Santa Cruz Beach & Boardwalk
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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - by Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash
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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.
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
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:3h
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo