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  What is the Boardwalk?
When is the Boardwalk open?
How much does it cost to get into the Boardwalk?
What is the cost of rides?
What should I bring?
When’s the best time to come the Boardwalk?
Where is the Boardwalk?
Where can I stay?
Is smoking allowed on the Boardwalk?
Are pets allowed at the Boardwalk?
What else is there to do around the Boardwalk?
What is the Boardwalk?
The Boardwalk is a half-mile long historic amusement park next to Santa Cruz’s mile long Main Beach. It features more than 34 rides and attractions including two National Historic Landmarks: the 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster and the 1911 Looff Carousel plus plenty of modern thrill rides, dozens of restaurants, shops, games, indoor arcades, and miniature golf.
When is the Boardwalk open?
The Boardwalk is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day and then weekends and holidays during fall and part of spring. (We’re usually closed the first three weeks of December for winter maintenance.) A l limited number of rides are open every day during April and May. The Boardwalk’s Grand Arcades, the Casino Arcade and Neptune’s Kingdom Miniature Golf, plus the new Boardwalk Bowl, are open year-round with the exception of December 25.
Click here for our operating calendar.
How much does it cost to get into the Boardwalk?
The Boardwalk is admission-free! If you just want to come take a stroll along the Boardwalk and have a look around, we're open to the public even when the rides are closed. If you decide to try out some rides, tickets can be purchased for individual rides or for all day. Boardwalk parking is normally $10 when rides are operating, $5 when rides are limited, and free when rides are closed. RV parking is $25.
Click here for Ride Ticket pricing information.
What is the cost of rides?
The Boardwalk offers a range of ticket plans to meet your budget. There are all-day, unlimited ride passes as well as individual ride tickets and season passes. There are also discounts and coupons online. Ticket prices are the same for all ages.
Click here for Ride Ticket pricing information.
Click here for current Coupon and Discount Information.
What should I bring?
Santa Cruz weather is generally mild and beautiful, but it can be a little tricky. Be sure to bring clothing layers including a warm sweatshirt or jacket: expect cool temperatures in the morning, sunny days, and cooler evenings. Here are some suggestions for a comfortable day at the Boardwalk:
 Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Bathing suit
Sweatshirt/sweater
Hat
Camera
Comfortable shoes
Stroller (there are a limited amount available for rent).
Wheelchair (our Operations Office has a limited amount available to borrow).
Click here for current weather information.
When’s the best time to come to the Boardwalk?
Choosing the best time to visit the Boardwalk depends on your particular needs and interests. If you'd prefer to visit when there are fewer guests around, then you should come in the Fall or Spring. During the Summer, peak hours are usually between 1pm and 3pm, so plan to arrive at opening or after 5 p.m. Summertime is the Boardwalk’s key season and special events, including our 1907 discount nights and our free summer concerts series, are very popular. The park, however, is ready for visitors and our staff works very hard to accommodate guests in a timely manner. Our lines are shorter and move faster than most other area amusement parks. See our operating calendar for more schedule information.
Click here for our operating calendar.
Where is the Boardwalk and how do I get there?
Located between San Francisco and Monterey, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is at 400 Beach Street in Santa Cruz. The closest international airport is in San Jose, with bus and shuttle services available. Amtrak also provides transportation from its San Jose station. Both California’s scenic Highway 1 and Highway 17 connect to the community.
Click here for direction & parking information.
Where can I stay?
The Boardwalk’s own Carousel Motel across the street from the amusement park is a great spot for the entire family. If you’re looking for a little more romance, the Sea & Sand Inn, where every room has an ocean view, offers a perfect beach getaway. There are several hotels that offer packages that include Boardwalk tickets. There are also state campgrounds nearby at New Brighton State Beach in Capitola and Henry Cowell State Park in Felton.
Click here for lodging information.
Click here for Hotel/Boardwalk package information.
Is smoking allowed on the Boardwalk?
For the safety and comfort of all our guests, smoking is not permitted on the Boardwalk. Smoking is currently permitted at designated areas along the street side of the Boardwalk away from entrances.
Are pets allowed at the Boardwalk?
Animals needed to assist guests (such as guide dogs) are welcome at the Boardwalk. Other pets, however, are not allowed on the Boardwalk or at the Santa Cruz city main beach.
A “doggie” beach is available next to the Lighthouse on West Cliff Drive (hours are restricted) and there are several boarding/kennel facilities within the Santa Cruz area.
What else is there to do around the Boardwalk and in Santa Cruz?
With its many beaches, eclectic downtown, and majestic redwoods, there’s plenty to do in  Santa Cruz County! There are plenty of year round events at the Boardwalk itself, including a Clam Chowder Festival in February and a free Friday night concerts series in the summer. Just within walking distance of the Boardwalk, there’s the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf with a variety of restaurants, shops, fresh fish … and fishing too! Just down the street from the Boardwalk, along scenic West Cliff Drive, is a famous Surfing Museum. Head inland for a few blocks and you’ll discover Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, with its movie theaters, coffee shops, bookstores, restaurants, and art centers. You can also take a short drive to the picturesque village of Capitola or head up to the mountains for wine tasting and redwood viewing. It’s all here!
Click here for more Santa Cruz area information.
Click here for our events calendar.
We'll see you at the beach!
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