Coney Island Of The West: Spending A Day On The Santa Cruz Boardwalk

A day spent on any boardwalk is one that's sure to become a day spent well. In the northeast, many people are drawn in by the history and vintage vibes of the Coney Island Boardwalk. In the southeast, summertime visitors flock to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk for its fun and laid-back atmosphere. As it just so happens, the West Coast is home to a boardwalk that's just as notable: the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.

This boardwalk is home to an amusement park among other thrilling sights that will have visitors falling in love with California's coast all over again. Even if one day is all one can devote to this awesome park, it's well worth the 24 hours.

California's Oldest Operating Amusement Parks

The real draw of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk is the amusement park that can be found on it. The park opened in 1907 which makes it the oldest amusement park to still be operating in the state of California today - even beating out those such as Disneyland. When it first opened, admission to the park was free and, just as with many boardwalks, it still remains free of charge to excited visitors to this day.

Fun Fact: The Santa Cruz Boardwalk was used as the filming location for the classic 80s horror movie, The Lost Boys.

What's even more, the amusement park rides one will find in the park are just as (mostly) affordable as they were during the early 20th century which makes this park a true gem for adults and kids alike. The style of the park still holds the same retro design it once did with the obvious upkeep, and it's a great place to get lost for a few hours on some rides.

Rides & Games On The Santa Cruz Boardwalk

As with any classic boardwalk amusement park, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk has both classic and modern rides that appeal to all visitors.

Giant Dipper - One of the most famous wooden roller coasters in the country
Undertow - The only spinning coaster in the state of California
Shockwave - A spinning u-shaped coaster (new!)
Fireball - A dizzying G-force swing that has quickly become a fan favorite
Cyclone - Not to be confused with the coaster at Coney Island, this ride uses centrifugal force to produce a zero-gravity experience
Crazy Surf - Experience sudden drops on this up-and-down thrill ride
Cliff Hanger - An aerodynamic swing that takes riders above the Santa Cruz Beach
Double Shot - A sudden drop tower that reaches a height of 125 feet
Rock-O-Plane - A spinning, upside-down, caged-in Ferris wheel only for the most daring
Typhoon - And upside-down swing that throws riders six stories into the air
WipeOut - A rave-style setting with surf tunes accompanies riders as they 'ride the wave'

The Santa Cruz Boardwalk has a number of family rides, as well, including:

Sea Swings, a glow-in-the-dark Cave Train
A family-friendly coaster called Sea Serpent
Haunted Castle, a shorter Freefall ride
Logger's Revenge water flume
A test of strength ride called Lighthouse Lift-Off
A spinning carousel called Riptide
Speed Bumps bumper cars
Tornado swings
Loof Carousel
Pirate Ship swing
Rock & Roll spinning ride
Wave Rider slides
Twirlin' Teacups
Sky Glider gondola offering stunning beach views from above
Ghost Blasters
A backward speed ride called Tsunami
Space Race, a second set of bumper cars

For those who don't enjoy the thrilling zero gravity of amusement park rides, the boardwalk is home to plenty of arcade-style and midway-themed games, as well. Visitors will find anything from bottle knock-downs to balloon busts in the boardwalk booths, making for a spectacular time for all included. Mini-golf, laser tag, bowling, and even an arcade can also be found among its rides. Neptune's Kingdom is great for kids and adults and offers indoor, multi-player games such as air hockey.

Food On The Santa Cruz Boardwalk

Similar to the sheer number of rides that can be found on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, the food options are seemingly endless, as well. Visitors will find classics such as corn dogs and funnel cakes, but also have access to an entire list of full-service restaurants, as well. For adults, beer and wine are also served at restaurants; meanwhile, there are plenty of options for ice cream and dessert for the kids.

For a full list of the restaurants on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, see here. Some of the most popular fan favorites are:

Santa Cruz Sno Cones (available at most ice cream and shave ice stands)
Marini's Fudge
Penny Ice Creamery
The Picnic Basket
Any restaurant on the Wharf (featuring Mexican, Italian, and seafood options)

Live Entertainment

The Santa Cruz Boardwalk does offer live entertainment during the summer months, and from June through August, a band usually plays every Friday night. The bands are usually from the 60s, 70s, or 80s, and it's a great way for adults to pass the time while kids have fun on the rides or at the arcades.

Ticket Prices & Hours

Season Passes: $89.95, includes unlimited ride access through the year
Ride Wristband: $29.95-$59.95, includes unlimited ride access for one day
MyBoardwalk Card: $50-$100, Can be charged up and used for any midway and arcade games

For both the season passes and ride wristbands, visitors can purchase both online and will automatically save $10 in the process. Event tickets are sold separately online, as well.