Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

​We spent the day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and it was pure, unadulterated fun. From the moment we walked in, the smell of saltwater and fried dough was overwhelming in the best possible way. This park perfectly captures that classic, timeless amusement park feel, blending vintage charm with modern thrills. ​I had to start with an adrenaline rush on the Double Shot. That blast of compressed air that launches you straight up the tower is a fantastic rush! Hanging up there for a second,

Definitely a cool experience. I like the fact that there's no admission fees. You pay for what you do, not what you look at. Lots of awesome birds and seals to look at. Lots of fun activities and good 'fair food.' Travellers beware: parking is a nightmare. Either you need to get there when the lots open, or find a place 1+ km away and walk in. It's a nice walk, so I recommend the latter. Do NOT try to get down to the boardwalk parking...I spent literally 30 minutes trying to go a couple kilomete

This is a really cool spot to walk, people watch, and have a little fun, but our feelings were mixed on our visit. First, parking across the street is $20 flat rate. So even if you're there 30 minutes you're in for $20. Second, rides are extremely expensive. They REALLY want you to buy wristbands but the lines can be very long so it wasn't worth it for us. The fair style food was good but the other options seemed mediocre at best. The arcade was actually outstanding and had reasonable rates, whi

A perfect mix of fun, food, and ocean views! The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is such a lively and nostalgic place full of energy, music, and that classic seaside charm. The rides are fun for all ages, the food stands have everything from churros to garlic fries, and the beach right next to it is beautiful for a sunset walk. It's a bit crowded on weekends, but that's part of the fun vibe. Definitely a must-visit spot if you're in Santa Cruz

One of the best boardwalks in the US among the ones I have been to. Fun, full of people yet not irritatingly crowded at all. The beach is super clean. Boardwalk has a ton of casino, arcade, and other games if you are into that. Huge range of food options - from seafood to pizza - all available within a walking distance. Do not miss the sunset from here.