Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz

I visited the Boardwalk for the first time in at least 25 years recently. It's a great day trip from San Francisco and easy to get your money's worth. We got the day passes for $40. Rides seem to average about 5-6 points/$$ so you need to ride 7-8 times for the pass to pay for itself. Since we visited on the second day of the season not all rides/attractions were open but we were able to ride almost everything we wanted in the 5 hours we spent there. The arcade is a blast with a great variety of games that cost anywhere from 25 cents up to several dollars. All games operate by swiping a card that can be loaded with any dollar amount. The food is typical amusement park fare. There is a booth that sells nothing but local Santa Cruz beers with posters on the wall that describes each offering. I love the fact that you can just walk into the Boardwalk and see the sights without having to pay admission. Kids can go nuts with rides/games and parents don't have to pay the same fare to just be chaperones. Or you can walk the beach if the Boardwalk gets too crowded. I'm sure weekends are crazy at the Boardwalk so consider visiting mid week. We arrived just as the park opened on a Monday so parking in the lot was easy ($15 for all day). There is also a lot of metered street parking for less in the surrounding area.

An unexpectedly fun time. My girlfriend and I had an amazing time here, discovering all this place has to offer. I was concerned this place would be mainly catered to kids, but it had something to offer for all ages. Even had my first caramel apple here! We can't wait to go back again - just be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen! Overall, a very fun time.

Happened to be here last weekend along with friends and family and it is a fun place. Make sure the weather is sunny when you plan to go there... as the wind along side the beach would be quite chilling during cool weather. The rides along side the beach add and extra fun factor to the whole experience. Parking is bit of an issue but in the end you will always walk smiling from this place and would love to come back. Definitely a must visit place. Kids would love the rides. Cheers!!!

What a great place! This place is packed with history. Get a look at the old laughing Sal, and don't miss the Wurlitzer in the carousel. There is still an old brass ring dispenser and ring toss on the carousel; it might be one of the last ones left. My favourite two rides are the spooky walk... it's not for the faint of heart, and the giant dipper. Don't miss out on riding it; It's not scary, but really fun and will leave you with a smile. In the summer, there are free music acts on the weekend.

This is a cool place. It reminds me of boardwalks on the east coast. There are rides and games. There is also beach volley ball. From the pier, you can spot sea lions, otters, sea gulls, and other birds. Although most of the shops were closed during the week in March when o visited, I would come back again in the summer.