If you get bored at the beach there are also rides you can go on. Its a really nice place to catch some rays and just have fun in the sun.

Posted 06/04/05 | Report Abuse

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nice beach. nice sand. not very clean with seaweed everywhere. flys and pigeons see often. workers were rude. rides look old and dirty. nice waves and nice sun.

Posted 04/20/05 | Report Abuse

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From the pier the boardwalk is very colour in soft pastles, pinks, blues and green by day and at night the rides light it up like a Christmas tree. Its like stepping into a time warp with old fashioned low tech mechanical rides and carnival like atmosphere with candy floss. you have to prepay most of the rides using tickets. Nice place to take the familly its a safe and welcoming environment.

On the downside its extremely difficult to find parking places you can be circling for a very long time or find yourself having to park far from the beach.

The sealions and pelicans are worth a look at to.

Posted 04/19/05 | Report Abuse

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i love surfing here. it's really fun and great. you get a nice tan here too. the rides are weak. the food is good. i love the funnel cakes. everything here is real expensiveb.

Posted 04/15/05 | Report Abuse

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the beach here is nice, but it's really dirty. it looks swampy and seaweed is EVERYWHERE YOU WALK. you see birds flying around and eating the garbage.other than that, it is a nice attraction for people. i like it! good carnival food and retails as well! go here for some fun, i guarantee it!

Posted 04/05/05 | Report Abuse

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i go here to surf and the waves are great. i like how they mix up the amusement park theme with the beach. it's a great mix, believe me. they have everything here that you can want. a bowling alley across the street, shopping stores, the rides SUCK but other than that, eeverything is really good! you'll have tons of fun here!

Posted 04/03/05 | Report Abuse

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Its really a nice place to just relax and have a good time with your family and friends. They have rides, a huge arcade, and the most beautiful beach! Its nice and clean during a nice hot day. You can get a good tan, surf, swim, play games, ride of their rides. You have to buy tickets for their rides or buy an unlimited ride wristband. Food is good and you can eat it while watching the nice beach. Its really really nice and should definitely check it out. Its wonderful.

Posted 04/03/05 | Report Abuse

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The ocean waves, the sand, the surfers, and ongoing music. What more can you want? The beach boardwalk is a perfect place to take the family, or to take that special someone. It has so many things to do that you don't even ever want to leave. The have numerous arcades, carnival games, a lot of rides, food everywhere you go and best of all, the beach where you can get a nice tan or go out for a swim. It's VERY crowded though!

PROS: great beach, nice view, relaxing.
CONS: too crowded, a lot of birds, and smelly areas.

Posted 04/02/05 | Report Abuse

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