Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Reviews

• PP

  PITAchic84

  Mar 1, 2026
  5.0
  This place is definitely a good fun time. I have great memories of coming here as a kid and it's just as fun, if more expensive now. I cannot recommend the Cajun corn dog enough. Mini golf course is a banger. Decent arcade. Decent micheladas. Good tourist fun but you can also just vibe without spending money.
• NE

  Nichole Estrada

  Feb 26, 2026
  5.0
  Lived in California my whole life near beaches and no other boardwalk compares to Santa Cruz. You've got to see it for yourself to truly experience it. Rollercoaster, carousel, Pirate Ship swing, free fall drops, lazer tag, the Vault (maze), arcades (doesn't give it justice), tons of food options, picnic area, umbrellas covered tables facing the shore... and this is off season. All of the rides are closed off weekdays, in off-season. However the arcade, lazer tag, & bowling alley were open. Lots of the local restaurants & bars are open so feel like a kid again and visit Santa Cruz Boardwalk. And you can get a great deal on hotel rooms within 2 blocks during off-season.
• AW

  A M WAKE

  Feb 23, 2026
  2.0
  Boardwalk wasn’t open. The arcade and the stores were. I found it odd considering it was an elementary school week long holiday break that the boardwalk was closed. But oh well. Kids had fun at the arcade. BUT!!! So many games ate our money and did nothing…or just didn’t work. But I prefer to KNOW they’re not working over having them eat our money n do NOTHING! I kept track…between 3 boardwalk cards we lost $29. Plus the fact my son actually lost his card. But we had the receipt so we “could get our card back with all points intact”. That was a crock too. We love the boardwalk. It’s nostalgic and mostly fun. But…beware the arcade and KEEP UR RECEIPTS! It didn’t work for us…but it did work for someone else.
• HH

  HavoK

  Feb 22, 2026
  3.0
  I grew up coming to Santa Cruz and had so many fond memories of this place as a child. I was really looking forward to sharing that with my kids for their first trip, but it was a total mess. We spent almost the entire day just waiting in lines. Most of the rides were inaccessible because the wait times were so long. ​The most upsetting part was a safety concern. There was a man acting very creepy toward the children. Even though the ride operator noticed and moved him to a different car, they didn't actually kick him out of the park. It made the environment feel unsafe for families. The only highlight of the entire day was our walk toward the pier at night. That was the only time we actually enjoyed the atmosphere. I’m very bummed that the nostalgia didn't live up to the reality. 3 stars for the calming walk on the pier.
• KL

  Kunal Lalwani

  Feb 13, 2026
  5.0
  What I loved most is the vibe, it’s lively, a little nostalgic, and right next to the ocean. Walking around with the beach on one side and the rides on the other just feels very California. The Giant Dipper was a highlight for me was classic wooden coaster, a bit thrilling, and totally worth it. Even when I wasn’t on rides, just being there was fun. The arcades, music, and overall energy make it a great place to hang out with friends or family. Food options are typical boardwalk stuff, but that’s part of the experience was easy, indulgent, and enjoyable while you’re there. Yes, it can get crowded and parking needs a little patience, but once you’re inside, it’s easy to forget all that. Sunset is especially beautiful, with the lights turning on and the ocean breeze coming in. Overall, it’s one of those places that leaves you smiling. I’d definitely go back, especially on a warm day when you just want to relax, enjoy the beach, and soak in the atmosphere.

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