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Santa Cruz Beach & Boardwalk

400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, California

Description

Santa Cruz is a popular tourist destination, at the northern edge of Monterey Bay, California. It is known for its university (University of California, Santa Cruz), its historical Mission Santa Cruz and its beach side activities: surf (Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point), beach and the boardwalk. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is an oceanfront amusement park founded in 1907, making it the oldest surviving in the state. There are several roller coasters, thrill, family and children rides with options to buy a day-ticket for unlimited rides or cards with stored value to be spent on a 'pay per ride' system. Admission to the boardwalk itself is free.

Access & Transport

Santa Cruz is 50km south of San Jose along the CA-17 and 120km south of San Francisco along US-101/CA-17 or the longer but more scenic coastal CA-1. Monterey is 70km south on the CA-1. The boardwalk is on the western bank of the San Lorenzo river, exit River St from the CA-1 and Ocean St from the CA-17.

Instructions & Recommendations

It's the beach and the sun can be strong so don't forget the usual protective equipment (hat/cap, "green" sunblock, sunglasses) and some water.

Meta review

The boardwalk makes the shortlist of travel guides covering the area and online reviews also suggest it is the most popular attraction in Santa Cruz. The combination of a busy but clean beach and fun rides makes it very popular with families for a day full of colour and sounds (including beach vendors and sea lions). The only drawbacks are the weekend crowds and related car traffic.

Environmental & Social

The beach is a green activity but the energy hungry boardwalk not so. Socially neutral.

Conclusion

A good day trip option or stop on a road trip towards Monterey and the Big Sur. The combination of beach and boardwalk with a pay-per-ride option allows travellers to mix and match depending on personal interests and budget.

Key positive

Family friendly venue

Large range of rides and good beach

Key negative

Expensive day-ticket and parking

Crowded and heavy traffic in town on weekends

Mostly junk food

Suitability

Suitable for families and the boardwalk is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility (not all rides though)

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Arcades open around 09-10h and rides around 11h. Closure around 19h-21h depending on season

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:3h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningNo

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
The boardwalk itself is free but not the rides
Free

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