California's Largest Admission Free Amusement Park

About Us

A Real California Experience

Welcome to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is recognized as the best seaside park in the world. Our vibrant, bustling amusement park is renowned for its great rides, remarkable history, spectacular beach setting, and friendly attitude.

The Boardwalk has been family-owned and operated since 1907, and it hasn’t missed a beat! We believe in affordable family fun – that’s why admission is free, summer entertainment is included, and ride tickets are affordable.

Two of our rides are National Historic Landmarks, but don’t let that fool you. The 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster still thrills riders with its hair-raising dips and turns and the Looff Carousel’s unique ring toss provides a surprising challenge. Our indoor arcades offer the largest selection of games in Northern California with the latest video and redemption games, pinball machines, a vintage game collection, two-story miniature golf course, and laser tag arena. There’s also a family bowling center right across the street.

Many people visit just for the food. Choices include corn dogs made from a secret family recipe, deep fried artichokes, chocolate covered bacon, and deep fried Twinkies!

The Boardwalk spans a wide sandy beach along Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary where it’s not unusual to see otters, dolphins, sea lions, and even whales swimming just offshore.

Join us for a truly unique California experience!

History

We’re the last of the great seaside amusement parks remaining in the United States and home to two National Historic Landmarks – the 1911 Looff Carousel and 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster. The entire property is also a State Historic Landmark.

More History

Environmental Stewardship

Located next to pristine Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is committed to environmental preservation. Our outstanding recycling and reuse programs are continually recognized by the State of California and the City of Santa Cruz.

Eco Profile

Big Kahuna Newsletter

Our free monthly e-newsletter delivers all the latest news including special events, discounts, as well as concert and entertainment news.

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Our Charitable Giving

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk supports a variety of Santa Cruz County schools and non-profit organizations with cash donations, in-kind contributions, and special events. Totaling over $1 million annually, Boardwalk donations represent the largest charitable contribution from any locally-owned, privately-held company in Santa Cruz.

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Social Media Channels

We’re very social! Become a fan on Facebook and be the first to get breaking Boardwalk news, fun updates, and cool photos. Experience more on our Youtube channel, and send us a Tweet!

Check it out

Partners

We are proud to be working with great organizations and businesses.

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Agree & Continue

1. Advance Purchase Requirement

  • Group orders must be pre-purchased online prior to your visit.
  • On-site group ride wristband purchases will not be available or accommodated.

2. Add-ons

  • MyBoardwalk Cards for food and arcade games can be added at the time of your ride wristband purchase.
  • Please note that all food and game locations are cashless and require a MyBoardwalk Card or other electronic payment methods.
  • Wristbands may be added in a single add-on transaction on the day of your visit. Additional wristbands cannot be added later in the day.

3. Payment

  • Purchase Orders are not accepted.
  • For check payments, please email [email protected] to request an invoice. Be sure to allow up to 3 business days for invoice processing prior to your group visit.
  • Accepted payment methods include: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, and MyBoardwalk Cards.
  • All purchases must be completed in a single payment transaction.

4. Group Check-In Procedure

  • Your group order will be prepared and available for pick-up on the day of your visit at the Season Pass & Groups Services Office, located at the Main Entrance of the park.
  • The designated group leader must present the order number (for online purchases) or reservation number (for manual invoices) upon arrival at check-in. The leader must also provide the name of the individual who placed the order.
  • Individual printed tickets are not required for each group member.
  • If ride wristbands are included in your order, the entire group must be present at check-in.
  • A staff member is required to wristband individuals who purchased a ride wristband.
  • The group leader is responsible for checking in the full group and confirming which individuals will receive ride wristbands. Wristbands will not be distributed unless the group leader is present.

5. Parking

  • Standard parking rates apply for all group visits.
  • Parking in all Boardwalk lots is available on a first-come, first-served basis. No in-and-out privileges are permitted.
  • Parking fees are charged at a daily flat rate. For current pricing, please visit
    https://beachboardwalk.com/directions.
  • Only school or group charter buses may park free of charge in the River Lot. Buses may unload guests in the street loading zone between Neptune’s Kingdom and the Main Entrance, then proceed to park in the River Lot located at 100 3rd St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
  • Bus parking is limited and not guaranteed. No in-and-out privileges are permitted.

6. Refunds and Exchanges

  • No refunds.
  • Exchanges from ride wristbands to MyBoardwalk Cards (equal to the paid value of the wristband) may be issued for individuals who did not attend.
  • Exchanges will only be honored if the minimum group size of 15 is met and the order is paid in full.
  • The Boardwalk is not responsible for lost wristbands.

7. Supervision of Minors

Chaperones and guardians are responsible for the behavior and supervision of minors in their group. Appropriate conduct is expected at all times. The park does not assume responsibility or liability for unattended minors.

Agree & Continue

MyBoardwalk Photos

Capture memories from your visit with 5 photo locations! Choose from an All-Day or All-Season Digital Photo Pass for one low price, plus receive $2 off print packages including photo prints, keychains and magnets.

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people playing laser tag
family playing Miniature Golf

Additional Discounts

  • 1x BOGO Laser Tag*– Redeemable at the attraction with your Season Pass card.
  • 1x BOGO Mini Golf*– Redeemable at the attraction with your Season Pass card.
  • 1x BOGO Fright Walk*– Redeemable at the attraction with your Season Pass card.
  • 1x BOGO Laser Maze*– Redeemable at the attraction with your Season Pass card.
  • 1x BOGO $10 MyBoardwalk Card*– Buy one $10 MyBoardwalk Card get one loaded with 10 Bonus Points. Redeemable at any Ticket Booth with your Season Pass card.
  • 1x BOGO Bowling Coupon – Redeemable at Boardwalk Bowl. Coupon will be given with each 2026 Season Pass. Not replaceable if lost or stolen.
  • 4x $5 Off Parking Coupons– Coupon sheet will be given with each 2026 Season Pass. Not replaceable if lost or stolen.

*Offers are entitlements loaded on the card. They cannot be applied without the Season Pass card. Offers must be redeemed at time of purchase.

 

Ride Wristbands on Hands

Bring-a-Friend-for-Free Days

Present your Season Pass at any ticket booth to pick up your wristband for the day, and your friend will receive one free All-Day Rides Wristband!

  • February 7 & 8, 2026*
  • February 28, 2026
  • March 1, 2026
  • June 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30, 2026
  • October 24 & 25, 2026
  • November 27, 2026*

One wristband per Season Pass. Friend must be present at the time of redemption for the wristband. No coupon is necessary.
*Please note this is a Limited Rides Day and not all rides will be operating.

Girls in Arcade

Casino Arcade Free Play

Show your Season Pass at the Casino Arcade entrance and enjoy exclusive free play from 9am-11am!

  • April 18, 2026
  • September 19, 2026

Limit one entry per Season Pass (Season Pass Members under 12 years old may be accompanied by an adult). Redemption/ticket games will be excluded. Valid only in the Casino Arcade. No coupon is necessary.

10% Off Food & Retail

Present your Season Pass card at time of purchase.

Includes Coasters at Boardwalk Bowl.

Discount cannot be applied after transaction.
Screen shots or photos of Season Pass will not be accepted.
Offer not valid for online purchases.

Deluxe Season Parking, Free Parking Details
Sign up for a monthly round-up of the latest Boardwalk discounts, special events, and insider news!