The Sea Swings ride, built and hand-painted in Italy, is one of the Boardwalk's newest attractions. (Photo by Curtis Cartier)

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, just east of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf and a short walk from downtown Santa Cruz, has enjoyed over a century of storied summers. It’s one of only two remaining seaside amusement parks on the West Coast, with an arcade, amusement park, mini-golf course and laser tag. No entrance fee means that on hot summer days, beachgoers run back and forth between the sand and the conflagration of saltwater taffymakers, ice cream purveyors and rides, enjoying the best of both worlds.

Founded in 1904 by businessman Fred Swanton as a casino, the boardwalk is listed as a historical landmark by the California Office of Historic Preservation. In 1911, famed woodcarver Charles Loof contributed the Loof Carousel, and in 1924, the Giant Dipper wooden rollercoaster took its first passengers for a ride that still thrills today. The kitsch of rides like the Cave Train reigned supreme during the 1960s, later giving way to the updated Haunted Castle, while the Cocoanut Grove Ballroom's Art Deco flourishes recall even earlier days. The boardwalk made it to the silver screen a number of times over the years, cameoing in Dangerous Minds and The Lost Boys.
Read more about the history of the Boardwalk.

Today,the boardwalk plays host to big-name bands (free on Friday nights during the summer), circus acts and community events like the Wharf to Wharf Race, usually held in July. The boardwalk’s Coney Island-type charm has been souped up by more modern rides, like the Logger’s Revenge log flume, the 125-foot Double Shot tower ride and the all-new Sea Swings, each of which provides a unique way to take in the Monterey Bay scenery—even it’s just for a few fleeting seconds.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is at 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz. 831.423.5590.