Now’s a great time to start planning a summer visit to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a chance to experience their brand-new ride and tons of seasonal programming.
The 119-year-old beachside amusement park kicked off the summer with the opening of the new Vertigo 360 ride on May 23rd, a heart-pounding pendulum ride that swings riders around in a circular gondola with legs dangling 60 feet in the air.
And starting in June, guests will enjoy free movies on the beach, acrobatic performances, discount nights, and this year, FIFA World Cup watch parties!
Here’s a closer look.
Summer at the Boardwalk
Did you know that the Boardwalk is California’s largest admission-free amusement park? Guests can enter the Boardwalk without paying admission, as it’s publicly accessible right on the beach. You just need to purchase a wristband or individual tickets to go on the rides.
That means you can visit and enjoy a full schedule of activities for free this summer, most of which start in mid-June.
- June 6-7: Pro-Am Beach Soccer
- June 12 – Aug 7 (Fridays 9pm, except July 3): Free movie nights on the beach
- June 12: The Lost Boys
- June 19: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
- June 26: Kicking and Screaming
- July 10: 13 Going on 30
- July 17: Back to the Future
- July 24: A Minecraft Movie
- July 31: Jurassic Park
- Aug 7: The Goonies
- June 15 – Aug 7 (Daily 9-11am): Half-priced mornings at the Arcade
- June 15 – Aug 6 (Monday-Thursday after 5pm): Summer Discount Nights with 65% off ride wristbands
- June 15 – Aug 6: Evenings on the Colonnade
- Monday-Wednesday (8:30-9:30pm, except June 24): Magicians and acrobats
- Thursdays (8:30-9:30pm, except June 25): Live music
- Saturday-Sunday (8:30-9:30pm): DJ Dance Party
- June 24-29: World Soccer Celebration with free watch parties and entertainment for FIFA World Cup
- July 10,17, and 31 (6-8:30pm): Summer Luau
