Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 4
58 South Bay Accent
Sure, the Santa Cruz surf scene is sweet.
But that is not all the storied beach town
has going for it. The local “Surf City” is the
quintessential summer destination and
the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a picture-perfect setting
for sunset strolls, saltwater taffy and sea lion spotting along
the wharf. Founded in 1907, the boardwalk is the state’s oldest
amusement park, a National Historic Landmark and still
home to the Giant Dipper, the oldest roller coaster in California
and fifth oldest in the country, celebrating 95 years of
continuous operation this summer. Another antique treasure
is the Boardwalk’s oldest ride: the 1911 Looff Carousel continues
to delight generations with its 73 original hand-carved
wooden horses, brass poles and ornate mirrors.
While the nostalgia factor is a draw, the Boardwalk also
serves up a contemporary cornucopia of family-friendly
fun, with 40 rides and attractions including arcades beeping
and buzzing with both vintage machines and high-tech
video games, a game deck, old-timey midway game, food
vendors, indoor miniature golf, a laser tag arena, and gift
shops stocked with everything from novelties and beachwear
to sunglasses and jewelry.
New this year: the Casino Arcade has undergone a
flashy high-tech makeover with new gear and other exciting
new features; a new twirling teacups ride is bound to
keep little visitors squealing with glee.