A Guide to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for the Young at Heart

This guide to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk is written for older people who remain young at heart. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in California is too iconic to be left merely to the young. Middle-aged and seniors can enjoy it too!

Arrive Early

My first recommendation is to arrive early, whether it’s a less-crowded weekday or on the weekend. The boardwalk can get really crowded, especially in the height of summer. Personally, I find it more enjoyable when I have a little breathing room. And it’s easy to get there early– boardwalk rides don’t open till 11 am and sometimes not till 12 pm!

I also like getting to the boardwalk before it opens. It’s usually quiet and foggy–a distinct contrast to the sunny summer afternoon. And I enjoy walking by the outdoor employee meetings where they get their daily instructions. Rides and shops are usually run by teenagers, and I have to give them and their management a shout-out. I have yet to come across a rude or unfriendly teen selling food, souvenirs, or manning rides. They are always friendly and polite. Thank you! That’s a rare thing these days.

Visit Neptune’s Kingdom

Neptune’s Kingdom is located under the Colonnade on the boardwalk. Between 1907 and 1962 it was known as The Plunge and housed two huge heated salt-water swimming pools. Together the tanks held 408,000 gallons of ocean water that was replenished daily. Not only could visitors swim in the pools, they also got to see shows that featured professional divers, gymnasts, and swimmers. I wish they had The Plunge now!

These days, Neptune’s Kingdom is still lots of fun. It has become a two-story entertainment center that features a pirate-themed miniature golf course on the bottom floor, and a top floor filled with pinball machines, air hockey, pool tables, and more. I had so much fun going there last year to play the pinball machines and air hockey with my husband and son. This place is a hidden gem, and it opens early! You can head there before the rides open and enjoy it with less noise.

One more thing–upstairs there are wonderful photos on the walls of Neptune’s Kingdom showcasing the history of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Be sure to look at some of them.

Visit the Looff Carousel

This gorgeous carousel was built by Charles Looff in 1911 for the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. In many merry-go-rounds they put the most attractive horse on the outside, while the inside ones get progressively plainer. Not at this carousel! Each one of the 73 hand-carved horses is as beautiful as the last. And except for two stationary standers, they all move up and down (jumpers).

Each horse is unique. I recommend taking the time to really look at them. Many of them carry a surprising load behind their saddle.

The Looff Carousel also features three–count them–THREE antique organs. When the carousel runs, they play. Instead of using paper music rolls, they use MIDI computerized interfaces; however, all the moving parts of the organs work. You can watch and hear them in action as each organ plays in succession. They are awesome. (Be sure to watch my video at the end of this blog. It will showcase the carousel and organs.)

Easier Rides

Most boardwalk rides are too much for me, spinning rides especially, are right out.

However, there are three rides I love and recommend highly:

Sky Glider

Sky Glider is a gentle ride that provides an aerial view of the Santa Cruz beach and boardwalk. Each chair can seat two people as it glides 1000 feet down the boardwalk. Installed in 1967, Sky Glider provides a nice respite from the crowd below.

Looff Carousel

When I’m with any of my family, I like to ride the Santa Cruz carousel, because it has something few merry-go-rounds have: a ring toss. As you ride by the ring dispenser, you get to reach out, grab a ring, and try to throw it in the clown’s mouth. People who hit the target are rewarded with bells and lights. It’s really fun.

Giant Dipper

This is one of my favorite roller coasters ever. It thrills without terrifying–from it’s initial plunge into a dark tunnel, to it’s long clacking climb to the top (enjoy the view while you can!), to it’s successive curves and dips and swirls, to it’s sudden stop at the end–it is one long ride of shrieking laughter. All ages seem to love this roller coaster.

The Giant Dipper is a rare wooden roller coaster. It was built in 1924 by Arthur Looff–the son of Charles Looff, who created the Looff Carousel. Boardwalk patrons owe both father and son a debt of gratitude! You can find out a bit more about the Giant Dipper on the boardwalk’s website.

There are other rides at the boardwalk that are family-friendly; these just happen to be my favorites.

Food

There is a lot of food for sale on the boardwalk, and some of it might actually be healthy. I happen to love the sourdough bread bowl with clam chowder. It’s a good deal and a good meal. You can find it at Seaside Fish & Chowder on the boardwalk. I also love to get a chocolate soft-serve ice cream at Carousel Cones. Then I slip inside the carousel to watch the merry-go-round while eating my ice-cream cone. It’s a nice way to end a day at the boardwalk.

To find out more about the history of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, I recommend this book: The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, A Century by the Sea.

For opening hours and other information, check out the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk website.

And last but not least, please watch my attached video to get a flavor of my favorite places at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Thanks for reading!