Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: The Ultimate Coastal Amusement Experience
Experience the thrill of rides and the joy of seaside fun at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, California's historic amusement park.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a historic amusement park located on the stunning California coast, offering thrilling rides, games, and beachside fun. A must-visit for every tourist, it combines nostalgia with modern attractions and beautiful ocean views, making it an unforgettable destination.
A brief summary to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, California, 95060, US
- +1831-423-5590
- Visit website
- Saturday 12 pm-5 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-5 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early to avoid long lines for popular rides, especially during weekends and holidays.
- Consider purchasing an unlimited ride wristband for the best value if you plan to enjoy multiple attractions.
- Check the Boardwalk's event calendar for live performances and festivals that may enhance your visit.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, as sun exposure can be strong along the beach, even on cloudy days.
- Explore nearby natural attractions, like Natural Bridges State Beach, for a more complete Santa Cruz experience.
Getting There
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Public Bus
From Mountain View, walk to the nearest bus stop on El Camino Real. Catch the VTA Bus Line 22 heading south towards San Jose. Stay on the bus for about 30-40 minutes until you reach the Santa Cruz Metro Center. Transfer to the Santa Cruz Metro Line 2 towards the Boardwalk. After about 15 minutes on this bus, get off at the Beach St & Pacific Ave stop. From there, walk a short distance to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk located at 400 Beach St.
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Bicycle
If you're feeling adventurous, you can rent a bicycle in Mountain View. Start on the Stevens Creek Trail heading toward the west. Continue riding until you reach the Bay Trail, then follow the trail south towards Santa Cruz. This route is approximately 30 miles and takes about 2-3 hours depending on your pace. Once you arrive in Santa Cruz, follow the signs to the Boardwalk at 400 Beach St.
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Train and Bus
Walk to the Mountain View Caltrain Station. Take the northbound Caltrain towards San Francisco and get off at the San Jose Diridon Station. From there, transfer to the VTA Bus Line 22 heading towards Santa Cruz. After about an hour on the bus, disembark at the Santa Cruz Metro Center and catch the Santa Cruz Metro Line 2. This line will take you to Beach St & Pacific Ave, from where you can walk to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
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Walking
For a scenic experience, consider walking to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. While it is a long trek, you can start by walking south to Shoreline Park and then follow the trail along the coast. The path takes you through beautiful scenery, eventually leading to Santa Cruz. This will take several hours, so ensure you have plenty of water and snacks.
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