For theme parks near Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk pairs a seaside amusement park with the historic Giant Dipper. It’s at 400 Beach Street in Santa Cruz, California, and entry is free. The Giant Dipper is about a 5-minute drive from a two-star motel.
- Location: 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, California
- Entry: Free; rides require a ticket, card, or wristband
- Ride schedules: Vary; rides may close because of weather or maintenance
- Parking: Onsite, open-air lots are first-come, first-served
Where are the Boardwalk and Giant Dipper?
The Boardwalk sits beside the coast in Santa Cruz, and the Giant Dipper is one of its landmark rides. The park opened in 1907; the Giant Dipper opened in 1924. The Boardwalk identifies the Giant Dipper and Looff Carousel as National Historic Landmarks.
You can walk through the Boardwalk even when rides are closed, since entry is free. If you’re planning a broader day in town, a one-day Santa Cruz itinerary can help connect the coast with downtown.
What are the ride schedules and admission options?
Ride schedules vary, so plan around the calendar for your visit rather than assuming rides will be operating. The Boardwalk warns that weather or maintenance can make rides unavailable.
For rides, choose among an all-day unlimited-ride wristband, individual ride tickets, or a MyBoardwalk Card. Each ride uses 5–8 card points. Ride-ticket prices are the same for all ages, and exact prices can change.
Arcades and Boardwalk Bowl are separate options from rides, but their schedules can differ from the ride schedule. Check the official site before you go for the calendar, ticket pricing, and current operating details.
How do you get to the Boardwalk and park?
By car, follow Highway 17 or scenic Highway 1 to Santa Cruz, then follow signs to Santa Cruz Beach. The Boardwalk’s parking lots are open-air and first-come, first-served; they do not allow in-and-out privileges, and overnight parking is not allowed.
Parking uses a flat daily rate. Rates vary by day and season: $35 on summer weekends and holidays, $25 on summer weekdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day, $25 on spring and fall weekends, $20 on weekdays, and $15 on limited-ride days. When rides are closed, parking costs $5. Prices may change.
The Main Lot opens at 6 a.m. The River Lot opens two hours before rides open, while Leibrandt and Park Place lots open two hours before rides on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
Arrive early for onsite parking on weekends and holidays. All vehicles must leave the lots by 2:30 a.m.; overnight parking and camping are prohibited, except for paid participants at designated Overnight Campout events.
Accessible parking is in the front rows of the Main Lot for vehicles displaying a disabled placard or license plate. Regular fees apply, and spaces are not guaranteed. For a Santa Cruz day that includes other stops, family activities in Santa Cruz also covers parks, museums, and the beach.
How can you plan time around the beach?
Main Beach is beside the Boardwalk, making it easy to pair time by the water with a visit to the amusement area. The City of Santa Cruz makes Main Beach volleyball courts available for rent and provides beach and parking information.
If you need a wheelchair, the Boardwalk offers them first-come, first-served through Guest Services near the Haunted Castle or the Season Pass Office at the Main Entrance. A $250 credit-card hold and a valid driver’s license or legal ID are required.
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located at Boardwalk Bowl, Casino Arcade, Neptune’s Kingdom, the Boardwalk Midway beside the Looff Carousel, and Cave Train Plaza under the Logger’s Revenge hill.
FAQs
Is entry to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk free?
Yes. You can enter and walk through the park without buying a ride ticket, including when rides are closed.
How does the Giant Dipper payment system work?
You can use an unlimited-ride wristband, individual ride tickets, or a MyBoardwalk Card. Each ride takes 5–8 card points.
Can you leave the parking lot and come back?
No. Boardwalk parking lots do not allow in-and-out privileges.
Are wheelchair-accessible restrooms available?
Yes. They are located at several spots around the Boardwalk, including Boardwalk Bowl, Casino Arcade, and the Midway beside the Looff Carousel.