California's Largest Admission Free Amusement Park

Boardwalk History

The family-operated Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been entertaining locals and visitors since 1907.

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 Giant Dipper roller coaster and Looff Carousel are both National Historic Landmarks and the entire Boardwalk property is a California Historic Landmark.

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. Toward the end of the century 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.

Wild Mouse amusement park ride

Never a Dull Moment

History Blog

Discover amazing facts about California’s oldest amusement park. Ted Whiting III shares personal stories based on decades of experience working on “the ‘Walk” and many hours of research into Boardwalk Archives.

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Old photos of people and buildings on beach boardwalk

Boardwalk Memories

Explore a fascinating collection of favorite memories and family photographs contributed by Boardwalk guests, then share yours!

See Memories
Scenic Railway at the Boardwalk

Boardwalk Interactive History Timeline

Scroll through Boardwalk history with our interactive history timeline. Learn about over a century of milestones that have shaped the Boardwalk.
See Timeline
Wall of historical photos

Boardwalk Historium

Soak up a little Boardwalk history on the second floor of Neptune’s Kingdom, the building once housed an indoor salt-water swimming pool.

The free exhibit includes photographs and memorabilia from the Boardwalk’s first 100 years.

Beach sign and cover of brochure - Walking Tour of the Historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Historic Walking Tour

Take a stroll through Boardwalk history! Our free brochure includes points of interest and fun facts about the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Cocoanut Grove plus a map identifying locations of 20 interpretive signs displayed throughout the park. The full tour takes approximately 45 minutes.

Download the Historic Walking Tour Brochure

Download History Tour Activity Workbook

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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
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