Guide to The Boardwalk

Things to Do in The Boardwalk

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The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, east of the Santa Cruz Wharf and a short walk from downtown, is one of the most popular attractions in Santa Cruz.

The historic landmark is one of only two remaining seaside amusement parks on the West Coast, with an arcade, amusement park, mini-golf course, laser tag and beach bandstand, which hosts a series of free concerts every summer.

The admission-free amusement park allows beachgoers to run back and forth between the sand and the conflagration of saltwater taffy makers, ice cream purveyors and rides, enjoying the best of both worlds. The Boardwalk is open year-round, with the park rides, including the world-famous wooden roller coaster, The Giant Dipper, and 1924 Loof Carousel open during the summer months.

The Boardwalk is also along the course of the Wharf to Wharf race held every summer and the departure point for the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train in the winter.

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Restaurant Reservations

Popular Things to Do in The Boardwalk

Bars

Ideal Bar & Grill

106 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Fun, family friendly dining with a beautiful view of Santa Cruz Main beach and the Municipal Wharf! We offer seating both inside and on our sunny deck! Come down and try our award winning clam chowder today!

Event Planning

Stagnaro Bros Restaurant

59 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Stagnaro Bros. features a menu with more than 20 different types of fresh seafood every day, as well as pasta dishes, steaks and a children's menu.

Bars

Boardwalk Bowl

115 Cliff St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Next to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Boardwalk Bowl is a state-of-the-art bowling facility, arcade, restaurant, and lounge.

Bars

Riva Fish House

31 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In addition to seafood salads, crispy calamari, chowders and seafood pastas, the weekly specials at this classic beach town diner include cracked crab, skewers of prawns and grilled salmon. Fresh fish, unpretentious décor and spectacular views from

Entertainment

Chardonnay II

790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Excursions aboard the Chardonnay II are perfect for any age group and fun for everyone from seasoned sailors to first-time adventures.

Arts & Entertainment Venues

Kuumbwa Jazz Center

320 Cedar St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Kuumbwa Jazz has grown from its small beginnings to one of the most highly respected jazz-presenting institutions in the country, attracting artists of national and international renown. We present over 120 concerts per year at our intimate 200-seat venue

Beaches

Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf

21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Hotels

Casablanca Inn & Bistro

101 Main St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

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Scenes from The Boardwalk
Beach Hill Court sign, Santa Cruz, CASkyGliderwarning: numbered jacksGiant DipperSURF SCOTERRow of JUMP bikesSucculents, Santa Cruzshells_vs_resist_L3616490161023-UCDA-STAN-polo-101Enjoying the showBlack-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)Bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus)San Lorenzo River CrossingSanta Cruz beachDoggie love