Boardwalk Bowl: Santa Cruz's Entertainment Hub
Experience classic bowling with a modern twist at Santa Cruz's Boardwalk Bowl, featuring games, food, drinks, and a touch of local history.
Boardwalk Bowl, located steps from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, blends modern bowling with seaside nostalgia. Enjoy state-of-the-art lanes, arcade games, a full restaurant and bar, and even a small museum dedicated to Santa Cruz bowling history.
A brief summary to Boardwalk Bowl
- 115 Cliff St, Santa Cruz, California, 95060, US
- +1831-426-3324
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-12 am
- Tuesday 9 am-12 am
- Wednesday 9 am-12 am
- Thursday 9 am-12 am
- Friday 9 am-1 am
- Saturday 9 am-1 am
- Sunday 9 am-12 am
Local tips
- Check the Boardwalk Bowl's website for special events like live music or karaoke nights to enhance your visit.
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to snag the limited free parking available for customers.
- Visit the small museum inside the Pro Shop to learn about the history of bowling in Santa Cruz.
- Consider visiting during the holiday season for festive decorations and special events.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Boardwalk Bowl is just across the street. Head north towards the street, and you will see it. The walk is less than 5 minutes.
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Public Transport
From the Santa Cruz Metro Center, the Boardwalk Bowl is accessible via the Santa Cruz Trolley (seasonal, Memorial Day to Labor Day). The trolley costs $1 per ride and drops you off near the Boardwalk, a short walk to the bowling alley. Alternatively, several Santa Cruz Metro bus lines stop near the Boardwalk; check the Santa Cruz Metro website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A single ride on the bus costs $2.50.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From downtown Santa Cruz, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to Boardwalk Bowl is readily available. The ride is short, typically costing between $12 and $15, depending on demand and traffic.
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Driving
If driving, approach Boardwalk Bowl via Beach Street. Limited free parking is available for Boardwalk Bowl customers at the corner of Cliff and First Street; ensure you remain on-site to utilize this perk. On busy days, this lot fills quickly. Alternative parking is available in the Boardwalk's public lots along Beach Street, with flat-rate daily fees that typically range from $20-$35. During peak season, a free shuttle service operates from the Santa Cruz County Government Center at 701 Ocean Street, providing a cost-effective alternative to parking directly at the Boardwalk; check the operating schedule before your visit.
Discover more about Boardwalk Bowl
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