A wooden roller coaster built in 1924 still rattles along the sand at this California beach, and it turned 100 in 2024. It climbs 70 feet and hits up to 55 mph, and the screams prove it still works.
The carousel nearby is even older, with an organ from 1894 still playing away. Riders can grab rings and toss them mid-spin, so the old-school fun comes with a little aim practice.
Admission is free, so you can stroll in and decide later how brave you’re feeling. The ocean breeze and the smell of fried treats tend to make that call for you.
Dolphins and sea lions sometimes swim by offshore, which feels a bit like showing off. Most 100-year-olds prefer a rocking chair, but this one still likes going 55 mph.
A 100-Year-Old Coaster Still Rules This Beach
Back in May 1924, the Giant Dipper opened at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It’s still running today, and it celebrated its 100th birthday in 2024.
That makes it the fourth oldest operating wooden coaster in the United States. It also ranks among the ten oldest anywhere in the world.
The numbers sound modest until you’re strapped in. The coaster stands 70 feet tall and hits speeds up to 55 mph.
Its track stretches 2,640 feet, which is exactly half a mile. That’s a lot of wood, rattle, and happy yelling packed into one ride.
Frank Prior and Frederick Church designed it, and Arthur Looff built it. In 1987, it became a National Historic Landmark.
Not many rides get that kind of honor. Most coasters get a fresh coat of paint, while this one got federal recognition.
Here’s a simple tip for your trip. The Giant Dipper is one of the most popular rides in the park, so ride it early.
Hold onto your hat, too. The ocean wind and a 1924 coaster make a breezy combination you’ll remember long after the ride stops.
Grab A Brass Ring On A Carousel From 1911
Older than the coaster by 13 years, the Looff Carousel opened in 1911. It also earned National Historic Landmark status in 1987.
The music comes from something special. Its original 342-pipe organ dates all the way back to 1894.
That organ was cranking out tunes before anyone in the family had a smartphone. Before anyone’s great-grandparents had one, either.
Then there’s the ring toss, which makes this ride feel like a game. As you circle around, you can grab rings and try tossing them at a target.
It sounds easy. Timing a throw while riding a carved horse is another story, and that’s half the fun.
Younger kids usually love the carousel because it’s gentle but still exciting. Grown-ups get a dose of history without reading a single plaque.
Plan to ride it at least once, even if thrill rides are your main goal. It’s a calm break between bigger adventures.
The carousel also shows how long this California seaside park has kept the fun going. Few rides anywhere connect you to 1911 this easily.
Bigger Thrills Are Waiting Past The Midway
Brave riders, this section is for you. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has plenty of rides that spin, drop, and flip.
Vertigo 360 is the newest name on the list, added for summer 2026. It joins favorites like Double Shot, Fireball, Typhoon, and Shockwave.
Logger’s Revenge is a classic log flume ride that opened on April 1, 1977. It replaced an older coaster called the Wild Mouse.
Expect to get splashed. Consider it free air conditioning on a sunny beach day.
Undertow, Tsunami, Surge, and Cyclone round out the wild side. Rock-O-Plane and the Pirate Ship add some old-school swinging fun.
If spooky is more your speed, try the Haunted Castle or Ghost Blasters. The Cave Train first opened in 1961 and reopened after a renovation in 2000.
For gentler views, hop on the Sky Glider or Dream Wheel. Both give you a look at the beach and the bay.
A smart plan is to mix big thrills with calmer rides. Your stomach will thank you, especially if you’ve just had a snack.
Little Riders Get A Whole Lineup Of Their Own
Kids under a certain height often feel left out at big parks. That’s not much of a problem here.
The family ride list is long and full of fun names. Bulgy the Whale, Sea Dragons, and Sea Serpent all fit the beach theme.
Twirlin’ Teacups give spinning fans their moment. Jet Copters and Lighthouse Lift-Off let little ones feel like pilots.
Some rides are all about driving. Speedway, Convoy, Bouncin’ Buggies, and Boardwalk Racers keep young drivers busy.
Speed Boats and Wave Rider add a splash of ocean fun. Tornado brings a little extra whirl for kids who want more excitement.
Parents can relax a bit, too. Many rides work for families riding together, which means shared smiles instead of waving from the sidelines.
Bring sunscreen and plan breaks on the sand between rides. The beach is right there, so playtime never really stops.
This mix makes the park a strong choice for families with different ages. Toddlers and teens can both find their favorite spot.
Rainy Afternoon? The Arcade Has Your Back
Northern California’s largest selection of games lives inside the boardwalk’s main arcade.
That’s a lot of blinking lights under one roof.
You’ll find modern video games and redemption games that pay out tickets. Pinball machines and a collection of vintage games add old-school charm.
Neptune’s Kingdom is another indoor favorite. It has mini golf, air hockey, and pool tables.
Upstairs in Neptune’s Kingdom sits the Historium. This free exhibit shares historical photos and memorabilia from the park’s long past.
Want more action? Laser Tag and the Laser Maze Challenge let you dodge beams like a movie spy.
The Fright Walk haunted house brings the chills. Classic midway games add a dose of friendly competition, while Cali Caricature turns your face into art.
Across the street, the Boardwalk Bowl offers family bowling. It’s a handy backup when the weather turns gray.
Arcades often stay open even when rides are on a break. That makes this area great for cooler months or quick visits.
The Ocean Gets Front-Row Seats Too
Rides are fun, but the sand right beside them might be the best part. The park sits along a wide, sandy beach in Santa Cruz, California.
That beach borders the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. It’s one of the most protected ocean areas on the coast.
Keep your eyes on the water. Otters, dolphins, sea lions, and sometimes even whales appear offshore.
No ride ticket required for that show. The ocean runs its own schedule, so every visit feels a little different.
You’ll find the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk at 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. The location makes it easy to switch between beach time and rides.
Bring a towel, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen. Coastal sun can be stronger than it feels with the breeze.
Sunset is a lovely time to linger along the shore. The lights of the rides start glowing as the sky changes color.
Few amusement parks let you dig your toes into sand between coaster laps. Here, that’s simply part of the day.
Way Before Selfies, This Place Was Already Famous
California’s oldest surviving amusement park opened its boardwalk attractions on June 22, 1907. Its roots go back even further.
In 1865, John Leibrandt opened a public bathhouse near the San Lorenzo River. Later, Fred W. Swanton dreamed of a Coney Island of the West.
His first entertainment hall and pleasure pier opened in 1904.
A fire damaged it in 1906, but Swanton rebuilt fast. The new building had a ballroom and an indoor pool called The Plunge. Talk about a comeback story.
During the 1930s and 1940s, that building became the Cocoanut Grove. Big band stars like Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, and Lawrence Welk performed there.
The park also hosted the Miss California Pageant from 1924 to 1966. Movie fans may recognize it from Lost Boys and Sudden Impact.
The historic Looff Carousel still features its original Ruth & Sohn band organ, built in 1894 and installed with the carousel in 1911. It has provided music for carousel riders since the ride opened in 1911.
Knowing this history makes a walk around the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk feel richer. Every corner carries more than a century of good times.
Smart Planning Makes 2027 Your Best Visit Yet
Free admission is a pretty great starting point. You only pay for the rides, games, and food you choose.
The park stays open year-round, but hours change by season. Rides usually run daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
In spring and fall, rides mostly operate on weekends and holidays. Always check the online calendar before you drive over.
Payment is cashless for attractions, arcades, food, and shops. Credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and MyBoardwalk Cards all work.
Cash still works at ticket booths, Guest Services, the Season Pass Office, and MyBoardwalk Kiosks. That’s handy if you’d rather load a card with bills.
Seasonal events add extra reasons to come back. Winter Wonderland runs from late November to early January with lights, firepits, and s’mores.
Special train rides are part of the holiday fun. In February, the annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off brings a tasty twist.
For a 2027 trip in California, this park checks a lot of boxes. History, beach views, and a famous coaster make planning feel easy.