Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
A classic California amusement park offering thrilling rides, games, and beach access, all with free admission.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, lower prices
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Best Time
Fewer crowds, lower prices
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A classic California amusement park offering thrilling rides, games, and beach access, all with free admission.
"A must-visit iconic spot blending beach vibes with classic amusement park fun for unforgettable memories."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking is tough! Arrive early or park 1+ km away and walk. Avoid driving directly to boardwalk lots during peak times.
💰 Ride Costs
Pay per ride ($5-$8) or buy wristbands ($54-$80). Evaluate based on your planned rides.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giant Dipper
Amusement Park
A historic wooden roller coaster offering thrilling drops and classic seaside amusement park vibes.
The Beach
Adjacent to Boardwalk
Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf right next to the amusement park for a perfect beach day.
Arcade
Boardwalk
A fantastic arcade with a wide variety of games, offering reasonable rates for hours of fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Parking Pains
Ride Costs vs. Wristbands
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking is tough! Arrive early or park 1+ km away and walk. Avoid driving directly to boardwalk lots during peak times.
💰 Ride Costs
Pay per ride ($5-$8) or buy wristbands ($54-$80). Evaluate based on your planned rides.
🎬 Free Beach Movies
Enjoy free movies on the beach on summer Fridays at 9 PM. A great way to end the day!
🕹️ Arcade Fun
The arcade is outstanding with reasonable rates, a great option for families.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking is tough! Arrive early or park 1+ km away and walk. Avoid driving directly to boardwalk lots during peak times.
💰 Ride Costs
Pay per ride ($5-$8) or buy wristbands ($54-$80). Evaluate based on your planned rides.
🎬 Free Beach Movies
Enjoy free movies on the beach on summer Fridays at 9 PM. A great way to end the day!
🕹️ Arcade Fun
The arcade is outstanding with reasonable rates, a great option for families.
🌊 Log Ride Splash
Don't miss the log ride for a refreshing splash on a sunny day!
☀️ Summer Discount Nights
Look for summer discount nights with unlimited rides for a set price on weekdays after 5 PM.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors love the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for its free admission, classic amusement park charm, and prime beachside location. The historic Giant Dipper and lively atmosphere are frequent highlights. However, parking can be a significant hassle and expensive, and ride costs can add up quickly if not opting for a wristband.
"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 kilometers."
Ms D
"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, which my family enjoyed quite a bit!"
Marshall Connor
"A Must-Visit Every Time We’re in California 🏖️🏖️
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of those iconic places that we never miss whenever we’re in California! I’ve been here so many times with both family and friends, and it’s always an unforgettable experience.
From exciting rides and fun games to the beautiful beach just steps away, there’s something for everyone. The atmosphere is lively, the Boardwalk is full of energy, and there are great restaurants nearby to grab a bite after all the fun. Whether you’re walking the pier, riding the Giant Dipper, or just enjoying the ocean view, it’s always a blast.
Truly a perfect mix of beach vibes, classic amusement park fun, and memories that last a lifetime. Highly recommend!"
Anita purandare
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is about an hour's drive from the Bay Area. Many visitors drive, but be prepared for potential traffic. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is generally recommended. +1
Parking can be a challenge. The official boardwalk lots can be expensive ($20-$30) and fill up quickly. Many visitors recommend parking further away (1+ km) and walking to save money and avoid traffic jams. +1
While direct public transport from major Bay Area cities is limited, you can explore options like Amtrak to Santa Cruz and then a local bus or rideshare to the boardwalk. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, many visitors opt to park a kilometer or more away and enjoy a pleasant walk to the boardwalk, especially to save on parking fees.
To secure a spot in the closer parking lots, it's best to arrive as soon as the lots open, especially on weekends or during peak season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is free! You only pay for the rides, games, and food you choose to enjoy.
You can pay per ride, with prices typically ranging from $5 to $8. Alternatively, unlimited ride wristbands are available, priced from $54 to $74, which can be a good deal if you plan on riding many attractions.
Look out for special promotions like 'Summer Discount Nights' offering unlimited rides for a set price on weekdays after 5 PM. Checking their website or social media for deals is recommended.
Hours vary seasonally. Generally, the boardwalk is open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM on weekends and from 5 PM on weekdays during summer. Always check the official website for the most current hours.
While admission is free, you can purchase ride tickets or wristbands online in advance to save time upon arrival. This is especially helpful during busy periods.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
The historic Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster is a classic. Other popular rides include the Undertow, Fireball, and the Log Ride for a refreshing splash.
Yes, the boardwalk offers a variety of family-friendly attractions and rides suitable for younger children, ensuring fun for all ages.
Expect classic 'fair food' like funnel cakes, tacos, and garlic fries. There are also other dining options available.
Absolutely! The boardwalk features a large arcade, carnival games, and is located right on a mile-long stretch of sandy beach, perfect for relaxing or playing.
Generally, pets are not allowed on the amusement park grounds, but service animals are permitted. Check the official rules for specific details.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture iconic shots of the Giant Dipper, the Ferris wheel against the ocean backdrop, and vibrant sunset views over the beach. The pier also offers great perspectives.
Drone usage is typically restricted in amusement park areas and over crowded public spaces for safety reasons. Always check the park's specific drone policy before flying.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photos. Weekday evenings can also provide a less crowded backdrop for capturing the atmosphere.
Try capturing the classic amusement park lights at night, the juxtaposition of rides and the ocean, or candid shots of people enjoying the park.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing both wide shots of the park and details of the rides. A wide-angle lens is great for the beach and overall park atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The park offers a good mix of rides suitable for younger children, ensuring everyone has a fun time. 💰 Budget Travelers
This means you only pay for what you use. To save money, opt for individual ride tickets instead of wristbands if you plan on riding only a few attractions. 💑 Couples
The sunset views over the ocean provide a beautiful backdrop for a memorable evening. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Sunsets here are particularly stunning and offer a magical glow over the park and beach. +1 Look for unique angles, like shots from the nearby pier or even from the old train trestle for a different perspective. The vibrant lights of the boardwalk at night also create a lively and colorful scene. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Ride Costs and Wristbands
For families with younger children, purchasing two cards loaded with a set amount, like $50 each, can be a smart strategy. This allows kids to enjoy a good number of rides or games without the pressure of maximizing a full-day wristband.
The Iconic Giant Dipper and Other Thrills
Beyond the Giant Dipper, the boardwalk boasts a variety of other rides catering to different thrill levels. The Undertow offers a spinning, disorienting ride, while the Fireball provides intense G-forces. For those seeking a refreshing experience, the Log Ride is a popular choice, culminating in a splashy finale on a warm day.
Beyond the Rides: Beach, Games, and Food
+1 The proximity of the beach allows for a full day of diverse activities, making it an ideal destination for a complete seaside getaway.For those who enjoy classic carnival fun, the boardwalk's arcade is a standout attraction, praised for its wide selection of games and reasonable pricing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit