Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
What is the Boardwalk?
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a classic seaside amusement park located along a beautiful sandy beach in a friendly beach town.
The Boardwalk features more than 40 rides and attractions including two National Historic Landmarks: the world-famous 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and the beautiful 1911 Looff Carousel, plus many scream-inducing thrill rides, gentle kiddie rides, casual restaurants, gift shops, games, indoor arcades, and miniature golf.
When is the Boardwalk open?
Please check our operating calendar to confirm ride schedule before planning your visit.
What types of payment do you accept at the Boardwalk?
The Boardwalk accepts cash and cashless payment including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay at all Ticket Booths, Season Pass Office, Guest Services, retail locations and MyBoardwalk Kiosks. Food and all attractions and midway games accept cashless payment only. For online purchases, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted.
How much does it cost to get into the Boardwalk?
The Boardwalk is admission-free. If you’d like to take a stroll and enjoy the colorful oceanfront scene, it’s free and open to the public, even when the rides are closed.
If you decide to enjoy a ride or two, tickets can be purchased for individual rides or you can purchase a Ride Wristband to ride all day.
What is the cost of rides?
The Boardwalk offers a range of ticket plans to meet your budget.
There are all-day, unlimited ride passes as well as individual ride tickets and season passes. There are also discounts and coupons online. Ticket prices are the same for all ages.
Can I ride my bike, skateboard, scooter, or roller blades?
Bike racks are located near the Casino Arcade, Neptune’s Kingdom, Entrance 3/Looff Carousel, and by the entrance to the River Parking Lot.
A limited number of bike lockers are available through our Guest Services Office, near the Giant Dipper. The fee is $10 per day and requires a photo ID, credit card imprint, and a $100.00 deposit. The bike lockers are located at the entrance to the River Parking Lot, and in the parking lot of the Shoreline Apartments near Entrance 4.
Where can I park my bike?
Bike racks are located near the Casino Arcade, Neptune’s Kingdom, Entrance 3/Looff Carousel, and by the entrance to the River Parking Lot.
A limited number of bike lockers are available through our Guest Services Office, near the Giant Dipper. The fee is $10 per day and requires a photo ID, credit card imprint, and a $100.00 deposit. The bike lockers are located at the entrance to the River Parking Lot, and in the parking lot of the Shoreline Apartments near Entrance 4.
Is alcohol allowed?
The City of Santa Cruz does not allow alcohol on the beach. Alcohol is allowed on the Boardwalk, but for safety reasons, bottles are not allowed.
What items are prohibited on the Boardwalk?
The Boardwalk is an open-gate park. Backpacks, beach bags, purses, fanny packs, bumbags, and water bottles are all allowed. Strollers, wagons, coolers, ice chests, or other larger items are also allowed on property, but not inside rides or attractions.
Prohibited items include pets, weapons, glass containers, and disruptive or gang-related attire. Smoking is not allowed on the Boardwalk. Wheeled or roller devices such as bikes, skateboards, scooters, roller blades, hoverboards and one-wheel boards are not allowed.
Do you have lockers to store personal belongings?
Lockers can be rented using a credit card in the Casino Arcade, in the main plaza across from Speed Bumps and inside Entrance 5 by Sea Swings. Locker doors can be opened repeatedly for up to 12 hours using a code chosen at the time of rental.
- Large Lockers are $10/day and measure 16.75H” x 10.75W” x. 17D”
- Small Lockers are $8/day and measure 10.75H” x 10.75W” x 17D”
- Locker openings are all 8 3/8” wide
When’s the best time to come to the Boardwalk?
Choosing the best time to visit the Boardwalk depends on your particular needs and interests. If you’d prefer to visit when there are fewer guests around, then you should come in the fall, spring or early on a summer weekday. On a summer weekend, peak hours are usually between 1pm and 3pm, so plan to arrive early.
The park, however, is ready for visitors and our staff works very hard to accommodate guests in a timely manner. Our lines are shorter and move faster than most other area amusement parks.
Where is the Boardwalk and how do I get there?
Located between San Francisco and Monterey, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is at 400 Beach Street in Santa Cruz.
The closest international airport is in San Jose, with bus and shuttle services available to Santa Cruz. Amtrak also provides transportation from its San Jose station.
Both California’s scenic Coast Highway 1 and Highway 17 connect to Santa Cruz.
Where do I park?
The Boardwalk operates two main parking lots adjacent to the park.
Check rates
Off-site parking with Boardwalk shuttle service is available on our busiest weekends at the County Government Building, 701 Ocean Street. Call 831-423-5590 to ask if the off-site parking shuttle is operating.
During the summer, a trolly runs between Downtown Santa Cruz and the Boardwalk every 30 minutes. http://santacruztrolley.com
Some metered street parking is also available in the beach area.
Where can I stay?
The Boardwalk’s Carousel Beach Inn, located across the street from the amusement park, is a great spot for the entire family.
If you’re looking for a little more romance, the Sea & Sand Inn, where every room has an ocean view, offers a perfect beach getaway.
There are several hotels in the area that offer packages that include Boardwalk tickets.
There are also state campgrounds nearby at New Brighton State Beach in Capitola and Henry Cowell State Park in Felton.
Is smoking allowed on the Boardwalk?
For the safety and comfort of all our guests, smoking is not permitted on the Boardwalk.
Smoking is currently permitted at designated areas along the street side of the Boardwalk away from entrances.
Does the Boardwalk have a policy about unaccompanied minors?
Parents or guardians are responsible for the behavior of their minor children. Appropriate behavior and supervision are the responsibility of the parent/guardian and is always expected. We strongly recommend that minors (under 18) be accompanied by an adult. The park does not assume any responsibility or liability for unattended minors. Parents/guardians may be held legally liable for all acts of the children under their care.
To prevent lost children, we recommend using a complimentary white wristband provided in Guest Services, the Season Pass Office or any Ticket Booth to label with helpful contact information. If you are unable to locate a member of your party, please ask the nearest employee to contact Security for assistance.
Are pets allowed at the Boardwalk?
No animals of any kind are allowed on rides. Only service dogs or miniature horses are allowed at the Boardwalk and defined as “Service Animals.” Comfort or emotional support dogs do not qualify as service animals under ADA. To learn more about service animals and the State of California guidelines please visit, https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/ServiceAnimals
Pets are not allowed on the Boardwalk, inside arcade or other facilities. The adjoining Santa Cruz Main Beach, which is overseen by the City of Santa Cruz, has the same policy.
For more information on dog-friendly Santa Cruz parks and beaches, please visit http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/parks-recreation/parks-beaches-open-spaces/dog-off-leash-areas
There are several boarding/kennel facilities within the Santa Cruz area.
Please do not leave pets in your vehicle unattended if it is warm out. Your windows could be broken by the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, your pets taken and you could be charged with a crime. Always leave your name and phone number on your window or dashboard so you can be reached if it’s an emergency.
Does the Boardwalk have a dress code policy?
Yes, for the safety of all of our guests, no offensive or gang-related attire or tattoos are permitted on the Boardwalk.
Clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment.
Guests who refuse to comply with the policy will be asked to leave the Boardwalk and related properties.
Does the Boardwalk have a photography or drone policy?
Yes. All drones are prohibited at the Boardwalk and any unauthorized drone observed over the Boardwalk will be reported to local law enforcement, regardless of its point of origin or operation. Drones may pose a potential safety risk and may violate Federal Aviation Administration guidelines.
For safety reasons, cameras, phones, Go-Pros and selfie sticks are not allowed on rides. Tripods are not allowed on the Boardwalk unless a permit is granted.
All professional photography or filming requires pre-approval, a certificate of insurance, and (in most cases) a location fee. To request permission, please visit this page for information and instructions.
Where can I find out about the history of the Boardwalk?
You’ll find fascinating photographs from the Boardwalk’s colorful history displayed in our museum on the second floor of Neptune’s Kingdom and interpretive signs throughout the park.
Download a free walking tour and learn more on our history page.
What else is there to do around the Boardwalk and in Santa Cruz?
With its many beaches, attractive downtown, and majestic redwood parks, there’s a lot to see and do in Santa Cruz County. Within walking distance of the Boardwalk, the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf has great restaurants, gift shops, kayak rental, whale watching tours, and fishing.
If you like to walk or ride bikes, nearby West Cliff Drive takes you past a world-class surf spot, a small surf museum, and beautiful coastal views. Head inland for a few blocks and discover eclectic Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, bustling with locals, UCSC students, sidewalk cafes, bookstores, restaurants, and unique shops.
Or take a short drive to the picturesque village of Capitola or head up to the mountains for wine tasting in the redwoods. It’s all here!
Where is your First Aid Office?
First Aid is located inside the Guest Services Office near the Haunted Castle ride. The First Aid Office can assist with minor injuries or ailments, store medications requiring refrigeration, and has a family restroom. Please visit our park map and look for the First Aid icon.
Do you have an area for nursing?
Nursing is allowed in all publicly accessible spaces. If you would prefer, you can visit the First Aid station located in the Guest Services Office near the Haunted Castle ride.
Does the Boardwalk have wifi?
Yes, the Boardwalk offers free public wifi.
Do you have a loose articles policy?
Some rides allow items to be placed on the ground near the fence inside the ride envelope, while others provide cubbies for use during the ride, especially for those that have restraints that do not accommodate loose articles, or for those that have no footwell or floorboard on which loose footwear would be unsafe. Check the Fun & Safety Sign at the entrance of each ride for specific information.
The Undertow ride has a specific ride requirements set forth by the manufacturer; for that ride, ALL loose articles are prohibited and must be left with a non-rider or placed in a cubby provided at the ride.
Do you have a strollers for rent?
We do not have strollers for rent, but they are available for purchase at The Walk Seaside Apparel and The Walk Threads.
Official, designated stroller parking is not available. Strollers are not allowed in ride queues or in any of the four attractions.