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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

3,500 Reviews

#9 of 68 things to do in Santa Cruz

Water & Amusement Parks, Theme Parks

400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-5416

All photos (2,160)

Full view

Certificate of Excellence

Traveler Overview

4.0 3,500 reviews

Excellent47%
Very good36%
Average13%
Poor3%
Terrible1%

Travelers talk about

“roller coaster”(240 reviews)

“giant dipper”(172 reviews)

“amusement park”(258 reviews)

About

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a classic seaside amusement park. The admission-free attraction features thrill rides like the famous Giant Dipper roller coaster, kiddie rides, games, shops, food, and year-round indoor activities. Admission is...more

Suggested duration: 2-3 hours

Contact

400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-5416

Website

+1 831-423-5590

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1 - 10 of 3,172 reviews

deweyhoppit

Grants Pass, Oregon

Reviewed 2 days ago via mobile

Santa cruz beach boardwalk

What a blast. Good times, clean, felt safe security everywhere. No alchol allowed on the beach was kinda a bummer but it was nice not having to deal with drunks on the beach and the beach was clean.. The giant dipper was a blast

Date of experience: August 2019

Thank deweyhoppit

wernerk115

Lieboch, Austria

Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile

One of the best roller coasters in CA

Boardwalk- simply a must have while in Santa Cruz. I liked the giant dipper most. This is one of the oldest dollar coasters- and made out of lots of wood. Perfect evening with my family.

Date of experience: August 2019

Thank wernerk115

Kathi M

193

Reviewed 4 days ago

Claustrophobic? Hate traffic? Do not go in the summer - especially on Saturday!

The boardwalk is wonderful because everything is free and who doesn't love the beach? It's free to get in with free concerts and free movies for those of us that are not interested in all the rides - most of which you see in a...More

Date of experience: August 2019

Thank Kathi M

danielledH9006EO

Independence, Kentucky

Reviewed 5 days ago via mobile

Wonderful!!!

What a great place to spend the day! There is no admission fee. The boardwalk has so many fun things to do, excellent food selection and access to the beach. My family had a great time here!

Date of experience: August 2019

Thank danielledH9006EO

twinsareenough

Tampa, Florida

18676

Reviewed 5 days ago

Really nice way to spend a few hours with our teens

Stopped here on our drive to Monterey from San Francisco. Parking was easy, the boardwalk was clean and well maintained. We rode the Giant Dipper for the nostalgia of a wooden rollercoaster but didn't feel compelled to ride anything. Great people watching!

Date of experience: July 2019

Thank twinsareenough

SummervacationAug

Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile

Boardwalk

My family goes every year, we love it. Look forward to our visit every summer. Kids love the rides. It's never too busy and food is great. Reminds me of my childhood vacations before my father passed away, lots of great memories.

Date of experience: August 2019

Thank SummervacationAug

aplamo

Virginia

2410

Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile

Arrive Early

Lived up to the hype and more! We had an amazing time. Lower your expectations on food. Arrive early, traffic looked like a nightmare after 12pm. Pay $20 for the main parking lot - we were told that car-break ins are common for street parking....More

Date of experience: August 2019

Thank aplamo

comp788

San Mateo, California

456

Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile

Parking nightmare

We decided to take the family to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on Sunday. I knew traffic would be bad and we were prepared for that. After waiting in line for a hour to enter the main parking lot across from the Boardwalk we arrived...More

Date of experience: August 2019

Thank comp788

amberw175

Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile

Great Place

We spent two days at the boardwalk and had a great time! The wrist band was a great value. They have a AAA discount if you buy online ahead of time.

Date of experience: August 2019

Thank amberw175

Dragonfly1010

Citrus Heights, California

3610

Reviewed 1 week ago

Summertime visit

First time visiting, got the kids the daily wrist bands and for us knowing we were not planning to go on many rides one of the passes. Prices were a little steep but compared to other places about right. Spent a Saturday there. The morning...More

Date of experience: July 2019

Thank Dragonfly1010

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Questions & Answers

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See all 42 questions

Martha G

Can I buy my wristband online the day before I go?

July 15, 2019|

AnswerShow all 7 answers

Check with Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk website. They give a lot of information and a number you can call. We used the cards. And got our train tickets on line.