Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
4
Amusement & Theme Parks
Read more
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Write a review
About
Travelers flock to this major seaside amusement park for its mix of thrilling, family, and kid-friendly rides. Don’t miss out on the Sky Glider, which boasts fantastic aerial views, or the exhilarating Fireball, which swings riders to dizzying heights. You can also battle it out at the arcade, have a round of mini golf, play a game of laser tag, brave the Fright Walk, or simply watch sea lions frolic in the water. Snag a season pass, an unlimited rides wristband (choose weekdays for the biggest savings), or the pay-per-play MyBoardwalk card. Visit early to get a parking spot. – Tripadvisor
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Top ways to experience Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and nearby attractions

See what travelers are saying
  • Tom-WCT
    Caribou, Maine215 contributions
    Great location by Pacific Ocean
    We did a day trip to Santa Cruz from Sacramento, it was 3 hours each way. It was nice to walk along the boardwalk and look at the many arcades, shops and rides. We didn't ride any of the rides, we mainly wanted to see the Pacific Ocean. At one end of the boardwalk we walked out onto the pier which has many seafood restaurants. We saw dozens of seals in the water under the end of the pier and the ocean views were fantastic. We also drove along W Cliff drive which is right next to the Pacific Ocean. There were a number of place to pull into (although it was crowded) and we could get great views of the ocean and boardwalk in the distance. You could also see dozens of surfers riding the waves. It was a great place to relax and enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean. Also, despite warnings of massive homeless people on the beach we didn't see very many and the area was clean and safe (at least during daytime, we weren't there after dark).
    Visited December 2019
    Written February 7, 2020
  • Matthew J
    Buena Park, California546 contributions
    Fun rides, popular beach
    My family enjoyed an iconic summer day here at the Boardwalk. Get here early to find parking. We got here around 11:30 am (half an hour after opening) and paid $25 for an all-day lot. As we were leaving around 3:30 pm, most of the $25 lots and all of the meter parking were full. We ate some chocolate, pulled pork tater tots, bacon-topped hot dog, and fried zucchini hearts. After that, we bought a $100 pass (115 tickets) and this was enough for 4 people to get on 3 rides, and 3 people to ride one additional ride. We had fun on the carousel, free fall, log ride, and sidewinder coaster. My older daughter was thrilled when she successfully tossed a ring into the clown's mouth on the unique carousel, always a highlight of a visit here. After the rides, we walked down to the sandy beach and enjoyed the waves (along with throngs of other beach goers). Fun times!
    Visited July 2022
    Written July 31, 2022
  • Happiness667758
    Hicksville, New York3 contributions
    Fun for all Ages but Come Early
    My teenage daughter and a friend and I spent a day at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk during our California trip. We enjoyed the indoor mini golf and shopping. The girls had fun on the rides. We were lucky to get a 2 for 1 wristband, but the boardwalk got very crowded later in the day because there was a clam chowder bakeoff. That made it difficult to enjoy because of the crowds.
    Visited February 2020
    Written March 5, 2020
  • RogueTrippers
    Guelph, Canada4,780 contributions
    Good Times - that take you back
    Date of Visit: Saturday, Dec 14th, 2019 When you visit Santa Cruz California there are 3 major attractions. The waterfront, the Pier, and The Boardwalk/amusement park. The boardwalk stretches quite a distance along the waterfront. There are amusements of all kinds here. It is like a small amusement park. There are rides, games, concessions, attractions, shopping, and food services In the Summer this place is more lively and happening but we were there in December and there are plenty of things to do and a lot fewer people. There is a laffing Sal animatronic feature which reminded me of the one I grew up with in Crystal Beach Amusement Park. There is a lot to do especially for the kids. During the summer there are live bands, and more attractions.
    Visited December 2019
    Written January 12, 2020
  • buttrfly757
    Magalia, California35 contributions
    My very favorite
    As a kid growing up in San Jose this place was my favorite! The beach, the board walk the taffy the arcade the shops the food, the old time pictures the best roller coaster on the planet (I'm biased much) the Merry Go round with brass rings and a calliope and just the beauty of the ocean and Santa Cruz. I even painted an interpretation in watercolor that got lots of praise in 7th grade. lol Go! Have fun!
    Visited March 2020
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 5, 2020
  • Reed
    Orlando, Florida1,431 contributions
    A classic beach boardwalk!
    I’ve been to quite a few “beach boardwalk” amusement parks throughout the country and this might be my favorite. It’s well maintained, well run and has a really good selection of rides including a well maintained classic wooden coaster and a brass ring carousel. Only negatives are the costs of the parking and the lack of food options besides normal “fair food”. If you want that classic boardwalk vibe and some great rides, you have to visit!
    Visited June 2021
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 9, 2021
  • Jerry K
    Oahu, Hawaii24 contributions
    Lots to do with a great view
    So many shops and restaurants, lots of sea lions and seagulls. You have a grea view of a surfing area for beginners, we saw dozens of them. We ate lunch at the Fire Fish, where they have lots of $15 catch of the day specials that I would think were good deal even if they cost more.
    Visited January 2020
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 24, 2020
  • Max
    Los Angeles, California357 contributions
    Nice for a casual day
    You can park about 5-10 walk away for about $5-$10. If you want to use the restroom and the first one you come to at the entrance of the boardwalk is crowded, just walk about 1 minute down the boardwalk and there are non crowded restrooms. There are lots of shops and places to eat. At the end you can see the seals underneath.
    Visited May 2021
    Written June 3, 2021
  • 832vgs
    New Delhi, India1,423 contributions
    Amazing Beach Boardwalk!
    Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is an amazing place to spend a day with family and friends. We went there on a sunny day with our family including kids and had a wonderful time. We walked along the waves enjoying the sea weed circling our feet and getting washed away. We sat relishing the sunshine and kids building castles with the sand. There are food restaurants nearby where one can enjoy snacks, churros, ice creams and more. When the kids got drenched in the water, we could even manage to buy dresses and towels for them. Visit to the beach is free. You can book tickets online or offline (there is quite a queue) to enjoy the various thrill rides (Double Shot, Undertow, Roller Coasters etc) or kiddie rides. One can enjoy the magnificent view of the ocean and the boats. A must visit for any tourist to the city.
    Visited June 2021
    Written June 25, 2021
  • Robbie F
    2 contributions
    Over all not worth the money
    Lots of things to do, staff was friendly, easy access, clean, lots of food options. Not worth the money, took 3 kids, paid full price for ride wrist bands but the lines were very long throughout the hole day. There was no discount for the 2 kids that couldn't ride 50% of the rides due to height. Would have been nice if they offered a discounted rate for the little kids....
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written May 22, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

4.0
3,652 reviews
Excellent
1,654
Very good
1,334
Average
484
Poor
115
Terrible
65

RogueTrippers
Guelph, Canada4,780 contributions
Dec 2019
Date of Visit: Saturday, Dec 14th, 2019

When you visit Santa Cruz California there are 3 major attractions.
The waterfront, the Pier, and The Boardwalk/amusement park.

The boardwalk stretches quite a distance along the waterfront. There are amusements of all kinds here. It is like a small amusement park.
There are rides, games, concessions, attractions, shopping, and food services
In the Summer this place is more lively and happening but we were there in December and there are plenty of things to do and a lot fewer people.

There is a laffing Sal animatronic feature which reminded me of the one I grew up with in Crystal Beach Amusement Park.

There is a lot to do especially for the kids.

During the summer there are live bands, and more attractions.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

buttrfly757
Magalia, CA35 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
As a kid growing up in San Jose this place was my favorite! The beach, the board walk the taffy the arcade the shops the food, the old time pictures the best roller coaster on the planet (I'm biased much) the Merry Go round with brass rings and a calliope and just the beauty of the ocean and Santa Cruz. I even painted an interpretation in watercolor that got lots of praise in 7th grade. lol Go! Have fun!
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Reed
Orlando, FL1,431 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
I’ve been to quite a few “beach boardwalk” amusement parks throughout the country and this might be my favorite. It’s well maintained, well run and has a really good selection of rides including a well maintained classic wooden coaster and a brass ring carousel. Only negatives are the costs of the parking and the lack of food options besides normal “fair food”. If you want that classic boardwalk vibe and some great rides, you have to visit!
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jerry K
Oahu, HI24 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
So many shops and restaurants, lots of sea lions and seagulls. You have a grea view of a surfing area for beginners, we saw dozens of them. We ate lunch at the Fire Fish, where they have lots of $15 catch of the day specials that I would think were good deal even if they cost more.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Max
Los Angeles, CA357 contributions
May 2021
You can park about 5-10 walk away for about $5-$10. If you want to use the restroom and the first one you come to at the entrance of the boardwalk is crowded, just walk about 1 minute down the boardwalk and there are non crowded restrooms. There are lots of shops and places to eat. At the end you can see the seals underneath.
Written June 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

832vgs
New Delhi, India1,423 contributions
Jun 2021
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is an amazing place to spend a day with family and friends. We went there on a sunny day with our family including kids and had a wonderful time. We walked along the waves enjoying the sea weed circling our feet and getting washed away. We sat relishing the sunshine and kids building castles with the sand. There are food restaurants nearby where one can enjoy snacks, churros, ice creams and more. When the kids got drenched in the water, we could even manage to buy dresses and towels for them. Visit to the beach is free. You can book tickets online or offline (there is quite a queue) to enjoy the various thrill rides (Double Shot, Undertow, Roller Coasters etc) or kiddie rides. One can enjoy the magnificent view of the ocean and the boats. A must visit for any tourist to the city.
Written June 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Robbie F
2 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Lots of things to do, staff was friendly, easy access, clean, lots of food options. Not worth the money, took 3 kids, paid full price for ride wrist bands but the lines were very long throughout the hole day. There was no discount for the 2 kids that couldn't ride 50% of the rides due to height. Would have been nice if they offered a discounted rate for the little kids....
Written May 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MonkeyKing814
156 contributions
Feb 2020
Arcade is decent and not so expensive by today’s standards. Most things are $1.00 per play but there are some at $0.50. Cards are rechargeable and tickets are automatically credited. The mini golf is fun and quick play - great for kids as it is not so long.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jason_Tinley_Park
Tinley Park, IL146 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
This place was a lot of fun. There is no admission cost so those members of our family who don’t like to ride the rides could still be there and not feel like they were wasting any money. The food was surprisingly good for an amusement park - still somewhat pricey but not nearly as bad as a normal amusement park. The place that makes crepes was excellent. Get the all day pass for the rides. Lines were never really long (again, compared to normal amusement parks). They have plenty of options for all ages.

Unfortunately, while we were sitting down eating dinner, we saw a small child puke on the kiddie ride right next to us. They shut down the ride, and then two maintenance workers came over and scrubbed every inch of this thing for about 20 minutes. Then they taped off that particular car, and finally reopened the ride. It was fairly impressive to see how much they cleaned it, and then didn’t let other guests use that car after the ride was reopened.
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LiveLife530
3 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
Great experience! Loved watching the sea lions swim around and play with one another. Restaurants on the wharf are good! Bad customer service was experienced at one of the restaurants, I don't recall the name of the restaurant but it was the only one that is upstairs and is Mexican cuisine. The waiters didn't even acknowledge my son and I. I had to ask to place my order. I asked for plastic utensils the waiter looked at me and walked away...he never came back. I asked for 2 straws the bus boy who gave us the straws just got done running his hands through his hair....the straws were not wrapped. At the time the restaurant wasn't busy so I don't know exactly what was going on. No waiter asked us if we wanted a refill, our chip bowl refilled our beverages refilled. No nothing.
Worst experience ever.
Written November 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 1-10 of 3,309
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is open:
  • Sun - Sat 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.

We recommend booking Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk tours on Tripadvisor


Restaurants near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: View all restaurants near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on Tripadvisor

Attractions near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: View all attractions near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on Tripadvisor

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Information

Excellent Reviews1,653
Very Good Reviews1,334
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Photos2,396