The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, at 400 Beach Street in Santa Cruz, California, is a seaside amusement park on Monterey Bay about 75 miles (120 km) south of San Francisco. The drive takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours via Highway 280 and Highway 17, with heavy traffic on summer weekends over the mountain pass. Public transit exists but is slow: Caltrain from 4th and King Street to San Jose, then the Highway 17 Express bus operated with Santa Cruz Metro, totals about 3 to 3.5 hours and about 15 to 20 dollars each way. Beach-area parking lots cost about 15 to 30 dollars.
The Boardwalk opened in 1907 and is one of the last surviving seaside amusement parks on the US West Coast. Its landmarks include the Giant Dipper, a wooden roller coaster from 1924, and the Looff Carousel from 1911, both National Historic Landmarks. The park also has arcades, a mini-golf course, food stands and a wide sandy beach beside it. Adjacent is the Santa Cruz Wharf, with seafood restaurants and sea lions below the pier, and the town's downtown on Pacific Avenue is a short walk away. Surf culture is central to Santa Cruz, and Steamer Lane, near Lighthouse Point, is a short drive or walk and is a good place to watch surfers.
A day arc leaves San Francisco by 8 a.m. to arrive before the heavier crowds, with a morning on the beach or the wharf, lunch of fish and chips or a boardwalk snack, and the afternoon on the rides. Visitors who prefer a calmer pace can walk to the Surfing Museum at Lighthouse Point or explore Pacific Avenue's shops. Leave before late afternoon to avoid return congestion on Highway 17.
June to September offers the warmest conditions and full operating schedules, while spring weekdays are quieter. Rides run on a seasonal calendar, so check beachboardwalk.com before traveling.
| Distance | About 75 miles (120 km) south of San Francisco |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour 30 minutes-2 hours by car |
| Getting there | Drive via Highway 280 and Highway 17 (traffic heavy on summer weekends); no easy direct transit, though Caltrain to San Jose and Highway 17 Express bus connects (about 3-3.5 hours). |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 |
How to get there
- Mode
- Car
- Cost
- Beach lot parking about $15-30
- Frequency
- Any time
- Operator
- Car rental companies
- Departure point
- Anywhere in San Francisco
- Mode
- Caltrain plus Highway 17 Express bus
- Cost
- About $15-20 total each way
- Frequency
- Limited; confirm with Santa Cruz Metro
- Operator
- Caltrain / Santa Cruz Metro
- Departure point
- 4th and King St Caltrain station
Location
400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
36.9643, -122.0172 View on map
Highlights
- Ride the Giant Dipper, a wooden coaster dating to 1924
- Try the 1911 Looff Carousel with its brass ring arcade
- Spend time on the wide sandy beach beside the Boardwalk
- Walk the Santa Cruz Wharf for seafood and sea lion views
- Watch surfers at Steamer Lane near Lighthouse Point
Tips for visiting
- Leave San Francisco early to beat summer traffic on Highway 17.
- Check beachboardwalk.com for the seasonal ride calendar and hours before going.
- Expect beach lot parking of about 15 to 30 dollars; arrive early to find space.
- Skip the Caltrain-and-bus route unless a car is unavailable, as it takes over three hours each way.
- Bring layers; mornings by the bay can be foggy and cool.
When to visit
June to September for rides and warm water; spring weekdays or early mornings for fewer crowds.
Accessibility
The Boardwalk and wharf are flat with paved paths, and many rides have accessible boarding. Some rides have height and mobility requirements, so confirm with staff.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive to Santa Cruz?
The drive takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours via Highway 280 and Highway 17. Summer weekends bring heavier traffic.
Is there public transit from San Francisco to Santa Cruz?
Yes, via Caltrain to San Jose and the Highway 17 Express bus. It takes about 3 to 3.5 hours and costs roughly 15 to 20 dollars each way.
What are the oldest attractions at the Boardwalk?
The Giant Dipper roller coaster opened in 1924 and the Looff Carousel dates to 1911; both are National Historic Landmarks.
When is the best time to visit?
June to September offers the warmest weather and fullest operations, while spring weekdays are less crowded.