More than just pretzels and candied apples
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Check out the slideshow at the bottom of the page.
Growing up, my mom, sister and I spent several days every summer at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Naturally, I have many favorite memories and rituals that came to mind when I went back this summer, and I have a few that I was glad to miss out on.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk consists of the boardwalk with rides including the famous Giant Dipper and games like Skee Ball and the actual beach and Pacific Ocean, which can be enjoyed for free if you do not consider parking as part of the cost of visiting the ocean.
Way back when, a visit to the Beach Boardwalk would include plenty of time at the river that fed into the ocean. Here, the current was easy, and there was little chance of drowning. Across the way was a cave that was suitable for exploring, even if we never went back far into it. However, with a sign warning about the safety of enjoying the sedate river-turned-lagoon due to contamination, hanging out in this area of safety now poses a health hazard that should be avoided. While that may not be great from an environmental standpoint, it won’t matter much to those who love the waves of the ocean and the beach or to those who go to enjoy what the Boardwalk has to offer.
Skee Ball on the Boardwalk has changed. At $3 a game, it is expensive enough to be a deterrent even if 270 points earns a prize. Head on over to the arcade at the end of the Boardwalk to find more reasonable Skee Ball machines that dispense tickets. Thankfully, the Dime Toss still exists in its original form with the only difference being that the go to prize is now shot glasses instead of ash trays – though you can still win an ash tray if you want. So bring all of the dimes that you want and win a prize. The Archery game is relatively new and something that everyone should try.
The Giant Dipper is still bringing old time thrills to a new generation. Wooden roller coasters only get better with age, and the Giant Dipper is no different. Undertow provides a new style coaster for those interested in something more metal. The ride vehicle features a spinning element that adds another element to the modified crazy mouse style roller coaster.
The Bumper Cars, Sea Swings, Sky Glider and Pirate Ship are among the carnival type rides that populate the Boardwalk. Fireball is a great ride that starts out sedate enough but adds an element of awesome as it ends with a spinning, swinging motion not for the faint of heart. If you go with your sweetheart, sit across from each other and maintain eye contact for a strangely powerful and intimate experience.
Of course, rides aren’t the only reason to hit up the Boardwalk. The food offerings are exactly what you would expect. From deep fried Twinkies and Oreos to garlic fries and cotton candy to candied apples and saltwater taffy, all of the old favorites are available along with new offerings that would satisfy any palate. Even vegetarians can find food to eat like fresh fruit cups and veggie burgers (and garlic fries!).
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk may have expanded from the old days, but it has retained the atmosphere of beachside fun and excitement.
See a YouTube video of the Double Shot
Read about the mind blowing magic of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk lost and found
Growing up, my mom, sister and I spent several days every summer at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Naturally, I have many favorite memories and rituals that came to mind when I went back this summer, and I have a few that I was glad to miss out on.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk consists of the boardwalk with rides including the famous Giant Dipper and games like Skee Ball and the actual beach and Pacific Ocean, which can be enjoyed for free if you do not consider parking as part of the cost of visiting the ocean.
Way back when, a visit to the Beach Boardwalk would include plenty of time at the river that fed into the ocean. Here, the current was easy, and there was little chance of drowning. Across the way was a cave that was suitable for exploring, even if we never went back far into it. However, with a sign warning about the safety of enjoying the sedate river-turned-lagoon due to contamination, hanging out in this area of safety now poses a health hazard that should be avoided. While that may not be great from an environmental standpoint, it won’t matter much to those who love the waves of the ocean and the beach or to those who go to enjoy what the Boardwalk has to offer.
Skee Ball on the Boardwalk has changed. At $3 a game, it is expensive enough to be a deterrent even if 270 points earns a prize. Head on over to the arcade at the end of the Boardwalk to find more reasonable Skee Ball machines that dispense tickets. Thankfully, the Dime Toss still exists in its original form with the only difference being that the go to prize is now shot glasses instead of ash trays – though you can still win an ash tray if you want. So bring all of the dimes that you want and win a prize. The Archery game is relatively new and something that everyone should try.
The Giant Dipper is still bringing old time thrills to a new generation. Wooden roller coasters only get better with age, and the Giant Dipper is no different. Undertow provides a new style coaster for those interested in something more metal. The ride vehicle features a spinning element that adds another element to the modified crazy mouse style roller coaster.
The Bumper Cars, Sea Swings, Sky Glider and Pirate Ship are among the carnival type rides that populate the Boardwalk. Fireball is a great ride that starts out sedate enough but adds an element of awesome as it ends with a spinning, swinging motion not for the faint of heart. If you go with your sweetheart, sit across from each other and maintain eye contact for a strangely powerful and intimate experience.
Of course, rides aren’t the only reason to hit up the Boardwalk. The food offerings are exactly what you would expect. From deep fried Twinkies and Oreos to garlic fries and cotton candy to candied apples and saltwater taffy, all of the old favorites are available along with new offerings that would satisfy any palate. Even vegetarians can find food to eat like fresh fruit cups and veggie burgers (and garlic fries!).
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk may have expanded from the old days, but it has retained the atmosphere of beachside fun and excitement.
See a YouTube video of the Double Shot
Read about the mind blowing magic of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk lost and found