The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a mile-long stretch of free-to-access boardwalk that offers hundreds of games, rides, and sights for the whole family.
The oldest amusement park in California and one of the last seaside amusement parks on the west coast of the United States, the Boardwalk remains a favorite destination for Northern California families.
The Boardwalk’s roots go back to 1865, when John Leibrandt opened a public bathhouse near the mouth of the San Lorenzo River. Other bathhouses followed and scores of tourists began visiting Santa Cruz to enjoy the highly-touted natural medicine of bathing in salt water.
Soon more concessions sprang up including restaurants, curio shops, and photo stands. In 1907, Fred W. Swanton, considered one of the greatest promoters and entrepreneurs of his time, laid plans for a casino and boardwalk, a Coney Island of the West.
The Santa Cruz Wharf, built in 1914, is known for fishing, boat tours, viewing sea lions, dining, nightlife and gift shops.
We also found a very cool salsa party on the Wharf.
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