Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

📍 Santa Cruz, CA

★4.6(49,326 Google reviews)

Historic boardwalk amusement park on the Santa Cruz coast with thrill rides, family rides, a classic wooden roller coaster, arcade, bowling, and multiple dining options. Free admission to the boardwalk — rides and games purchased separately.

✓ historic boardwalk✓ beach access✓ wooden roller coaster✓ arcade✓ all ages✓ Santa Cruz

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★★★★Featured review by JT

Fun, throw back to a different time; 4 stars b/c no dogs. I get why but it was it is.

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families with kids aged 4 and up. Toddler-friendly rides sit alongside genuine thrill rides for teens and adults. The free boardwalk access means families can control spending. Peak summer weekends draw large crowds — spring and fall visits are far more relaxed.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Parking fills early on summer weekends — arrive before midday or use the satellite lots with shuttle access

⏰The boardwalk entry is free; budget separately for ride wristbands or individual ride tickets

🎟️The Giant Dipper and Looff Carousel are must-rides for first-time visitors of any age

🚗Bring layers — the beachfront location means coastal fog can make mornings chilly even in summer

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →

4.6

★★★★★

49,326 Google reviews

Classic rides & nostalgia50%

Beachfront setting25%

Free boardwalk access15%

Food & arcade10%

★★★★★

“Fun, throw back to a different time; 4 stars b/c no dogs. I get why but it was it is.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of the oldest surviving amusement parks on the West Coast, sitting directly on the beach. The park features the 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster (a National Historic Landmark), the 1911 Looff Carousel, plus dozens of modern rides for all ages. An arcade, bowling alley, mini golf, and multiple food stands round out the experience. The beach is immediately accessible, and the boardwalk itself is free to walk. Rated 4.6 across nearly 50,000 reviews.