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Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk
Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk
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400 Beach Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Good-for-Kids Rating
BabiesToddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk Description
Roller coasters, cotton candy, and the sound of seagulls — make you feel nostalgic for good old-fashioned summer fun? That's what's to be had at Santa Cruz Beach & Boardwalk, which features one of the last and greatest wooden roller coasters in the country, The Big Dipper. Wooden roller coasters are beloved by ride aficionados for a reason: They shake and shimmy as no metal rollercoaster can. Your kids will scream, hang on for dear life – and beg to ride it again. Except they'll need time to ride the bumper cars, the sky-climbing pirate ship, the "Loggers Revenge" water ride, and of course the carousel. And more time to eat hot dogs and cotton candy and check out all the boardwalk activities and attractions, including arcade games, cute shops, and artists who paint you as a cartoon character. You'll be humming "Under the Boardwalk, Beside the Sea…" all day as you watch your kids go crazy enjoying all the sun and fun activities of a classic beach boardwalk. Be sure to check out our other Santa Cruz vacation ideas.
Amusement Park
Beach
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: While some amusement parks are really only fun for school-age kids tall enough to ride the thrill rides, not so Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. There are 12 rides for younger kids, including Kiddie Speed Boats that are fun for the whole family.
Planning Notes
- Unless your kids don't like rides, buy the "unlimited rides" wristband. While it's tempting to try to save money by buying individual ride tickets, it doesn't make sense at this park, where costs mount fast and there are so many rides it's impossible for kids to limit themselves. The wristbands save money in the long run, and often there are discount coupons available online that make them even more affordable.
- Save money on repeat visits. If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and plan to visit more than once during a calendar year, or if you're planning to stay several days, the "Endless Summer" season pass is good value.
Just the Facts
Hours: Rides are open weekends only during winter; starting April 1st, rides are open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. weekends.
Fees: $20-$30
Recommended Time: Full day
