Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, California

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is quintessential summer in a strip. The Pacific Ocean lies just beyond the strip of small thrill rides, a roaring coaster, arcade games, and stalls for cotton candy and funnel cake. There’s also a train that rolls by that takes you up towards the redwood forests and it can be a great family activity too. During a busier season, one might find surfers catching some waves. Stroll over to the adjacent Santa Cruz Wharf for some more excellent shops and restaurants.

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Travel
400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Coordinates: 36.9643° N, 122.0187° W

Cost & Admission
Free admission, cost of food or entertainment.
For recent schedule, click here.

Food
Plenty of food options on the boardwalk or adjacent Santa Cruz Wharf. We ate at Makai Island Kitchen and loved it.

Activities
Beach, amusement park, arcade games, eating, walking.

Tips
This was just a pit stop for us, but make sure the attractions you want are open. When we went in May, the rides were not open but the arcade and most of Santa Cruz Wharf was.