The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of California’s most quintessential attractions, with a history dating back to 1907 and a timeless legacy that continues to endure. From the rush of the 100-year-old Giant Dipper roller coaster to the taste of Marini’s saltwater taffy, the Boardwalk offers a kind of time-travel trip for the senses… and it only takes about an hour and a half to reach from San Francisco.
This summer, the Boardwalk will once again host free weekly movie nights, acrobatic shows, magic acts, and more. Keep reading for everything you should know.
History of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Origins of the Boardwalk
The Boardwalk’s origins can be traced back to California’s public bathhouse history, when late-nineteenth-century tourists flocked to the coast to experience the supposed health benefits of saltwater bathing.
But it wasn’t until 1907 that entrepreneur Fred W. Swanton opened the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk as the “Coney Island of the West,” complete with a casino and theater. The amusement park has operated continuously since then, blending some of its classic attractions with more modern rides over time.
Landmark rides
The 1911 Looff Carousel and the 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster are easily the Boardwalk’s most iconic rides. They’re also National Historic Landmarks, having remained mostly unchanged since opening over 100 years ago. You can read our article about the Giant Dipper to learn more.
Some other popular rides include the Sky Glider, a gentle aerial tram with great views of the beach; the Cave Train, a nostalgic glow-in-the-dark train ride beloved among families; and the new Surge ride, which debuted in 2024 as a high-thrill attraction that spins riders 360 degrees.
Movie cameos
You may have seen the Boardwalk in numerous Hollywood movies throughout the years, including Sudden Impact (1983), The Lost Boys (1987), Dangerous Minds (1995), Bumblebee (2018), and Us (2019).
The Lost Boys continues to be one of the most iconic representations of the Boardwalk on the big screen, but modern film productions are still drawn to the impactful amusement park landscape.
Making the most of your visit to the Boardwalk
Summer movie nights and more
Every summer in the evenings, the Boardwalk hosts a great lineup of free activities for all ages. Here’s a simplified schedule of events.
- Magicians and acrobats on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 8:30-9:30pm
- Live music on Thursdays from 8:30-9:30pm
- Movie nights on Fridays starting at 9pm (feat. classics including Ghostbusters, Jumanji, The Wizard of Oz, and The Goonies)
- DJ Dance Parties on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30-9:30pm
Boardwalk foods
Just as the rides and environment tap into that classic Americana, the Boardwalk’s food selection follows suit. Some famous carnival foods include fresh-dipped corn dogs, piping hot funnel cakes, crispy tater twists, and chocolate-dipped soft serve cones.
You’d be remiss not to stop by Marini’s at the Beach, a classic Boardwalk institution open since 1915. Marini’s is famous for their handmade saltwater taffy, caramel corn, fudge, and chocolate-covered bacon.
Tips for visiting
The Boardwalk does not require an entrance fee and is publicly accessible from the beach, meaning you can pay by the ride or purchase a wristband depending on how much time you want to spend there. You can purchase wristbands and tickets online to save time and avoid lines at the ticket booths.
On-site parking is available, but it can cost $20-30 per car. You can try to find street parking on East Cliff Drive or park downtown and take a shuttle.
Maximize your visit to the Boardwalk with a beach picnic, a game of laser tag in the arcade, or bowling at the Boardwalk Bowl.
🌐 Website: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk