Is Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk worth visiting?

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is California's oldest continually operating amusement park, renowned for its iconic wooden roller coaster, the Giant Dipper. It offers a vibrant atmosphere for family fun and entertainment, combining the thrill of a classic amusement park with the scenic beauty of a beachfront location.

What are the best things to see and do at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk?

Visitors can enjoy a wide array of attractions, from exhilarating rides to family-friendly games and entertainment, including classic and modern rides, and arcade games. The Boardwalk is situated on a beautiful beach and also features numerous dining choices.

What are the opening hours at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk?

Ride hours vary significantly by day, ranging from closed on some weekdays to open from 11 AM - 10 PM on weekends and holidays. Arcades are generally open daily, with hours varying between 9 AM and midnight. Always check the official site for date-specific hours.

Is Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk suitable for young children, and what ages is it best for?

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is suitable for "All ages," offering a vibrant atmosphere for family fun and entertainment.

Is there food available at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk?

Yes, the boardwalk offers numerous dining choices, ranging from traditional boardwalk fare to diverse culinary experiences.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Write a Review Santa Cruz, California All ages Verified•Theme Park

Published October 2026. Editorial oversight by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards

Image credits

Photo by Larry Pieniazek, User:Lar, (primary) via Wikidata, CC-BY-2.5
Photo by Todd Dwyer via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-3.0
Photo by Jiggy2016 via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-4.0

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About Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

A century-old beachfront amusement park where the wooden Giant Dipper still rattles above the Pacific.

Right on the sand in Santa Cruz, this is California's oldest continually operating amusement park, pairing classic thrills with ocean views.

What you'll see and do - Ride the iconic wooden roller coaster, the Giant Dipper, the park's signature attraction - Choose from a wide array of rides, family-friendly games, and entertainment along the boardwalk - Refuel at numerous dining choices, from traditional boardwalk fare to more diverse culinary options - Watch for events and promotions such as season pass deals and free play days at the arcade

Attraction Details

Facilities

Parking
Wheelchair access
Food court
Gift shop
Arcades
Mini Golf
Laser Tag
Bowling

Events at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Bring-a-Friend-for-Free Days
February 7-8, 2026; February 28, 2026; March 1, 2026; June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026; October 24-25, 2026; November 27, 2026
Season Pass members can bring a friend for a free All-Day Rides Wristband on select dates, some of which are Limited Rides Days.
Casino Arcade Free Play
April 18, 2026; September 19, 2026
Season Pass members receive exclusive free play from 9 AM to 11 AM at the Casino Arcade.
Kick Off to Summer Drone Show
May 16, 2026
A drone show to celebrate the start of summer.
Mother's Day
May 10, 2026
Memorial Day
May 25, 2026

Plan Your Visit

Family-tested advice for a smoother day at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Who it's for

All ages

Getting there

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is at 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Check the operator's site for parking and transit options.

Pro tip

Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a portable charger to keep the day running smoothly.

Directions

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

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This attraction has been claimed and verified.

Last updated 10/17/2026