The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a 106-year-old amusement park on the California coast with rides, arcades, and beach access
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk opened in 1911 and sits directly on the sand in Santa Cruz, California. It is a working amusement park, not a historical museum — you pay per ride, per game, or buy an all-day pass. The boardwalk itself (the wooden walkway and surrounding area) is free to walk on, but the rides, arcade games, and attractions cost money. The park operates year-round, though hours and which rides run change by season.
The boardwalk is about 0.5 miles long and includes two major roller coasters, a 1911 wooden Giant Dipper roller coaster and a 1924 Looff carousel that still operates. Beyond the rides, there are food stands, arcades, mini golf, a shooting gallery, and direct access to Santa Cruz Main Beach. Parking is separate from admission and fills quickly on weekends and summer days.
Key Takeaways
- The boardwalk is free to enter and walk around, but rides and games require separate payment — either per ride or through an all-day wristband.
- The Giant Dipper and Looff carousel are the two oldest attractions and run continuously, though the carousel is seasonal.
- Parking is limited and paid; arriving early or using public transit can save time and money.
- Summer and weekends draw large crowds; visiting on weekday mornings or in fall and winter means shorter lines and lower prices on some attractions.
Rides, games, and attractions with their costs
The boardwalk charges per ride rather than a single entry fee. A single ride on most attractions costs between $5 and $8. The Giant Dipper roller coaster costs around $10 per ride. The Looff carousel costs $3 to $4. Arcade games vary by machine but typically range from 50 cents to $3 per play.
An all-day wristband that covers unlimited rides costs around $60 to $80 depending on the day and season. Wristbands are cheaper on weekday mornings and more expensive on summer weekends and holidays. The boardwalk website lists current pricing by date. Games and food are not included in the wristband price.
Beyond rides, the boardwalk has a video arcade, Skee-Ball, mini golf, a shooting gallery, and a rope course. These attractions charge separately and are not covered by the wristband. Food vendors line the boardwalk and sell typical amusement park fare — corn dogs, funnel cakes, pizza, ice cream — at prices between $8 and $18 per item.
Hours, seasons, and when crowds are smallest
The boardwalk is open year-round, but hours shift by season. In summer (June through August), it typically opens at 11 a.m. and closes between 10 p.m. and midnight. In fall and winter, hours shorten to 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. on weekdays, with later hours on weekends. Spring hours fall between the two. The boardwalk website lists the exact hours for each day.
Crowds are heaviest on summer weekends, school holidays, and warm days. Weekday mornings in fall, winter, and spring have the shortest lines. If you go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning in October or November, you may wait only 5 to 10 minutes for most rides. On a Saturday in July, waits can exceed 45 minutes for popular attractions.
Some rides close for maintenance or weather. The Looff carousel typically closes from November through February. Check the boardwalk's website or call ahead if you are traveling specifically for one attraction.
Parking, transit, and getting there
The boardwalk has three paid parking lots on or near the property. Parking costs $12 to $15 per day depending on the lot and season. Lots fill by mid-morning on summer weekends and holidays. Arriving before 10 a.m. increases your chances of finding a spot. Some hotels and nearby businesses offer validation or discounted parking if you eat or shop there.
Public transit is an alternative. Santa Cruz Metro bus routes 1 and 3 stop near the boardwalk and cost $2 per ride. The Santa Cruz Wharf Transit Center is a 10-minute walk from the boardwalk. If you are traveling from outside Santa Cruz, Greyhound and regional bus services serve the city, though schedules are limited.
The boardwalk address is 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. If you are driving, GPS directions to this address will take you to the main parking area. Street parking is available on nearby residential blocks but fills quickly and has time limits.
What to bring and what to know before you go
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. The boardwalk has no shade except under the arcade and food stands, and sun exposure is intense even on cool days. Water bottles can be refilled at fountains throughout the boardwalk, or you can buy bottled water for $4 to $6.
Bring cash or a card. Most rides and games accept both, but some older machines take only cash or tokens. The boardwalk has ATMs, but they charge a fee. Bringing cash from home is cheaper.
Wear comfortable shoes. The boardwalk is mostly flat, but you will walk at least 1 to 2 miles if you explore the full length and visit multiple attractions. The wooden boardwalk can be slippery when wet.
The beach is cold year-round. Water temperature ranges from 52°F in winter to 65°F in summer. If you plan to swim, bring a wetsuit or be prepared for a shock. Many visitors wade or play in the shallow water without swimming.
Food, bathrooms, and facilities
Food vendors are scattered along the boardwalk and sell pizza, hot dogs, corn dogs, funnel cakes, ice cream, and typical boardwalk fare. Prices are high — a hot dog costs $8 to $10, and a meal for two easily runs $40 to $60. There are no sit-down restaurants on the boardwalk itself, though several restaurants are within a few blocks on Pacific Avenue.
Public bathrooms are located near the main arcade and near the beach. They are free but can be crowded during peak hours. Bring hand sanitizer or wet wipes.
The boardwalk has benches, but seating is limited. On busy days, finding a place to sit and eat is difficult. Bringing a beach towel and eating on the sand is an option if you do not mind sand in your food.
Nearby attractions and how to spend a full day
The Santa Cruz Wharf is a 10-minute walk from the boardwalk and has restaurants, shops, and sea lion viewing. Entry to the wharf is free. Restaurants there range from casual fish and chips stands to sit-down seafood restaurants.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Museum is located on the boardwalk itself and documents the history of the park. Admission is around $5 to $8. It is small and takes 20 to 30 minutes to walk through.
The Santa Cruz Main Beach, directly adjacent to the boardwalk, is free and has lifeguards in summer. You can swim, surf, or play in the sand without paying. The beach is rocky in some areas and sandy in others.
Pacific Avenue, one block inland, has shops, bookstores, restaurants, and galleries. It is a walkable downtown area with no admission fee. Many visitors spend an hour or two browsing before or after the boardwalk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own food and drinks to the boardwalk?
Outside food and drinks are not permitted on the boardwalk or in the amusement park area. You must purchase food from the boardwalk vendors. However, you can bring food and drinks to the beach itself, which is free and adjacent to the boardwalk.
Is the boardwalk accessible for people with mobility issues?
The boardwalk is mostly flat and paved, making it wheelchair-accessible. Most rides have accessible entrances, though some older attractions have stairs. Call the boardwalk directly at (831) 423-5590 to ask about specific rides or attractions.
What is the best time of year to visit?
September and October have warm weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices than summer. Winter is quieter but colder and some rides close. Summer is busiest and most expensive. Spring (April and May) is a middle ground with moderate crowds and mild weather.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
You do not need advance tickets for individual rides. Wristbands can be purchased at the gate or online. Buying online sometimes offers a small discount, but availability and pricing vary by date. Check the boardwalk website for current pricing.
Are there discounts for children or seniors?
The boardwalk does not offer age-based discounts on rides or wristbands. However, some rides have height requirements that may exclude young children. Prices are the same for all ages. Some local hotels and organizations offer discounted wristband packages — ask your hotel or check the boardwalk website.