Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Boardwalk's roots go back to 1865, when John Leibrandt opened a public bathhouse near the mouth of the San Lorenzo River. Other bathhouses followed and scores of tourists began visiting Santa Cruz to enjoy the highly-touted natural medicine of bathing in salt water.
Soon more concessions sprang up including restaurants, curio shops, and photo stands. Toward the end of the century Fred W. Swanton, considered one of the greatest promoters and entrepreneurs of his time, laid plans for a casino and boardwalk, a Coney Island of the West.
The family-operated Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk celebrated its Centennial in 2007. One of the last of the classic seaside amusement parks in the United States, the Boardwalk is considered the best seaside amusement park in the world.
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.
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