There’s So Much To Enjoy At The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

The Boardwalk has been a scene location for commercials and movies for years, including the movie 'Us,' which comes out later this month. (Dan Coyro -- Santa Cruz Sentinel)

There’s a lot to do at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It’s one of the best seaside amusement parks in all of the country. You’ve got a ton of flat rides, coasters, and dark rides waiting for you. What are some of the highlights of this Beach Boardwalk park?

Coaster lovers won’t be disappointed with the selection. While there are only two thrill coasters, they are quite good. The Giant Dipper is one of the oldest wooden coasters in the world, and is an ACE landmark. Undertow is a great wild mouse, which packs a serious punch.

There are an astounding selection of flat rides as well. The highlight of which is fireball, the parks spinning pendulum ride. This is a seriously intense ride. It’s not the tallest or fastest, but packs a punch. Things get really crazy as it spins you. One of the best rides of this style I’ve ever done.

What would an amusement park be without dark rides? Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has three really good ones, Cave Train, Ghost Blasters, and Haunted Castle. The standout of the three is Cave Train, a wonderful ride that features some classic animatronic figures. Haunted Castle also shouldn’t be missed.

You must also not forget the Sky Glider as well. These overhead cars are more than just a transport system from one side of the park to the other. They give great views of the Boardwalk and beach. For what it’s worth, this is the scariest ride in the park. Labeled a family ride, to have your feet dangling and just a bar holding you in ia quite scary. Still, most kids won’t mind and will love this.

Overall, the park is quite well laid out. Some rides can be tough to find, and maps aren’t featured heavily at the Boardwalk. It’s very clean as well. And the amount of shops and food stands is astounding.

In my opinion, the best ride at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is Cave Train followed closely by Fireball. Of course they are two completely different rides, each offered something great. Both need to be done when at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

In the end, there’s so much to do at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The park has plenty more rides in addition to the ones mentioned. Whether you take your family or just yourself, this is a place you’ll enjoy greatly.

Image Source: Dan Coyro- Santa Cruz Sentinel